Here lies a peaceful haven. It’s a place of rest within the bustling city. We’re standing before the Queen’s Road Cemetery chapel. This chapel, located in Queen’s Road Cemetery, holds stories of Croydon’s past.
Queen’s Road Cemetery opened in 1861. Overcrowding in London necessitated cemeteries outside the city. The Burial Acts of 1852-57 addressed this need. They established burial boards to provide affordable burial grounds. The Croydon Local Board of Health became the Burial Board in 1859. They were responsible for creating Queen’s Road Cemetery.
In 1859, the Home Secretary approved land purchase for burials. This followed the suggested closure of St John the Baptist churchyard. The church was allowed to continue burials until 1860. Then, Queen’s Road Cemetery would take over.
E.C. Robbins won an award for the best chapel design in October 1860. His design included two mortuary chapels. Each chapel featured a simple nave and open timbered roof. The Episcopal chapel had a semi-octagonal apse. These chapels are no longer used for burial services. A lodge was also built next to the Queen’s Road Cemetery chapel. It housed cemetery staff and is now privately owned.
Croydon Borough Council bought the land for £5079 in 1860. The 22 acres cost £200 per acre. An additional £8 per acre was allocated for pauper burials. The total cost, including buildings and landscaping, was £16,000.
The cemetery was divided into sections. There were designated areas for the Church of England, Nonconformists, Roman Catholics, and the Society of Friends. Archbishop John Sumner consecrated the Church of England section on July 18, 1861. Dr Thomas Grant blessed the Roman Catholic section on August 28, 1861.
In its first year, Queen’s Road Cemetery had 63 consecrated burials and 20 unconsecrated burials. Croydon’s population at the time was approximately 30,663. The first person buried here was Mr Thomas Garniss. He was a member of the Croydon Board of Guardians. His grave cost £9 4s 10d.
Notable people rest in Queen’s Road Cemetery. Joshua Allder, founder of Allders department store, is buried here. Edmund Duff and other victims of the Croydon Poisoning Mystery also lie here.
The cemetery boasts symmetrical curving paths and notable trees. Cedars, hollies, yews, limes, horse chestnuts are planted among the graves. Some paths are asphalted, while others are grassy. The cemetery’s original layout is still visible today. Queen’s Road Cemetery also provides a habitat for wildlife. Green woodpeckers, jays, and other birds can be seen here. Various trees and shrubs add to the biodiversity.
Today, Queen’s Road Cemetery stands as a historical landmark. The linked chapels by E C Robins are a testament to Victorian design. As you leave Queen’s Road Cemetery chapel, remember the stories. Think of those who rest here and the history that surrounds them.