Brompton Cemetery

There is so much splendor and peace in this cemetery, a tranquility I have not found in any other place or any other time. The grounds stretch further than your eyes can see, across miles of property, both paved and unpaved. The weeds are untamed and wildly swallow worn headstones and graves in less traveled corners and paths, adding a degree of mystery to the grounds. It’s really beautiful.
A rare treasure tucked away from the busyness of the city center (just a short walk from the glitzy Harrod’s strip), Brompton has a quiet and modest essence, and at times, feels like ancient rubble and ruins. There are weathered headstones, grand tombs, «vaults,» and mausoleums you can only ever read about in storybooks or see in the backdrop of a film.
Hardly creepy or eerie, the property is very spacious, open-​landed, and airy. Office workers venture in and sit on benches to eat their lunches, women walk through with strollers and dogs, and students using it as a throughway to get to the other side. Definitely earned its title of being one of the «Magnificent Seven» cemeteries, something you cannot miss when passing through London.

This is a strange and yet beautiful cemetery. People have picnics here and just stroll like it’s a park. For the most part it has been well maintained and manicured. Some of the areas were overgrown and looked like something out of a horror movie.
It was overcast and rainy the day that I perused the different stones and markers throughout the grounds. I found it fascinating to read how many said something about their spouse having ‘fallen asleep’.
It’s worth the trip if you are in the area. You won’t be disappointed with Gothic style architecture and peaceful atmosphere amidst a busy London.

What a beautiful cemetery, in an old, romantic, wistful kind of way. I say romantic because there are many gravestones inscribed by widows and widowers after long and short marriages. Also some laid by friends, daughters, sons, and parents. I like the ones with lots of words on them explaining who is burying the person and their relationship, when they died, and what they were like as a person — it really gives you a feel for the person’s life, which may have been centuries ago.
Much of the cemetery is older — 19^th century especially — but one section has many newer graves from within the last few years, more live flowers and neatly kept grass. I think I like the older graves a bit better, though, there’s just something so beautiful about them.
I had a good wander and ponder around the many paths of the cemetery for a couple of peaceful hours away from the busy bustle just outside in the Earl’s Court area and the rest of central London. If you like cemeteries as I do (at the risk of sounding like a closet goth, as another reviewer wrote), I recommend checking out Brompton Cemetery, it’s a lovely one, and it’s free!

I have a thing for cemeteries and Gothic architecture — I’ve spent most of my childhood watching re-​runs of Michael Jackson’s Thriller — Since then, I’ve been hooked on tombstones which lead to the love of Gothic architecture… my ideal wedding would probably take place in a Gothic building.
I spent a good hour here, walking along the wide paths that lead me to all kinds of beautiful sites, especially the Octagon Chapel — there is something quiet peaceful and beautiful about this place. You will not be disappointed.

It has been a couple of years since I been by Brompton, however ever time I walk around, I find even more interesting graves. It is quite interesting that such a peaceful place as Brompton Cemetery is adjacent to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s pitch. I’m sure on game days, RIP is not necessarily observed. But, pay no mind, since this place is magical and will throw you back centuries.
They have wonderful pathways to walk around and enjoy the serenity. The graves are young and very old. To think that some of these tombs are over 200 yrs old. The sentiments on the tomb stones were touching and insightful. Walking all the paths and spending an hour or so on a overcast day was a great distraction of the busy Chelsea area.

I LOVE this cemetery. In fact I love most cemeteries. I don’t know what it is but there is just such a sense of peace in these places despite what people might think about the macabre nature of tombs and death but Brompton has always been beautiful and, despite not checking in every time, I do often walk through the cemetery from the hospital every time I go.
There are some interesting graves to look at, def a picture place for any photographers who like twisting roots over decaying tombstones and especially when it has snowed, some amazing sights.
I am still trying to locate the tombstone for Emmeline Pankhurst, a leading suffragette, who does reside in Brompton Cemetery. I did a drawing of her grave when I was in primary school and have totally been unable to find it since. They have filmed a lot in the cemetery too, one I definitely remember noticing was Sherlock Holmes 2 but I wouldn’t rush to watch it!
They do have tours once a month which I may take myself off to at one point, but if you ever find yourself in the area def pop in, walk through from Chelsea to Earls Court or vice versa.
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A wonderful place to stroll through on a Sunday morning. They also do great tours with visits to the crypt and the annual Dr Death lecture is on 22^nd August ‘The Worlds Strangest Deaths’ and they also have an open day on Sunday 21^st July. Brilliant place with lots of wildlife!

This historic and very lovely cemetery is one of my favourites in London to visit, ride my bike through and to even have lunch at and some quiet time to myself. I Love Cemeteries and this one has my heart.
There’s even quirky lectures one could sit in on like medieval death practices (which was meh. ok, but chock full of interesting folk) if you wanted for a mere £8 which included sandwiches and wine. Sign me up for next year!

