London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Victorian times had seen the opening of amazingly beautiful cemeteries calles the magnificent seven, on the city border. There was no other choice: burial grounds in London were overcrowded and churches could not cope anymore.

One of those forgotten graveyards hides at a two minutes walk from Old Street tube station -  a very green and soothing place.

Bunhill, quite a funny name. I first thought it might have a liknl to bun or bunny but no, the original is more down to earth: bone hill, abbreviated in time. Why so? In the 16th century, bones are moved away from St Paul’s charnel house to make some space and brought here, directly on the ground and covered with a little soil… Brrrrr!

In 1665, it is decided to bury the plague victims here. Walls are built but nothing else happens: the ground was not even consecrated. A Mr Tindal takes over the lease and allow Non- conformists (those prefering a freedom of religion and staying outside the Church of England) to be buried here. In 1854, after 120 000 interments, the place is full and closes. In 1867, it is finally considered a “green space”.

The dissidents’ graves are lovingly lined up, sitting under the tree branches and time seems suspended. Stroll through -  you’ll find William Blake (ask Sean of the Unseen Tour why there often are copper coins on the stone!)  and Daniel Defoe (author or Robinson Crusoe).

Other cemeteries to be seen: Brompton and Highgate (east and west)

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