The Magnificent Seven - 5 Brompton

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Due to overcrowding in London's parish churchyards during the early 19th century, seven private cemeteries were build. They became known as the Magnificent Seven.

These were much larger suburban burial areas just outside the city centre. Christopher Wren said that they should be "inclosed with a strong Brick Wall, and having a walk round, and two cross walks, decently planted with Yew-trees."

They were all established within ten years following an 1832 act of Parliament. The cemeteries are:

  1. Kensal Green Cemetery - 1833
  2. West Norwood Cemetery - 1837
  3. Highgate Cemetery - West 1839 East 1854
  4. Abney Park Cemetery - 1840
  5. Brompton Cemetery - 1840
  6. Nunhead Cemetery - 1840
  7. Tower Hamlets Cemetery - 1841
I decided to visit all seven on separate runs. I was tempted to try and do them all in one go, but didn't fancy a whole day in graveyards.

BROMPTON

Another long one. This time from Lewisham out to Chelsea. Brompton Cemetery is located next to the Chelsea FC football ground. I made my way there via the rather hilly route of Crystal Palace, and three commons; Streatham , Tooting Bec and Wandsworth. I crossed the Thames over Wandsworth Bridge and arrived at the south entrance.

Brompton is the flatest cemetery. In fact it is completely flat whereas all the others are built on hills. To make up for this a huge Columbarium containing urns and various curved colonnades were added.


There are over 35,000 graves with over 200,000 interments. Notable people include Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, Samuel Cunard, founder of the Cunard line and Robert Fortune who introduced the tea plant from China to India.

Beatrix Potter used to live nearby and it is rumoured the names of many characters were taken from tombs in the cemetery.

After purchasing a coffee from the cafe I visited the outside of Stamford Bridge and then headed for the river. I had to take a detour at Chelsea Harbour due to works going on and then crossed back to the south over Battersea Bridge. 

I made a detour through Battersea Park and spotted some Ring-tailed Limas in their cages. From here I made my way home. Although it had been 13 miles to the cemetery I somehow managed to take 17 back again. Making a total of 30 miles door to door.












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