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Editorial
Day with the Dead
It may seem like a strange choice of a day out but why not visit Highgate Cemetery? It's a beautiful peaceful place and well worth a visit. Highgate Cemetery was opened in 1839. This main Cemetery became known as the West cemetery after the creation of the East cemetery in 1854. The West cemetery was closed in 1975 after it was no longer financially viable- the newer East cemetery continued.
Celebrated artists and sculptors created individual sepulchres there - Gilbert Scott used the mausoleum of Greek king Mausolus as the influence for the tomb of Julius Beer. Edward Jones created a piece called ‘Religion’- a seven foot marble female figure for the wife of Reverend Vaughn. The inventor of Cinematography, William Friese-Green died without any money- artist Lutyens paid tribute to him by creating a monument at Highgate and of course there is Karl Marx himself (in the new part) his own grave almost ironically, so much grander than those of his followers who wanted to be buried near to him.
Though there is a small charge to get into both cemeteries the old one in particular is one of the most amazing sites you will visit. As visitor numbers are so tightly controlled, there is an incrediably peaceful and beautiful atmosphere as you wander the small paths through the ancient trees and woodland, amongst sprawling ivy. The guides that take you around have wonderful stories and anecdotes to tell, not least when you come across the aztec features in the centre. It's really worth a visit.
East Cemetery: Open from 10.00am weekdays, 11.00am weekends. Closing Time: 1st April - 31st October: 5.00pm (last admissions 4.30pm). Closing Time: 1st November - 31st March: 4.00pm (last admission 3.30pm).
Admission is £3.00 per person which includes permission to take photos.
Highgate Cemetery, Swain's Lane, Highgate, N6 6PJ, 020 8340 1834.
1 Comment
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Everyone should go here at least once, a very interesting place