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Home , Brompton Cemetery, Ernest Thesiger, Grosvenor Bridge, Samuel Parkes (VC), Watching the Wildlife

BROMPTON Four self-guided walks

THE TOP 100 Welcome to Plenty to discover - Want to sit beneath a spectacular tree, discover a The Top 100 remarkable story or remember a loved one? The cemetery You could spend a lifetime is the perfect place to enjoy exploring here! a moment of peace among Stroll down the tree-lined With 39 acres of cemetery to explore, magnificent monuments. Central Avenue to reach the chapel. we’ve put together four self-led tours to get you started. Each tour is A breath of fresh air designed to take around an hour to It’s much more than a well- Look out for complete, and we’ve put these into loved last resting place for many playwright A tip for easy-to-follow themes. You’ll see a thousands of people. The cemetery Henry ‘A c e m e t e r y identifying range of memorials giving you an Pettitt’s is a welcome green space in the trees is to insight into who is buried here. unusual can, and should, look our for city that’s alive with wildlife. memorial on the shape of You will also get to learn more It’s also stacked full of stories the Central be made as the leaves. about our wonderful buildings and about amazing people and Avenue. These leaves our beautiful trees. belong to awesome monuments. And it’s still beautiful the Holm As you make your way around working – you can be buried here if Over 200,000 people are Oak. the tours, look out for our top 100 you want! buried in the cemetery, as possible.’ marked by around markers on the ground next to or It’s easy to explore 35,000 monuments. Henry Milner near to the points of interest we’ve landscape gardener, 1890 chosen. If at any point you see a You’re welcome to explore, and number that isn’t part of your tour, it’s easy to find your way around. use our complete top 100 list on the The cemetery is flat and all the You’ll also see the Big Leaf Maple, whose next page to find out more. cross-paths lead back to the leaves can grow up to 30cm wide and turn a golden yellow in autumn. For your own safety, we ask you to Central Avenue. You can also stay on the maintained footpaths see the chapel from most points. and to avoid uneven ground. There’s a map in this leaflet to help you. You can find lots more information on our website, by talking to our friendly volunteers or by taking a guided tour.

2 3 The Top 100

The Top 25 Garden Cemetery Heroes & Pioneers Creative Characters

1. Dr 26. The North Lodge 48. Jack Whitley 76. Sir Squire & Lady Effie Bancroft 2. 27. Plane 49. Dr Benjamin Golding 77. Henry Pettitt 3. Chelsea Pensioners Monument 28. Albert Emile Schloss 50. Capt Hugh Burgoyne VC 78. Richard Tauber 4. Elizabeth le Blond 29. Big Leaf Maple 51. Col Richard Wadeson VC 79. George Borrow 5. The Central Avenue 30. Jugoi Nagayori Asano 52. Iris Burnside 80. William Terriss 6. Yew Tree 31. Strawberry Tree 53. James McDonald 81. Bernard Levin 7. Sir 32. Holly Tree 54. Cpl Joseph John Farmer VC 82. Brian Glover 8. Brigade of Guards Monument 33. Philip Nowell 55. John Wisden 83. Alfred Mellon 9. Joseph Bonomi 34. James Veitch Junior 56. Herbert Fitch 84. Frederic Sullivan 10. Hannah Courtoy 35. Susannah Nutkins 57. Frederic Jardine 85. Henrietta Moraes 11. Frederick Leyland 36. Horace Lot Brass 58. Percy Pilcher 86. George Godwin 12. John ‘Gentleman’ Jackson 37. Joseph Julius Kanné 59. Henry Augustus ‘Gus’ Mears 87. Valentine Prinsep 13. Reginald Warneford VC 38. The Western Catacombs 60. Sir 88. Adelaide Neilson 14. The Catacombs 39. Rowan Tree 61. Barbe Maria Theresa Sangiorgi 89. George Henty 15. The Great Circle 40. Robert Fortune 62. Pte Samuel Parkes VC 90. 16. Chief Long Wolf 41. Snake Bark Maple 63. Thomas Hay Ritchie 91. Sir William Howard Russell 17. Marchesa Luisa Casati 42. Cedar of Lebanon 64. Sir John Peake Knight 92. Fanny Brawne 18. James Bohee 43. Copper Beech 65. Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth 93. Sir Augustus Henry Glossop Harris 19. Metropolitan Anthony 44. Weeping Silver Lime 66. Sir Samuel Cunard 94. Violet Brooke-Hunt 20. Princess Victoria Gouramma 45. Holm Oak 67. Sir Roderick Impey Murchison 95. Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale 21. Emma Shaw 46. Henrietta Dredge 68. Adm Sir Charles Howe 96. Lionel Monckton 22. The Chapel 47. Elias Huelin 69. James Hayes Raper 97. Catharina Pratten 23. Percy Lambert 70. Lt Col Henry Le Blanc 98. Blanche Roosevelt Macchetta 24. Robert Coombes 71. Felicjan Sławoj Składkowski 99. George Salting 25. 72. Lt William Hulme Hooper 100. Lady Sydney Morgan 73. Samuel Leigh Sotheby 74. Sir John Fowler 75. Margaret McCurrey 4 5 The Top 25 1 Dr John Snow 2 Emmeline 1813-1858 Pankhurst

