Brookwood Cemetery | Famous Graves, History & More!
Brookwood Cemetery, also known as the London Necropolis, is just a stone's throw from Gorse Hill and is one of the largest and most significant cemeteries in Europe.
This vast and historic burial ground is heritage listed and offers a unique history, famous graves, and beautiful landscapes.
But even we knew little about Brookwood until recently, and, after digging into its very interesting history, decided to write an article on the fascinating details about Brookwood Cemetery’s Famous Graves, its history and more!
As an events venue nearby to Brookwood Cemetery, Gorse Hill is often chosen to host various types of wakes, celebrations of life, and funeral gatherings. We hope you enjoy the read!
Where is Brookwood Cemetery?
Brookwood Cemetery (the London Necropolis), is situated in the village of Brookwood in Surrey, England and is located approximately 25 miles southwest of central London.
It spans an impressive 220 acres, making it one of the largest cemeteries in the United Kingdom.
This is just two miles or an 8 minute drive from us at Gorse Hill Hotel.
The Abridged History of Brookwood Cemetery
Brookwood Cemetery was established in 1852 by the London Necropolis Company.
The primary aim was to provide a solution to the growing problem of overcrowded burial grounds in London. Here are some key historical points:
Founding Purpose: The cemetery was created to offer a final resting place away from the crowded and unsanitary conditions of London’s inner-city graveyards.
Size and Scope: Covering around 220 acres, Brookwood is the largest cemetery in the United Kingdom and one of the largest in Europe. The cemetery used to be around 2000 acres and was, at that time, the largest in the world.
Transportation Innovation: A unique feature of Brookwood was its dedicated railway service, which transported coffins and mourners from London to the cemetery. This service operated until 1941, when it was halted due to bombings during World War II.
Brookwood Cemetery Famous Graves
Brookwood Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable and famous figures from various fields, including military heroes, artists, scientists, and social reformers.
Some of the famous graves include:
Edith Cavell: A British nurse celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers during World War I, regardless of their nationality.
John Singer Sargent: Renowned American artist known for his portraits.
Sir Henry Cole: A prominent civil servant and inventor, instrumental in the introduction of the Penny Post and the creation of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Dame Rebecca West: Acclaimed author and journalist, known for her works on literature and politics.
William Reynolds: A Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross and the first ever Private to receive the award.
Margaret, Duchess of Argyll: Famous British socialite
Dodi Fayed: Film producer and friend of Diana, Princess of Wales was buried in the Muslim section of the cemetery. (since moved to the private Fayed residence in Oxted).
Unique Features and Sections of Brookwood Cemetery
The Cemetery is divided into several distinct sections, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of those buried there. Notable sections include:
The Zoroastrian Burial Ground: One of the few Zoroastrian burial grounds outside of Iran and India, reflecting the religious diversity of the cemetery. It is the only dedicated Zoroastrian burial ground in Europe.
The Muslim Section: Established to serve the needs of the Muslim community, this section has grown over the years and once included the grave of Dodi Fayed.
Military Cemeteries: There are dedicated sections for British and Commonwealth military personnel, with many graves from both World Wars.
Glades of Remembrance: The Glades of Remembrance were established more than 50 years ago to meet the need for a lasting form of commemoration for those who choose cremation.
Visiting Brookwood Cemetery
Brookwood Cemetery is not just a burial ground but also a place of historical interest here in Surrey. Visitors can explore the cemetery in various ways and there is no entrance fee to visit and reflect.
Guided Tours: Various tours are available, focusing on different aspects of the cemetery’s history and notable burials. Check out This Website for more details.
Memorials and Monuments: The cemetery features numerous memorials and monuments, each telling a story of those buried there.
Nature and Landscape: With its extensive grounds, Brookwood offers a tranquil environment, rich with flora and fauna, making it a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance.
Brookwood Cemetery and Its Famous Graves Remembered!
Brookwood Cemetery stands as a remarkable testament to Victorian-era innovation and serves as a significant historical and cultural site.
Its vast and varied landscape, coupled with the notable and famous figures buried there, makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, genealogy, and the stories of the past.
Whether you are visiting to pay respects to a loved one, explore the graves of famous individuals, or simply enjoy the serene surroundings, Brookwood Cemetery offers a unique glimpse into the history and heritage of the United Kingdom.
Have you visited Brookwood Cemetery or discovered any interesting stories about it?
Gorse Hill offers respectful private spaces to hold wakes, celebrations of life and remembrance services at all times of the year. Please go directly to our website HERE to find out more.
We hope you enjoyed the read.
FAQs About Brookwood Cemetery | Famous Graves, History & More!
Q. Are there any notable architectural features within Brookwood Cemetery?
A. Like all cemeteries there are some amazing gravestones, mausoleums and crosses. Lot’s of different cultures can be seen with people buried here from across the planet.
Q. Is Brookwood Cemetery affiliated with any specific religious groups?
A. Brookwood Cemetery is non-denominational, featuring dedicated sections for various religious groups, including Zoroastrians, Muslims, and many Christian denominations.
Q. What is the significance of the Brookwood American Cemetery and Memorial?
A. The Brookwood American Cemetery and Memorial honors American military personnel who died in World War I, featuring beautifully maintained graves and a chapel.
Q. How was Brookwood Cemetery affected during World War II?
A. During World War II, the dedicated railway service transporting coffins and mourners to Brookwood was bombed in 1941, leading to its cessation.