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 reorganisation 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 centre 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
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