1 1858-1928 There’s so much to discover Father of Modern about the cemetery’s people, Epidemiology. ‘Deeds not words.’ 3 2 places and wildlife. With several miles of leafy paths, 600 trees and A physician and pioneer of The Suffragette leader who 4 35,000 monuments to explore, anaesthetics, who saved millions of campaigned for women’s right to you’re sure to find something new lives by discovering that cholera was vote, and was imprisoned for her every time. spread via infected drinking water. beliefs. Some women were given 5 His monument was damaged by a the vote in 1918, but Emmeline died To give you a head start, 6 7 bomb in World War II and replaced before equal voting rights were given we’ve picked our top twenty five by fellow physicians. to all. Her monument is a Celtic Cross. fascinating people and places to 8 visit. You should easily be able to stroll around these in an hour. 9 10 3 Chelsea What else will you spot along the way? 11 Pensioners ‘I owe a supreme Monument 12 1901 debt of gratitude ‘Erected on behalf of an admiring to the mountains nation.’ 13 for knocking from A poignant memorial to 2,625 retired 14 soldiers buried between me the shackles of 1854 and 1893. They lived at the , which has conventionality…’ been housing veterans for over 300 Elizabeth le Blond years. It features flags, cannon balls A group of Chelsea Pensioners in 15 and bronze lions’ heads. the Hall at the Royal Hospital. 16 17

Long Wolf with his wife, Wants, 18 and their children. When the Native Americans were sent 19 4 Elizabeth 5 The Central back to their reservations at 20 le Blond Avenue the end of each season of the 22 21 Wild West Show, they were 1860-1934 1840 given civilian clothes. (See p.10) 23 ‘The best-known ‘A great ceremonial woman mountain drive running along 24 climber of her time.’ the central axis.’ A soulful angel watches over the The cemetery began as a private 25 grave of thrice-married Lizzie, an business in 1840 and needed to Irish baronet’s daughter. Despite her attract customers. The architect ill health, she became a pioneer of made the flat site more attractive mountain climbing, photography and with this elegant avenue, leading to -making, and founded the Ladies’ a domed chapel. The row of original Alpine Club. lime trees adds to the grandeur. 6 7 6 Yew Tree 7 Sir Henry Cole 11 Frederick ‘Loves to dwell 1808-1882 Leyland Regency boxing midst skulls and ‘King Cole’, the most 1831-1892 ‘brought together coffins, epitaphs influential man in Patron of the and worms.’ South . avant-garde. the King and the This evergreen species lives so A modest memorial for a man we Leyland made his fortune as a ship Commons, the wealthy long that it’s become a symbol of have to thank for everything from owner, and then spent it on collecting and the poor, the nobles everlasting life. It’s often found in the V&A Museum to Christmas artworks and supporting artists. burial grounds, and branches were cards. Cole was a journalist, writer, His stunningly ornate stone and and the plebs.’ once carried at funerals. The needles designer, reformer and campaigner, copper monument was designed by J.C. Reid and seeds are poisonous, but birds who turned into a Edward Burne-Jones, the renowned feast on the seed caps’ red flesh. centre for arts and science. Pre-Raphaelite artist.

8 Brigade of 9 Joseph 12 John 13 Reginald Guards Monument Bonomi ‘Gentleman’ Warneford VC 1889 1796-1878 Jackson 1891-1915 1769-1845 The heart of the cemetery’s Buried ‘beneath a guardian Bodyguard at King George IV’s One of the cemetery’s infantry section. Anubis’, protector of graves. coronation. 12 holders. This elegant cross guards a field of The hieroglyphics on Bonomi’s A brooding lion tops the striking This talented young pilot’s monument white headstones, marking some distinctive headstone reflect his life memorial to Jackson, bare-knuckle illustrates the moment in 1915 when of the thousands of military burials as an artist, drawing and illustrating prize fighter and self-defence he became the first airman to shoot here. The four brass field guns that Egyptian archaeology. It also records teacher. He had a formidable down a German airship. Tragically, once stood around it were removed the terrible loss of all four of his reputation and was hugely popular; he died just 10 days later while trying in World War II – some believed they young children in the same week to so much so that his monument was out a new plane. Some 50,000 people were sent to the front line. whooping cough. paid for by friends and admirers. attended his burial.

10 Hannah Courtoy 14 The Catacombs 15 The Great Circle 1781-1849 ‘We all have our time 1842 1842 Mausoleum that machines, don’t we. Underground ‘ were a might be a time vaults built to hold place to see, and be machine. Those that take us back thousands of coffins. seen in.’ Hannah’s story is intriguing. are memories... Fashion-conscious Victorians chose The splendid arched colonnades, She had three daughters with an And those that carry us expensive coffins for their loved which form , helped make older man. They never married, ones, displaying them on the open the cemetery irresistible to the but she controversially inherited his forward, are dreams.’ catacomb shelves. Feel free to peep wealthy in the 1840s. The centre vast wealth. This paid for her huge through the gates (but watch out for was designed to be an open lawn, Egyptian-style tomb, believed by H.G. Wells the snakes!), or see inside on one of but is filled with a forest of some to be a time-travelling Tardis! the occasional tours. monuments today. 8 9 16 Chief 17 Marchesa 21 Emma Shaw 22 The Chapel Long Wolf Luisa Casati c1816-1840 1842 1833-1892 1881-1957

‘Medicine Men say the spirit Unconventional and inspiring The first person to be buried Three chapels were planned, doesn’t rest until the body is home.’ artists’ muse and fashion icon. in Brompton Cemetery. but only this one was built. A wolf marks the grave of this Sioux An urn draped in flowers stands over Emma’s plain grave is easily missed The domed chapel is the elegant focal chief, who died while part of Buffalo the grave of this unconventional among the monuments to the great point of the cemetery’s architecture. Bill’s Wild West Show. He lay here for Italian noblewoman (and her and good. She was the first of It was built to hold Anglican funeral over 100 years, until his descendants favourite dog). Luisa was renowned thousands of ordinary Londoners to services. Two other chapels, designed took his remains back to their for her flamboyant and eccentric be buried here. We know little about to look like temples, were also ancestral burial ground at outfits, and her signature style still her except that she died in childbirth, planned but the cemetery company Wounded Knee, South Dakota. inspires fashion designers today. like so many Victorian women. ran out of money.

