Opened in 1853 Hanwell Cemetery now occupies some 23 acres which contains over 100,000 interments. Originally called City of Westminster Cemetery this cemetery was owned and managed by the original City of Westminster before local government reorganization in 1965. In the 1990's the cemetery was re-named after further local authority re-structuring saw the acquirement of two other cemeteries.
 
Upon our visit we were pleasantly surprised by the obvious care and attention which is lavished on the cemetery. The front which leads up to the Chapels in the center has some very impressive monuments and mausoleums and in places reminds me of Kensal Green. The larger part to the rear of the Chapels has less imposing monuments but also contains what appears to be a part submerged catacomb. The above ground section of the structure now looks as if it's used for the storage of maintenance equipment, like so many other catacombs maybe it was never very popular and the take up was slow.
 
Famous names/memorials of special interest:
 
Freddie Frinton. 1916 – 1968 Comedian
 
Sir John Ackerman K.C.M.G. 1825 – 1905. Mayor of Pietermaritzsburg
 
Richard Bullen Newton. 1854 – 1926 Paleontologist at the British Museum.
 
Col. Sir David Semple. 1856 – 1937 First Director of Research India. Founder of the Pasteur Institute at Kasauli India.
 
Sir John Hunt O.B.E. First Town Clerk of the City of Westminster 1900 - 1928

Hanwell Cemetery
38 Uxbridge Road
Ealing
London
W7 3PP