Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries
Encyclopedia
Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries were opened within one month of each other in 1858 and are sited on adjacent plots of previously open land. The two component parts are characteristic examples of the first wave of Victorian
public cemeteries and are now part of the Brockley Conservation Area.
The cemeteries occupy 37 acres (149,733.8 m²) of land wholly within the London Borough of Lewisham
and are owned and managed by the Cemeteries and Crematorium Services of the Borough. They are also nature conservation sites of Borough Importance Grade 1 and a haven for wildlife, plants and wildflowers.
Until 1948, the two cemeteries were completely separate, being divided by a wall. Ladywell Cemetery, which was previously known as Lewisham Cemetery, stands to the east of the wall and Brockley Cemetery, formerly Deptford Cemetery, lies to the west. Both cemeteries hold a wealth of historical interest. Evidence of Deptford
's seafaring past can be found in the many inscriptions and adornments on the headstone
s.
Victorian era
The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...
public cemeteries and are now part of the Brockley Conservation Area.
The cemeteries occupy 37 acres (149,733.8 m²) of land wholly within the London Borough of Lewisham
London Borough of Lewisham
The London Borough of Lewisham is a London borough in south-east London, England and forms part of Inner London. The principal settlement of the borough is Lewisham...
and are owned and managed by the Cemeteries and Crematorium Services of the Borough. They are also nature conservation sites of Borough Importance Grade 1 and a haven for wildlife, plants and wildflowers.
Until 1948, the two cemeteries were completely separate, being divided by a wall. Ladywell Cemetery, which was previously known as Lewisham Cemetery, stands to the east of the wall and Brockley Cemetery, formerly Deptford Cemetery, lies to the west. Both cemeteries hold a wealth of historical interest. Evidence of Deptford
Deptford
Deptford is a district of south London, England, located on the south bank of the River Thames. It is named after a ford of the River Ravensbourne, and from the mid 16th century to the late 19th was home to Deptford Dockyard, the first of the Royal Navy Dockyards.Deptford and the docks are...
's seafaring past can be found in the many inscriptions and adornments on the headstone
Headstone
A headstone, tombstone, or gravestone is a marker, usually stone, that is placed over a grave. In most cases they have the deceased's name, date of birth, and date of death inscribed on them, along with a personal message, or prayer.- Use :...
s.
Notable burials
- Jane ClousonJane ClousonJane Maria Clouson was a murder victim who was given a memorial at Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries, erected by public subscription following the contentious trial and acquittal of Edmund Walter Pook, a printer from Greenwich, who had been accused of her murder...
(1854–1871), murdered girl with a monument paid for by public donations - Ernest DowsonErnest DowsonErnest Christopher Dowson , born in Lee, London, was an English poet, novelist and writer of short stories, associated with the Decadent movement.- Biography :...
(1867–1900), poet and decadent movementDecadent movementThe Decadent movement was a late 19th century artistic and literary movement of Western Europe. It flourished in France, but also had devotees in England and throughout Europe, as well as in the United States.-Overview:...
artist - Joseph Henry BlackburneJoseph Henry BlackburneJoseph Henry Blackburne , nicknamed "The Black Death", dominated British chess during the latter part of the 19th century. He learned the game at the relatively late age of 18 but quickly became a strong player and went on to develop a professional chess career that spanned over 50 years...
(1841–1924), dominated the chess world in late 19th century - Horatio Henry CoulderyHoratio Henry CoulderyHoratio Henry Couldery was an English animal painter and illustrator noted especially for his depictions of domestic cats, kittens and dogs...
(1832–1918), one of the best-known Victorian painters of animals - Fernando Tarrida del MármolFernando Tarrida del MármolFernando Tarrida del Mármol , was a Cuban anarchist writer. He was born in Havana to a wealthy family of Catalan emigrants, and was the nephew of Cuban general Donato Mármol. He studied engineering in Barcelona, Toulouse and Madrid, becoming professor and director of the Polytechnic School of...
(1861–1915), Cuban anarchist writer - Sir William Eames (1821–1897), marine engineer
- Sir John GilbertJohn Gilbert (painter)Sir John Gilbert was an English artist, illustrator and engraver.-Biography:He was born in Blackheath, Surrey, and taught himself to paint. Skilled in several media, he gained the nickname, "the Scott of painting"...
(1817–1897), illustrator, drawing for the Illustrated London NewsIllustrated London NewsThe Illustrated London News was the world's first illustrated weekly newspaper; the first issue appeared on Saturday 14 May 1842. It was published weekly until 1971 and then increasingly less frequently until publication ceased in 2003.-History:...
and designed a cover for PunchPunch (magazine)Punch, or the London Charivari was a British weekly magazine of humour and satire established in 1841 by Henry Mayhew and engraver Ebenezer Landells. Historically, it was most influential in the 1840s and 50s, when it helped to coin the term "cartoon" in its modern sense as a humorous illustration... - Sir George GroveGeorge GroveSir George Grove, CB was an English writer on music, known as the founding editor of Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians....
(1820–1900), first director of the Royal College of MusicRoyal College of MusicThe Royal College of Music is a conservatoire founded by Royal Charter in 1882, located in South Kensington, London, England.-Background:The first director was Sir George Grove and he was followed by Sir Hubert Parry...
, 1882, and author of 'Dictionary of Music and Musicians' - Sir William HardyWilliam HardyWilliam Hardy may refer to:* William Bate Hardy , British biologist* William H. Hardy , American founder of Hattiesburg* Billy Hardy , English bantamweight and featherweight boxer...
(1807–1887), Deputy Keeper of Public Records, 1878-1886 - David JonesDavid Jones (poet)David Jones CH was both a painter and one of the first generation British modernist poets. As a painter he worked chiefly in watercolor, painting portraits and animal, landscape, legendary and religious subjects. He was also a wood-engraver and designer of inscriptions. As a writer he was...
(1895–1974), war poet and artist - Sir Alexander NisbetSir Alexander NisbetSir Alexander Nisbet RN, MD, was a naval surgeon notable for his role in early convict transports to Australia, and as H.M. Inspector of Hospitals for the Royal Navy....
(1812–1892), Inspector General of the Royal NavyRoyal NavyThe Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
and honorary physician to the Queen - Margaret McMillan (1860-1931), educational reformer
- William StephensWilliam Stephens (disambiguation)William Stephens was a U.S. politician.William Stephens is also the name of:* William Stephens , English divine* William Stephens , English merchant and glass manufacturer in Portugal...
(1817–1871), Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of England - E. H. Windred (1875-1953), painter of racing pigeons