18 James 23 Percy 24 Robert Bohee Lambert Coombes ‘To be beautiful one 1844-1897 1880-1913 1808-1860 must be unhurried. ‘The best banjoist in the world’. The first person to drive 100 miles The fastest man on the Thames Personality is in an hour. and the Tyne. needed. There is This incredibly talented musician This monument’s wheel and broken Coombes was one of the greatest lies in the Great Circle, but no stone column represent a racing driver’s professional oarsmen of his time. too much sameness.’ marks his grave. James was a life cut too short. Percy died trying to Despite his very successful rowing Canadian banjo player of Caribbean regain the world record he’d set and and coaching career, he died in Marchesa Luisa Casati descent, who brought black then lost. It’s said he promised his poverty. His impressive monument, American culture to Britain. He even fiancée he would give up racing after topped with an upturned boat, taught King Edward VII to play. this final attempt. was paid for by friends and fans.

19 Metropolitan 20 Princess 25 Constant Anthony Victoria ‘Once embarked on a Lambert 1914-2003 Gouramma 1905-1951 course of sensationalism, 1841-1864 the composer is forced One of the most visited graves in Exiled Indian princess adopted by A gifted family moving in artistic the cemetery. . into a descending spiral and bohemian circles. spin from which only the A distinctive white Orthodox cross Gouramma came here in 1852, after A monument to a remarkable marks the last resting place of her Indian raja father was deposed. most experienced pilot creative family, including composer Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh. She became a favourite of Queen can flatten out in time.’ and conductor Constant and his son He was head of the Russian Victoria. She married a British army Kit (1935-1981), manager of Orthodox Patriarchal Church in officer in preference to an Indian Constant Lambert rock . A smaller stone records Great Britain and Ireland, and a prince, and died aged just 23. Constant’s first wife Flo (1913-1988), respected writer and broadcaster. The queen wrote her epitaph. a strikingly beautiful actress. 10 11 Garden Cemetery 26 The 27 London 26 North Lodge Plane 27 1840 The cemetery is a green haven in London’s most 28 the city, home to over 60 species The elegant gateway common tree is

of trees as well as colourful shrubs, 29 overlooking the perfectly designed wildflowers and plenty of wildlife. Central Avenue. for city life. Some famous gardeners are buried When the cemetery opened in 1840, The London plane is a popular tree here too. Follow this leafy trail to it was called The West of London and for planting along streets and in see some tremendous trees, 30 Cemetery. The cemetery parks, because it is hardy and a green-fingered family and staff were based here along with long-lived. Rain easily cleans their those with unique memorials. record books and other papers, with shiny leaves and they regularly shed the east wing being used as a chapel. their dirty bark.

31 28 Albert 29 Big Leaf Emile Schloss Maple d.1905 aged 58

32 33 A Central Avenue monument popular The tree that lives up to its name! for its pair of winged cherubs. 34 35 Little is known about Albert, This tree is also known as the except that he was from Mayance, Oregon Maple and originally comes the French name for the city of Mainz from Canada’s Vancouver Island. on the Rhine in Germany. According Back home they can grow up to 50 36 37 to the cemetery’s burial register, metres tall; the ones at Brompton Bees and other insects feed on Albert died at the Hyde Park Hotel Cemetery aren’t quite as big despite the pollen and nectar of the rowan’s white flowers. 38 in London. being over 100 years old. 39

This weeping willow, carved 30 Asano 31 Strawberry on one of the cemetery’s headstones, is a symbol of 40 Jugoi Nagayori Tree mourning and loss. 1865-1886

The tragic death of a Japanese A colourful Mediterranean tree 43 41 44 nobleman’s son. that’s great for British wildlife. 42 47 A pink granite obelisk, inscribed in The evergreen Strawberry tree, 46 45 English and Japanese, marks the grave originally from the Mediterranean, of this young man. Nagayori came thrives in the cemetery. The sweet- to London to study law, perhaps at smelling bell shaped flowers provide the behest of his father, an important nectar and pollen for bees and other political figure and moderniser. Far from insects, and birds feast on the fruit. home and suffering from “melancholia”, Nagayori took his own life. 12 13 32 Holly Tree 37 Joseph 38 The Western A festive favourite ‘This is a Tale about Julius Kanné Catacombs that symbolises 1818-1888 1842 everlasting life. a tail — a tail that The holly is one of the easiest trees belonged to a little One of Queen Victoria’s most A very expensive cemetery feature in the cemetery to recognise due to devoted servants. that seemed jinxed from the start. its familiar shiny prickly leaves and red squirrel, and his red berries. Hollies are traditionally Joseph, born in Austria, came to Originally lining the west wall of the associated with everlasting life name was Nutkin.’ Britain after serving in the Crimean cemetery, the catacombs included because they are evergreen (they War. He entered the Royal Household a promenade, with views over the keep their leaves all year). They can in 1857 and became the queen’s . They suffered also live for up to 300 years. courier the following year. extensive bomb damage in WWII.

