The Magnificent Seven: London's First Landscaped Cemeteries

by John Turpin, Derrick Knight

A ring of spectacular cemeteries, developed at the edges of London in the decade from 1832, have long been referred to as The Magnificent Seven. At the time, they set a new aesthetic for the burial of the dead, and remain rich in social history and beauty to this day. It was entrepreneurs, rather than the religious authorities, who responded to the squalor of the City's brimming churchyards by fi nancing seemly, hygienic concepts of burial in the rural outskirts, now embraced by inner London. The Seven became showcases for neoclassical and neo-Gothic architecture, matched by splendid - sometimes eccentric - memorials recording Victorian society, and the sweep of London's history to the present day. From grand Kensal Green in the west to modest Tower Hamlets in the east; from heady Highgate to charming Norwood and Nunhead; and from the military influences of Brompton to the Non-conformist woodland of Abney Park - a host of characters and stories are visited in this distinctive coverage of the subject.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2011

Reviews

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

London, England. Present day. John Turpin & Derrick Knight’s The Magnificent Seven, London’s First Landscaped Cemeteries describes the “ring of spectacular cemeteries” that were designed during a 10 year period that began in 1832 which were placed “at the edges of London” of that time. London of today has grown “well beyond these Victorian gems” which occupy almost 300 acres. These beauties were a result of over-buried churchyards and cemeteries that had become a health issue for Londoners of that period. The French cemetery, Père Lachaise, designed by orders of Napoleon in 1804 in Paris became the model for new landscaped cemeteries in many countries. Note of interest: Père Lachaise is the final resting place of lead singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison. Well-known Victorians such as Charles Dickens, barrister George Cardenas, and landscape architect John London led the movement for these ‘garden’ cemeteries which resulted in great success. Highgate, Kensai Green, Nunhead, Brompton, Abney Park, Norwood, and Tower Hamlets are the ‘magnificent seven’. This book covers many other aspects found in these cemeteries: sculptures of unparalleled beauty and symbols of mortality, neoclassical, Palladium, and neo-Gothic architecture, multi-denominational chapel, and groups of ‘Friends’ of particular cemeteries to aid in keeping nature from taking over all, but certain areas are kept in conservation for animal habitats. History and photography at its best! 4.5
stars.

[Richard Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a frien I'm visiting all of these cemeteries. Five down, two to go. They are all magnificent in different ways, but if you can go to only one make it the older of the two Highgate cemeteries. A viist there is one of the best things to do in London.

[Carole Tyrrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautifully produced bookwhich would make a wonderful introduction to any budding taphophile wanting to know more about London’s seven Victorian cemeteries. These are Abney Park, Tower Hamlets, Nunhead, Highgate, Brompton, Kensal Green and West Norwood. All of them have their own individual character and atmosphere and the authors discuss the reasons for their creation, notable tombs to look for and also look at Pere Lachaise in Paris. John Turpin has been a tour guide at Nunhead Cemetery for several years and brings his expert knowledge to this book.
For example, he presents the case for a Beatrix Potter connection at Brompton and discusses modern memorials, nature conservation ad the dreaded Resurrection men or bodysnatchers

Profusely illustrated throughout with black and white photos and just the right size to take with you on any cemetery explorations, the Magnificent 7 is sure to become a vital part of any taphophile’s bookshelf. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very informative book and I enjoyed it a lot. I've been a little obsessed with the Magnificent Seven since I visited Highgate. I was saddened to learn that some are in very bad shape. I was surprised to learn how small they are in comparison to some we have here. I would have like it more if the pictures had been in color. All in all though, it was a nice way to armchair travel the afternoon away.