This superb cemetery was opened in 1837 and is one of the so-called Magnificent Seven cemeteries created in the early 19th century in response to widespread overcrowding in London churchyards. It has many fine monuments, including 65 that are Grade II or II* listed. The cemetery includes the resting places of Mrs Beeton (English household cookery), Henry Tate (sugar importer and patron of the arts), and Henry Doulton (the 19th century china magnate).This site is used by the Lambeth Walks project – a Walking the Way to Health (WHI) scheme. The Friends of West Norwood Cemetery run tours on the first Sunday of every month.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
West Norwood Cemetery
Borough: Lambeth
Grade: Borough
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 15.88 ha
Description
Wildlife
The highest part of the cemetery features a fine area of open woodland. Here are some veteran oaks (possibly remnants of the Great North Wood), as well as a mixture of exotic species including monkey-puzzle and cedar-of-Lebanon. These tree and their associated patches of bramble support a wide range of birds, such as willow warblers, kestrels and tawny owls. Native wildflowers embellish the informal paths, including primroses, meadow vetchling, common bird's foot trefoil, cat's-ear, wood anemone and dog's mercury. An area of damper grassland towards the eastern boundary is managed specifically for nature, where plants such as yellow iris are allowed to flourish. Some of the perimeter walls support spectacular growths of ivy, a valuable wildlife resource.Facilities
Toilets; historical features; sculptures/ monuments; guided tours
Roosting tawny owls © Nigel Reeve
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