33 Philip 34 James 39 Rowan Tree 40 Robert Fortune Nowell Veitch Junior 1812-1880 1780-1853 1815-1869 This colourful tree is The plant hunter traditionally planted who smuggled tea to ward off witches! plants out of China. The man who built most of the Third in a long line of plantsmen cemetery’s handsome buildings. celebrated for their exotic collections. The rowan has clusters of white A significant horticulturalist. Working blossoms in spring and red berries for the British East India Company, Philip Nowell was a well-known It’s fitting James is buried here, as his in autumn. It’s an important tree Fortune smuggled 20,000 tea plants London builder. His company was Chelsea nursery provided the plants for wildlife in the cemetery. Moth and seedlings out of China. He took responsible for the main buildings for the cemetery in 1840. The Veitch caterpillars eat the leaves, bees and them to India, along with a group at the cemetery. He loaned the family sent plant hunters around the insects feast on the flowers, and of Chinese tea masters who shared cemetery company vast amounts of world to bring back new species for birds love the berries. their expertise there. money to keep the cemetery project their nurseries, including 200 types going when it hit financial difficulty. of orchid.

35 Susannah 36 Horace 41 Snake Nutkins Lot Brass Bark Maple ‘An admirable c1816-1906 c1880-1896 man, such power

A memorial that may have Striking art nouveau memorial A Chinese tree that dresses like of organization, so inspired one of Britain’s favourite to a 16-year-old boy. a snake and wears vibrant obligingly civil & children’s authors. autumn foliage. thoughtful, and so The Nutkins memorial is a noticeable The monument’s distinctive green Snake bark maples can be identified one, reminding us of the popular Tale hue comes from the bronze relief by their colourfully striped bark. gentlemanlike in of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter. sculpture at the top. It shows a The leaves turn shades of orange Beatrix lived locally as a child and grieving couple beside a death-bed. and yellow in the autumn. his dealings.’ may have wandered the cemetery, The artist was Arthur Stanley Young, These deciduous trees originate watching the wildlife to include in who is best known for creating the in east Asia, growing between the Queen Victoria about Joseph Kanné her stories. soaring figure of Mercury. eastern Himalayas and Japan. 14 15 42 Cedar of 43 Copper Lebanon Beech An ancient evergreen A spectacular tree that symbolising purity puts on a colourful and everlasting life. show every year. Watch out for The evergreen cedar, which comes This beech tree has become an originally from the Middle East, important feature in the cemetery wildlife has long been associated with landscape, so the tree team is looking everlasting life. It can grow to a great after it carefully. The impact of the A welcoming walled garden age – some cedars are known to be fungi that grow on the trunk is closely We’re not the only ones who like over a thousand years old. Cedars monitored as the decaying wood is a quiet space in the city. A host of can grow up to 40 metres tall! an important habitat for wildlife. birds, animals and insects have made their home inside the cemetery’s walls. 44 Weeping 45 Holm Oak Look Butterflies and bees feed on flowers ‘Cemeteries carefully Silver Lime and you growing between the graves in spring The Victorians A sacred tree that’s cultivate the may be and summer. Look out for robins, lucky magpies, blackbirds, song thrushes planted weeping trees one of the few intellect by enough and woodpeckers in our 600 trees. to represent sorrow evergreen oaks to spot one of the At dusk, spot tiny pipistrelle bats and mourning. in Britain. their botanical cemetery’s hunting for insects between the lime secretive This tree lives up to its name, Holm Oaks are considered to be trees on the Central Avenue. riches.’ foxes. with branches that seem to droop sacred and were planted to keep sorrowfully, and leaves that are a away evil spirits. The ancient Greeks Creature features silvery-grey. We think this handsome used the leaves to tell the future. landscape designer, 1843 tree may have been planted in the The trees also symbolise strength If you look carefully, you can also find cemetery to mark Queen Victoria’s and long life, and the wood is plants and animals carved onto some silver jubilee in 1862. certainly very hard and strong. The cemetery’s colourful wildflowers attract of the graves and monuments. Which many butterflies, like the small but stunning of these will you spot as you explore? common blue. Dove – which symbolises the 46 Henrietta 47 Elias Holy Spirit. Dredge Huelin Butterfly – signifies rebirth, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. d.1907 1786-1870 Weeping willow – not surprisingly, this represents mourning. Henrietta’s husband heard her The terrible murder of the Wheat – indicating someone who calling from beyond the grave. cemetery’s assistant chaplain. was ‘gathered in’ later in life. Albert Dredge, a 34 year old Boer Many thousands of lives are Snake – a snake eating its own tail War veteran decorated for his remembered in Brompton, including represents eternal life. bravery, buried his wife ‘Hettie’ in those ended by violence. In 1870, the August 1907. Struggling with grief, double murder of the Rev. Elias Huelin he became convinced that Hettie was and his housekeeper, Ann Boss, gripped calling to him. He took his own life on this prosperous area. Elias and Ann her grave the following spring. now lie peacefully beside each other. 16 17 Heroes & Pioneers 48 Jack 49 Dr Benjamin 48 Whitley Golding 1878-1955 1793-1863 Brompton Cemetery is a 49 50 surprisingly peaceful corner of busy 51 The only Chelsea A medical pioneer

