Do you know that Streatham Cemetery opened in 1893? It offers a tranquil space with a rich local history. The cemetery resides on Garratt Lane in Tooting.
Streatham Cemetery is one of three cemeteries managed by Lambeth London Borough Council. The other two are West Norwood Cemetery and Lambeth Cemetery. Both Streatham and Lambeth Cemeteries are within the London Borough of Wandsworth.
The Metropolitan Burial Act of 1852 led to its creation. This act followed the second cholera epidemic of 1848–49. The Streatham Burial Board acquired land for a cemetery. At that time, the area was countryside.
When Streatham Cemetery opened, it had two lodges. Each lodge was at a set of gates on Garratt Lane. There were also two mirror-image chapels. William Newton Dunn designed these buildings in the Gothic style. The main entrance displays the words Streatham Cemetery on the portico stonework.
Originally, the cemetery spanned 23 acres. It abutted land belonging to the Middlesex County Asylum. It also bordered Springfield Nursery and Garratt Lane. The Burial Board for the Parish of Streatham purchased the land.
Mark Apsey was the first person buried in Streatham Cemetery. He was only eight years old. His interment occurred on October 2nd, 1893.
After World War I, more burial space was needed. Land was purchased to extend Streatham Cemetery. By 1933, burials were taking place in the extension.
After the First World War, a memorial was erected. It featured a sacrificial cross and screen wall. The memorial honored WW1 casualties. Later, names of those who fell in World War II were added. Another memorial stands along the western perimeter wall. It is dedicated to Wandsworth residents killed by enemy action.
Many interesting grave monuments dot Streatham Cemetery. One is a magnificent obelisk facing the main entrance. Nearby, find a figure of a grieving woman in blue dated 1959. The elaborate Harmer family monument features a violin. John Krall’s grave consists of dramatic black granite blocks. A slate inscribed with a musical score indicates a musician. Henry Budden’s grave has a beautiful blue glazed ceramic dome dated 1907.
Streatham Cemetery holds the remains of notable individuals. Sir Wyke Bayliss rests here. He was an artist, author, and poet. Edward Foster VC is buried here too. He received the Victoria Cross during World War I. Frederick Hackwood, an antiquarian, also lies here. Jan Kwapiński, a Polish independence activist and politician, is interred here. Jane Roberts, First Lady of Liberia, is another notable burial.
Charlie Wilson, of Great Train Robbery fame, is also buried in Streatham Cemetery. He was the gang’s treasurer.
Streatham Cemetery contains a large number of war casualties. There are 218 burials from World War I. Also, 167 from World War II. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains these graves.
From 1969 to 1991, Streatham Cemetery underwent extensive “lawn conversion.” Many monuments were removed. Currently, no new graves are available. But burial in existing family plots is permitted.
Streatham Cemetery came under Lambeth’s ownership in 1965. Before that, the Metropolitan Borough of Wandsworth managed it.
Today, benches offer visitors a place to sit. People can enjoy the tranquil natural surroundings. Streatham Cemetery provides a peaceful place for reflection.