Kensal Green Cemetery (The General Cemetery of All Souls) - Sightseeing, Monuments, Parks & Gardens, London Monuments

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Kensal Green Cemetery (The General Cemetery of All Souls)

Harrow Road, London, W10 4RA
Tel: +44 (0)20 8969 0152

Perhaps you have never considered a cemetery as a good place for an outing but Kensal Green may make you think again. Taking a guided tour around the cemetery gives you a fascinating insight into its history and that of its occupants.

Many of the monuments are really fine works of art and as L Blanchard said in 1842, Kensal Green cemetery is still a great escape from polluted central London.

Kensal Green cemetery was established by Act of Parliament in 1832 and the 77 acres on which it stands were opened in 1833. It was landscaped by Richard Forest, planted by William Rolands of Brentfor and has two chapels, a Terrace Catacomb and a Grecian Gateway, designed by Griffiths of Finsbury.

Kensal Green is still administered by the General Cemetery Company, established in 1830, and is the oldest and longest surviving cemetery to remain in the hands of the original owners.

The Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery were founded in June 1990 with the unique aim of assisting The General Cemetery Company to preserve this unique heritage. The friends have been active in gaining finance for the re-roofing of the Anglican Chapel and are engaged in raising funds for the restoration of its interior.

Restoration on the Dissenters' Chapel has recently been completed and includes an exhibition area and the headquarters of the Friends.

Among those buried at Kensal Green is Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, who built the world's first successful underwater tunnel under the River Thames, from Wapping to Rotherhithe.

Nearest Underground (Tube) Station: Kensal Green.