West London. But there are echoes 52 footballer known to be who founded Charing of war here too. Follow this trail to buried in the cemetery. Cross Hospital. meet brave service people, intrepid 53 war reporters, innocent victims and John ‘Jack’ Whitley was Chelsea’s Benjamin was dedicated to providing spirited pacifists. goalkeeper from 1907-14, playing free medical treatment to the poor. 138 times. He helped Chelsea win He had the idea of integrating 54 It is also the last resting place of a promotion to the First Division in medical schools with hospitals, surprising number of people who have 55 1912. Jack served with the club for to ensure people would be treated changed the world, and whose legacy 56 over 30 years, and was popular and effectively now and in the future. 57 lives on. Take this trail to discover 58 well-respected. He founded Hospital. innovators, inventors, business people, 59 politicians and orators. 60 61 50 Capt Hugh 62 63 Burgoyne VC When the British-built 64 1833-1870 65 Lusitania was launched 66 in 1906, she was the Navy captain and Victoria Cross holder 67 largest, fastest and most who was lost at sea. luxurious cruise liner in As a 21 year-old naval lieutenant Hugh 68 was awarded the Victoria Cross for 69 the world. She crossed the Atlantic over 200 gallantry ‘in the face of the enemy’. 70 Though lost at sea, Hugh is remembered Gus Mears (in the bowler hat) times. on the family memorial. He and his men founded Chelsea Football Club are also honoured in St Paul’s Cathedral in 1905, at a meeting in the 71 and in Westminster Abbey. Rising Sun pub opposite Stamford Bridge. (See p.21) 51 Col Richard 52 Iris

The 1870 Kirtland & Jardine pipe Wadeson VC Burnside organ at the Church of St Thomas in 1826-1885 1894-1915 Thurstonland, Huddersfield, which was restored in 1990. (See p.20) Awarded the Victoria A young woman 74 Cross for conspicuous lost at sea when 72 73 bravery in the Indian the Lusitania was Rebellion. torpedoed.

75 Richard Wadeson modestly said he Iris Burnside had a first class ticket was awarded the Victoria Cross for on the elegant passenger ship, ‘just standing in front of the wounded’ travelling from New York to Liverpool during the Indian Rebellion. In fact, in 1915. She and her brother Allan the newly promoted Lieutenant are remembered on the handsome saved the lives of two soldiers during family tomb, although only Allan is separate cavalry charges in 1857. actually buried here. 18 19 53 James 54 Cpl Joseph 59 Augustus 60 Sir William McDonald Farmer VC ‘Gus’ Mears Crookes 1843-1915 1854-1930 1873-1912 1832–1919

Scottish-American oil magnate Awarded the Victoria Cross The founder of Chelsea Renowned chemist and science whose mausoleum is watched for gallantry during the Football Club, buried with journalist, who was fascinated by over by angels. First Boer War. his RAF pilot son. psychics. James McDonald left Scotland for Joseph John Farmer was a Provisional Brompton Cemetery is a popular William created the revolutionary anti- America aged just 15. He went on to Lance-Corporal in the Army Hospital shortcut for Chelsea fans making their polarising lenses used in sunglasses. He make his fortune in the oil industry, Corps. He was awarded the Victoria way to and from next-door Stamford discovered a new magnetic element, and was hugely influential in the Cross, after the Battle of Majuba Hills Bridge. How many realise they are thallium and his work in this area oil and petroleum trade around the in 1881. This was the decisive final walking past the grave of Henry was so important that it formed the world. By the time he died in 1915, clash of the First Boer War in Augustus Mears, the club’s founder, foundation of nuclear physics, enabling James was worth four million dollars. South Africa. every time they use the Central Avenue? the discovery of X-rays. 55 John 56 Herbert 61 Barbe Maria 62 Pte Samuel Wisden Fitch Theresa Sangiorgi Parkes VC 1826-1884 c1849-1933 1834-1893 1815-1864 ‘The Little Wonder’ Deeds not words: A monument of a boy Awarded during and founder of From printing to endlessly strews flowers The Charge of the Wisden’s Almanack. security policing. over Barbe’s grave. Light Brigade. John Wisden, the first class cricketer, Herbert Fitch established a respected Barbe was born in Belgium, Private Samuel Parkes was awarded is buried in the cemetery. He is best printing business in the City of London. worked in Paris, and married a the Victoria Cross after the British remembered for founding the Wisden One of their sons, also called Herbert, German chef called Auguste Kettner. cavalry charge against Russian forces, Cricketer’s Almanack in 1864. This is was a member of the Special Branch. They opened a restaurant in in during the in 1854. probably the most famous, and the This is the arm of the police responsible 1897 and Kettner’s was one of the Samuel tackled two Russians attacking oldest continuously published, sports for matters of national security first restaurants in London to serve a trumpet major. He then fought off six handbook in the world. and intelligence. French food. And it’s still going today. more men so they could escape. 57 Frederic 58 Percy 63 Thomas 64 John Jardine Pilcher Hay Ritchie Peake Knight 1822-1907 1867-1899 c1858-1894 1828-1886