I don’t what it is about Brompton Cemetery that makes people want to cycle through it, myself included here, eat lunch here, sing here (I saw some sort of theatre group do rehearsal here) walk dogs, or just have a leisurely walk… am I missing something here… is this not a place for the DEAD!
This is probably the best Cemetery Ive been (by the way i dint make a habit of going to Cemetery, just cycling through). Its Gothic like with decaying and non decaying memorials and monuments. Their a lot of virgin Mary’s about here also, also some unruly grass amongst some of the really old graves.
The paths are nice and wide, also the architecture of the Octangle chapel at the end of Cemetery is a beautiful site to see, also with the surrounding building with such lovely beige buildings, and huge columns.
Brompton Cemetery is open from 8am to early evening, they also do the odd tour as well.
This place is a photographers dream, they could get some great shots. I’m bringing my camera, so I can attempt to model by outstanding buildings.

A lovely cemetery. Most Parisienne
I followed the hearse with black plumed
horses from Chelsea Arts Club to bury Henrietta
here. She nearly married my ex but I pipped
her to it. She was painted by Bacon & Freud, &
her last lover, artist Maggi Hambling.
A real character in Soho in the 50’s & early 60’s

Brompton Cemetery: The wife who lived on for 24 years after her husband had died. The mother and son who died on the same day. The woman who is remembered with a simple cross saying «Dear Mother».
Brompton Cemetery is a place for the soul and the imagination. For the ones who like to wonder. Thank god they’re not too many of us, even in a city of eight million so that this corner of London is always peaceful and quiet.

At the risk of sounding like a closeted Goth, this is probably my favorite place in London. Sure its a cemetery full of decaying bodies and probably ghosts, but there is something incredibly beautiful about it.
As I walked through taking in the Victorian architecture, I was absolutely dumbfounded to see people sitting amongst the graves eating lunch, reading a paper or just having a chat. But once I really looked around and took in the rows and rows of worn and weathered monuments and memorials to loved ones long gone, I kind of understood the appeal of this place.
I honestly can’t even describe in words how amazing this place is. My only regret is that I didn’t bring my camera. I’ll be sure to take some photos and upload them.

I used to work there strimming the grass. I saw many things that shocked me.
A bit different to taking a stroll down the avenue.

In as much as you can ‘enjoy’ a cemetery without being a bit of a sicko, It was an unexpectedly soothing and relaxing place to be. Luckily I had no practical reason to be there (otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to write this review afterwards); it was principally its history that intrigued.
Grabbing a leaflet about the place I discovered that wasn’t always its name. Previously called the West London and Westminster Cemetery Company, it was established in 1836, but was opened four years later, designed by Benjamin Baud.
It it regarded by historians as one of the finest and most well-​kept Victorian cemeteries in the country, within its ground there is also a chapel whose design was based on St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Isn’t that plaigirism? It booasts a staggering 35,000 monuments — many of historical importance.
It’s also known as a place of interest for British steampunks, possibly because it’s even more decorated than Highgate cemetery and has an array of looming ornamental goblins, ethereal looking beings and Victorian listed buildings. I was warned about morbidly obese squirrels that apparently chase you across the grounds by a friend, which shook me slightly, especially when she said They’re nearly as big as you, Heleana! with that, beauty notwithstanding, I decided to leave.

I really like this space. It’s a very nice place to walk through; it’s very peaceful. I like that it always has people cycling, walking or jogging through as this gives life to the place. For a cemetery it’s not actually depressing at all.
It’s quite a good place for dog walkers, although there’s only one real path that dogs are allowed through here (and for good reason, to keep the cemetery in good condition).
The squirrels are quite cute here and will run over to see if you have any food — though they are a bit more wild and ‘on edge’ compared to their Hyde park neighbours and aren’t as calm! Whether that’s from not seeing as many people or from living in a cemetery, I’m not sure.

not sure about now but it definitely used to be a popular cruising spot… i’ve seen some most pecuilar things amonggst dem-​there grave stones

It sounds odd if you suggest a cemetery as a place to go for a walk, but when it is as nice and interesting as this one, it can actually be very pleasant (especially as there aren’t many open green spaces in this part of London).
One of seven commercial cemeteries authorised by Parliament to cope with London’s burgeoning population in the early 1800s, the West of London and Westminster Cemetery was opened in 1840 to the design of Benjamin Baud. It is regarded by many as one of the finest Victorian Metropolitan cemeteries in the country. From the West Brompton entrance, it has an impressive central avenue leading to a chapel, based on the latyout of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
It contains over 35,000 monuments — many of historical importance — all set in wooded gardens. The cemetery contains burials of people from all walks of life, including thirteen holders of the Victoria Cross (it being a major burial ground for Chelsea Pensioners).
It’s a favourite with joggers and dog-​walkers, with families often going for a stroll. It’s actually full of wildlife — you are unlikely to get far without being accosted for some nuts by the odd squirrel, and in the spring it is filled with birdsong, and in the summer with butterflies. At dusk, you may also see the odd fox trotting along. (NB — The area by the monument also has a bit of reputation as a cruising ground for gay men, who often look a bit coy if you look in their direction — but it doesn’t detract from it being a pleasant place for a walk!)
There’s also an entrance from Old Brompton Road, adjacent to West Brompton station, which is the last exit to close at night. (They ring a bell to warn people that it is closing). Parking is only available for those with grave grant permits.
The paths provide level good access, but are a bit worn in places. A guide book is available for £4.99 from the Chapel Office, open on weekdays (excluding Bank Holidays).