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Highgate Cemetery Review

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Highgate Cemetery

Address: Swains La., Highgate, London, N6 6PJ | Map It
Phone: 020/8340-1834
www.highgate-cemetery.org

Category: Cemeteries
Location: Regent's Park and Hampstead

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Fodor's Review:

Highgate is not the oldest cemetery in London, but it is probably the best known. When the cemetery was consecrated in 1839, Victorians came from miles around to appreciate the ornate headstones, the impressive tombs, and the view. Such was its popularity that 19 acres on the other side of the road were acquired in 1850, and this additional East Cemetery contains what may be the most visited grave, of Karl Marx, as well as that of George Eliot, among other famous names. Much of the west side's 17 acres were once grounds belonging to Sir William Ashurst, lord mayor of London in 1693. At the summit is the Circle of Lebanon, a ring of vaults built around an ancient cypress tree—a legacy of Ashurst's garden. Leading from it is the Egyptian Avenue, a subterranean stone tunnel lined with catacombs, itself approached by a dramatic colonnade that screens the main cemetery from the road. Both sides are impressive, with a grand (locked) iron gate leading to a sweeping courtyard for horses and carriages. By the 1970s the cemetery had become unkempt and neglected until a group of volunteers, the Friends of Highgate Cemetery, undertook the huge upkeep. Tours are arranged by the Friends, and among the wide variety of interesting statuary—memorials once hidden by overgrowth—they will show you the most notable graves and significant buildings. The west side is accessible only by tour. Children under eight are not admitted; nor are dogs, tripods, or video cameras.

Cost: East Cemetery £3, tours £5; Western Cemetery tours £5
Open: Daily; call for opening times, as hrs vary according to whether a funeral service is scheduled. East Cemetery tours, 2:30PM1st Sat. of month; Western Cemetery tours daily 2PM
Tube: Archway, then Bus 210, 271, or 143 to Highgate Village

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