Builder of church organs, whose British inventor and pioneer A young Irishman who married into The railway engineer whose idea company is still working today. aviator. American society – and notoriety. for traffic lights proved explosive. Frederic’s company built and repaired A pioneer of unpowered flight, Percy A basalt pillar, from the Giant’s John Peake Knight made train organs from their factory, including came close to beating the Wright Causeway on Ireland’s County Antrim travel safer and more comfortable. instruments for cathedrals, hospitals brothers to inventing and flying the coast, marks the grave of Thomas Hay He introduced lounge cars to trains, and cinemas. Jardine’s were the first first aeroplane. Sadly, his powered Ritchie. He is descended from a family emergency brake cords, and safe British organ builders to design and triplane was never tested in public as of industrialists and engineers, best carriages with alarms for women build an organ for the cinema, he died from injuries sustained whilst known for building the Queen’s Bridge travellers. He is also credited with to accompany silent . wooing potential sponsors. in Belfast. inventing the first traffic lights. 20 21 65 Sir James 66 Sir Samuel 71 Felicjan Sławoj 72 Lt William Kay-Shuttleworth Cunard Składkowski Hulme Hooper 1804-1877 1787-1865 1885-1962 1827-1854

Public health pioneer who also shaped Canadian shipping magnate who One of two Polish Prime Ministers Naval officer, Arctic explorer and today’s national education system. founded the famous . remembered in the cemetery. writer who lies in an unmarked grave. James was convinced that education Samuel Cunard was born in Halifax, Felicjan was the last Prime Minister William lived a short but remarkable was the best way to lift the poorest Nova Scotia, the oldest son of a of before WWII. Committed life. By the time he was 20, he was children out of poverty. He founded master carpenter and merchant. to improving sanitation, particularly mate of the ship The Plover, under College in 1840, the first Cunard came to the UK in 1837, and in rural areas, he ordered that Commander Thomas E. L. Moore. teacher training college, and shaped set up the famous Cunard Line. The every household should have a It was one of the first vessels sent the national school education system company was later famous for its working toilet. In 1990, his body was to look for Sir John Franklin’s lost we use today. superliners, Mauretania and Lusitania. repatriated to Poland. expedition to the North West Passage. 67 Sir Roderick 68 Adm Sir Charles 73 Samuel Leigh 74 Sir John Impey Murchison Howe Fremantle Sotheby Fowler 1792-1871 1800-1868 1805-1861 1817-1898

Pioneering geologist and The city of Fremantle in The third and final generation of Designer of the world’s first founder member of the Western Australia is named the Sotheby family to be involved underground railway and the Royal Geographical Society. after this British naval officer. with the famous auction house. Forth Bridge. Roderick was a founder member of the Charles joined the aged Samuel was the grandson of John was the chief engineer of world’s Royal Geographical Society. Knighted 12 and spent the rest of his life bookseller and auctioneer John first underground, the Metropolitan for his work in 1846, he was awarded in service. His first command as Sotheby, who helped establish the Railway. He is also celebrated for a host of prizes and accolades for a Captain was to sail HMS Challenger celebrated auction house that still his innovative bridges, including lifetime of geological research. to western Australia and claim it for bears the family’s name. Samuel died Grosvenor Bridge, and the Forth There are towns, rivers and islands Britain. He refused to retire, so stayed suddenly in June 1861, when he fell Bridge. He also designed stations, around the world named after him. on the active list until his death. into the River Dart and drowned. including London’s Victoria Station. 69 James 70 Lt Col Henry 75 Margaret Hayes Raper Le Blanc McCurrey 1820-1897 1776-1855 1815-1886 The image on Sotheby’s monument of the angel leading the blind figures ‘One of the most popular orators The soldier who lost a leg in battle ‘A total abstainer from all of the temperance movement’. and went on to fight at Waterloo. intoxicating liquors’. appeared on the first James devoted his life to speaking Henry had a premonition, before he Margaret abstained from alcohol for edition cover of his out about the problems of alcohol. fought the Spanish in South America 29 years, and her husband James for book, Ramblings in He was clearly a man of strong in 1806, that he would lose his leg over 40. The temperance movement the Elucidation of the principles and convictions and in the battle. He learned to tie a took hold in Britain in the early 19th was also involved with many other tourniquet and found a stick to use century and was closely linked to Autograph of Milton (1861). causes, including anti-slavery, as a crutch; his vision came true and the movement to give working class anti-smoking and vegetarianism. he lost his leg to a cannonball. people the vote. 22 23 Creative Characters 76 Sir Squire & 77 Henry Lady Effie Bancroft Pettitt

76 1841-1926 / 1848-1893 It’s not surprising that Brompton Cemetery, in the heart of creative 1839-1921 77 Kensington, is full of influential A formidable theatrical husband Popular Victorian dramatist, figures from the world of art and 78 famous for his melodramas. culture. Take inspiration along this and wife team. 79 trail as you discover composers, 80 The Bancrofts pioneered a naturalistic Henry’s plays were popular in musicians, actors, artists and style of comedy and introduced London and the provinces, and their muses. innovative management ideas. many were staged as far afield as 81 They put on a single play each night, America and Australia. It’s said 82 rather than a mix of entertainments, that his pantomime, Harlequin King and replaced cheap ‘pit seats’ with Frolic, had the longest run of any 83 84 pantomime ever. 85 more costly ‘orchestra stalls’.

