Britain's Most Prestigious Cemetery
History
The General Cemetery of All Souls, Kensal Green, is one of England's oldest and most beautiful public burial grounds, and certainly its most prestigious.
One of the world's first garden cemeteries, and doyen of London's Magnificent Seven, Kensal Green received its first funeral in January 1833, and still conducts burials and cremations daily.
The cemetery was innovative in having most of the site consecrated by the Church of England, but reserving the eastern spur for Dissenters and others to practise their own rites. Today, people of many faiths and denominations are buried throughout the cemetery. Uniquely among British cemeteries, Kensal Green has been managed by the same private joint-stock company since its inception: the General Cemetery Company, (est. 1830) still has its offices by the Main Gate.
The cemetery now covers some 72 acres (29 hectares) between the Grand Union Canal and Harrow Road in west London, and is open to visitors every day of the year.
Visiting
The Top Gate (just to the west of Kensal Green Underground Station) admits both cars and pedestrians during regular opening hours. This gate also leads to the independent Roman Catholic cemetery of St. Mary.
The Main Gate, to the east near the junction with Ladbroke Grove, is for pedestrians only, and generally closes an hour before the Top Gate.
The Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery run regular Sunday tours - read more
The Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery also run regular events - read more
Latest News
Canalside Development News
Keep up to date with the proposed Canalside Development here
Next Event: The History of Kensal Green Cemetery and its Mausolea
Date: 18:30 19-May-22
Henry, who still conducts many tours of the cemetery, will lead us through its history and development with particular emphasis on the large number of mausolea, buildings which are still being constructed to this day.
Henry Vivian-Neal is an author and historian who has written and co-authored a number of books and publications about Kensal Green Cemetery, the most recent of which in 2019 was Their Exits: Encore (Together with co-author, Alexander Bisset). He also published in 2017 (with James Stevens Curl) The Architecture of Kensal Green Cemetery.
Friends visits to Kensal Green Cemetery and Willesden Jewish Cemetery
The Friends supporter groups of Kensal Green Cemetery and WIllesden Jewish Cemetery have arranged visits to both cemeteries to share stories and explore the similarities and differences between the two. These visits are on 5th and 24th July and are open to all members of both groups free of charge. The booking code will shortly be sent to all members, or use the contact form to request the code.
Membership Renewals
Most memberships are due for renewal on 31st December, so if you have not yet renewed and wish to renew online, you can use this link
New publication
We are pleased to announce the release of our latest publication. Written by Head Guide and historian of Kensal Green Cemetery, Henry Vivian-Neal, "St Helena at Kensal Green Cemetery" is a guide to the connections between the former Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and the island of St Helena at Kensal Green Cemetery in London.
£7.50 inc p&p - Purchase now
Volunteers needed
We would welcome new trustees who can assist us in promoting the cemetery and helping our work. We have two specific vacancies at present but if you can offer us other assistance, we would love to hear from you.