86 78 Richard 79 George 87 Tauber Borrow 1891-1948 1803-1881 88 89

91 90 One of the world’s finest The greatest of English writers tenor singers. about gypsy life. Tauber was popular in Europe George immersed himself in gypsy Valentine’s beautifully intricate tomb is listed with Historic and America for his operetta culture, visiting camps across Britain, 92 for its historic performances. He made his singing Europe and Russia. He learnt the significance. (See p.27) 93 debut in Freiburg on the day after his language and produced an English- 21st birthday, then went on to sing with Romany dictionary. To mark the 94 The carved masks and violin on 95 the Dresden Opera and the Vienna anniversary of his death, a festival was Gus’s monument celebrate his and Berlin State Opera companies. held in Brompton every year until 1939. theatrical and musical skills, 97 while the evergreen wreath 96 and palm fronds represent 98 80 William eternal life. (See p.28) There was a gypsy Terriss encampment at Latymer 1847-1897 (now Latimer) Road in 100 Hammersmith. Pauper 99 The matinee idol whose ghost still burials were paid for by haunts the Adelphi Theatre. the parish at Brompton Terriss led a colourful and adventurous Cemetery in 1861 for a life and was one of the most popular two-day-old baby girl, Ocean actors of his time. Sadly, the Smith, and William Boswell, achievements of his life have become aged 11 months. overshadowed by the manner of his death - a brutal stabbing at the stage door of the Adelphi Theatre. 24 25 81 Bernard 82 Brian 86 George Levin Glover Godwin 1928-2004 1934-1997 1815-1888 ‘To the surprise of many and the horror of some, Influential journalist ‘inquisitive, Much-loved character actor and Architect and social reformer I have also found great to the point of impertinence, teacher who started out as an who edited The Builder magazine pleasure in needlework, about almost everything’. all-in wrestler. for 40 years. which, after all, is only Bernard is described as ‘one of the Brian gave up teaching to act full George transformed The Builder another way of making most brilliant and controversial time in 1970, and joined the Royal into a successful professional paper. polemical journalists of his Shakespeare Company three years It became renowned for its campaigns pictures.’ generation’. He joined the panel of later. He appeared in Doctor Who for social and health improvement the satirical programme, That Was in 1985, and featured in many films, through architecture. In 1884 he was Ernest Thesiger the Week That Was, making him a including American Werewolf appointed to the royal commission on household name. in London. the housing of the working classes. 83 Alfred Mellon 87 Valentine 88 Adelaide 1820-1867 Prinsep Neilson An unusual 1838-1904 1848-1880 monument to a ‘The job of the artist Artist & writer; part The poor Yorkshire renowned conductor of the Pre-Raphaelite mill girl who made it and composer. is always to deepen movement. to the New York stage. Alfred began his career as a violinist the mystery.’ It was assumed that Valentine Yorkshire-born Neilson spent her and went on to become leader of the would follow his father into the early years in poverty but her beauty Ballet Orchestra, Francis Bacon Indian Civil Service but, surrounded and talent saw her become a widely a musical director at various theatres by influences such as Dante Gabriel feted and wealthy actress in London and finally conductor of the Liverpool Rossetti and Alfred Lord Tennyson, and New York. Dying at just 32, she Philharmonic Orchestra. He also he aspired to be an artist left a large estate which was used to wrote a popular opera, Victorine. and writer. create a theatrical charity. 84 Frederic 85 Henrietta 89 George 90 Ernest Sullivan Moraes Henty Thesiger 1837–1877 1931-1999 1832-1902 1879-1961

This architect-turned-actor was Paintings of this artists’ model The most prolific writer of Renowned character actor famed for the brother of Sir . and memoirist are worth millions. children’s books ever published. his role in The . He began as an amateur, then started Henrietta worked as an artists’ model Journalist and war reporter George For an actor renowned for playing appearing on the London stage, often and became an inspirational muse is remembered for writing over 120 some dark and ghoulish characters, in works by his brother. He set up to many notable artists during the books, many of which were historical Ernest was also an expert embroiderer! his own provincial touring company, 1950s and 1960s. Her beauty, charm action-adventure stories for young He wrote Adventures in Embroidery Sullivan’s Operetta Company, in 1871. and volatile personality captivated readers. His stories were set in in 1941, and could often be found Fred was a popular and sought-after Francis Bacon in particular, who troubled times in history, from ancient at , quietly comic actor and singer. painted her at least 16 times. Rome to the American Civil War. embroidering alongside Queen Mary. 26 27 91 Sir William 96 Lionel 97 Catharina Howard Russell Monckton Pratten 1820-1907 1862-1924 1821-1895 ‘You dazzled me. There is nothing in ‘The first and greatest of War Popular melody writer of the ‘A gifted musician, unrivalled the world so bright Correspondents’. Victorian era. teacher and true friend’. William’s vivid Crimean War Lionel Monckton began his career as Catharina was considered London’s and delicate.’ dispatches – particularly about a lawyer, while working part-time as most prominent guitar teacher, and the appalling conditions the troops a and music critic. taught Queen Victoria’s daughter John Keats suffered – brought the bitter reality After placing his first song in a Louise, Princess of Wales, to play. of conflict home for the first time. professional production in 1891, She founded a guitar school, and His reports inspired many people, he concentrated on composing and wrote music designed to appeal to including Florence Nightingale. went on to achieve great success. her pupils and other amateur players.

92 Fanny 93 Sir Augustus 98 Blanche Brawne Henry Glossop Roosevelt 1800-1865 Harris ‘The influence of Macchetta 1852-1896 woman will ever be 1853-1898 The fiancée and muse of The actor and impresario who was exercised directly in all Blanche herself stands guard over Romantic poet John Keats. ‘the father of modern pantomime’. good or evil. Give her, her Great Circle grave. Keats wrote many of his most famous In 1879, Gus took over the vacant Drury then, such light as she Blanche was the first American poems after meeting 18-year-old Lane theatre and was soon filling seats woman to sing Italian opera at the Fanny, London-born daughter of a with his hugely popular pantomimes is capable of receiving.’ Royal Opera House. She trained as middle-class businessman. She was and melodramas. He turned his a soprano in and Italy, sang his ‘one passion’, and he was inspired attention to opera, transforming the Lady Sydney Morgan in concerts at Covent Garden and by her ‘elegant, graceful, silly, Royal Opera House in Covent Garden around Europe, and later joined the fashionable and strange’ personality. into a great success as well. famous D’Oyly Carte opera company.

94 Violet 95 Eleanor 99 George Salting 100 Lady Brooke-Hunt Fortescue-Brickdale 1835-1909 Sydney Morgan 1870-1910 1872-1945 The hugely wealthy 1783-1859 Writer, social worker The last art collector renowned Much-discussed and political activist. Pre-Raphaelite. for his thrifty lifestyle. literary figure. Violet was just 17 when she decided Eleanor was a successful artist, For a man worth millions, art collector Sydney’s literary work was highly to get involved in educating illustrator and designer who worked in George Salting lived a very frugal regarded by some, including Lord working-class boys and young men. the Pre-Raphaelite style. She painted life. When he died in 1909, George Byron, but she also attracted some Violet also championed women’s in oils, illustrated books of poetry, left large amounts of money to unusually fierce criticism. Undaunted, involvement in politics, setting up designed First World War government relatives and two hospitals. He also she went on to become the first woman women’s political groups and talking posters, and created stained glass bequeathed his entire and priceless to receive a government pension for passionately about current issues. windows for over 20 churches. art collection to London museums. services to the world of letters. 28 29 A place in the country Facilities Information

The Magnificent Seven Café Opening hours Buy delicious food and drink from We’re open at 7am every day, but Brompton is one of seven grand garden cemeteries the Café at North Lodge. Open daily. check the noticeboards or website for that opened around London between 1833 and 1841. today’s closing time. The city was growing so quickly that there was barely Information Centre enough room for the living, let alone the dead. Visitor information, displays and an Access Its churchyards were overflowing, so the government opportunity to chat with local people You’re welcome to walk in the decided the dead should be buried in the countryside. at North Lodge. Open regularly. cemetery although, for your own The market gardens in the hamlet of Brompton safety, we ask you to stay on the were ideal. Toilets maintained footpaths to avoid In the Café at North Lodge. uneven ground. You can also ride Better by design your bike here, although you must Chapel stay on the cycle route and give The cemetery was a private business when it opened Available for funerary services, priority to pedestrians. And please in 1840. To make money for the shareholders, it had community events and exhibitions, do walk your dog here, although you to be a desirable place to be buried. The architect and occasionally open to the public. must stay on the dog-walking route, used classical buildings and a formal layout to make keep your dog on a lead, and clean this long, level site more interesting. The cemetery Publications up after it. stood amongst fields Get thought-provoking leaflets Find out much more about our wildlife, monuments when it opened in 1840. and books to take home at the and memorials on the website, or join a guided walk. Eating and drinking Information Centre at North Lodge. You’re welcome to picnic here, although you mustn’t light Great gardens Original notices at both Information panels barbecues, and we ask you not to Find fascinating facts on the entrances state that drink alcohol. of sleep ‘The public are information panels dotted around permitted to walk in the cemetery (see map for locations). the cemetery daily’. Wildlife Respectable relaxation We hope you enjoy the planting and Highlights trails wildlife here. Please do not feed the Discover intriguing people and The new garden cemeteries offered peaceful repose birds or remove any plants as this places on any one of the tours in for London’s dead. They also became popular with the can disrupt the cemetery’s delicate this booklet. living, who came here to escape the overcrowded city. ecosystems. We ask that you leave Cemeteries were respectable places to visit in Guided tours, talks, nothing and take nothing. Victorian times. Even single ladies were allowed to events, exhibitions Photography enjoy a stroll here! Be inspired by a cemetery enthusiast You’re welcome to take photos here, at a guided tour or talk, have fun but you mustn’t fly drones. A long tradition at an exciting event, and uncover Local people and visitors continue to be welcomed more of our history and wildlife at Penalties here at Brompton, and it remains a working cemetery. temporary exhibitions. Police officers can issue £60 on- the-spot fines, known as Penalty But burial practices have changed since it opened Check the noticeboards or website Notices, for littering, cycling off the in 1840. The Victorians favoured flamboyant to find upcoming talks, tours, designated cycle route, and failing to funerals, and observed long periods of mourning. exhibitions and events. clear up after dogs. Burials tend to be much simpler today, but sometimes you may glimpse elegant plumed horses drawing a Check the Park Regulations at North gleaming hearse through the cemetery. Lodge to find out exactly what you It’s an unforgettable sight. can and can’t do in the cemetery. 30 31 Contacts Brompton Cemetery is cared for by charity with the help of The Friends of Brompton Cemetery. Contact the Cemetery Manager to talk about maintenance or management issues, or to discuss funerary arrangements: 0300 061 2172 [email protected] royalparks.org.uk/parks/brompton-cemetery Contact The Friends of Brompton Cemetery to learn more about the cemetery’s history: 020 3876 4278 [email protected] brompton-cemetery.org.uk Contact the police to report crime: In an emergency, always call 999 For all non-emergency police matters, call 101 met.police.uk/report/how-to-report-a-crime

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