The Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust - 0208 340 1834

Highgate Cemetery

*PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE FOR HIGHGATE CEMETERY LTD AND THE FRIENDS OF HIGHGATE CEMETERY TRUST*

*Please be aware that as Highgate Cemetery is a working Cemetery, it will close for funerals on occasion.*

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CEMETERY AND THE FRIENDS

When burial conditions in London became intolerable in the early nineteenth century, Parliament authorised the creation of 7 private cemeteries around central London. The only one in the North, Highgate, opened in 1839 (West Cemetery) and was extended in 1854 (East Cemetery).

After years of decline and neglect, the West Cemetery was closed in 1975, leaving dilapidated building, a choked landscape and, perhaps most sadly, grave owners locked out.

Concerned members of the local community formed The Friends of Highgate Cemetery, reopened the gates for grave owners and started to tackle the unwanted vegetation that was threatening graves and restricting access.
By 1981, the Friends had won the freehold of the cemetery. With the support of English Heritage, The Manpower Services Commission, The British Trust of Conservation Volunteers—and, in particular, the commitment of subscribing Friends and the voluntary work of many of them, real progress began.
Over the past 30+ years, the major buildings and a number of memorials have been conserved or restored and the landscape has been considerably improved. The cemetery has been awarded Europa Nostra recognition for its conservation work (1998) and Grade 1 listing by English Heritage (2009).
Highgate is once again a successful working cemetery, whose beauty, romance and unique history attracts visitors from all over the world - thanks to its Friends.

We hope you’ll decide to join us and become part of the continuing story.

For further information on Highgate Cemetery and the Friends please visit our website but if you are interested in visiting the Cemetery please read the following information.

OPENING AND TOUR TIMES

East Cemetery opening times

British Summer time Monday to Friday - 10am to 5pm (last admission 4.30)
British Winter time Monday to Friday - 10am to 4pm (last admission 3.30)
British Summer time - Weekends - 11am to 5pm (last admission 4.30)
British Winter time - Weekends - 11am to 4pm (last admission 3.30)

Admission is £3 for adult and £2 for students with a valid card.

West Cemetery Tours

WEEKDAYS
One tour a day, Monday to Friday, leaving between 1.45 and 2pm. Booking by telephone is ESSENTIAL and we advise at least one week in advance. Please note there are NO WEEKDAY TOURS from 1 December until 28 February inclusive.

WEEKENDS
TOURS HOURLY at the weekends, leaving on the hour from 11am until 4pm British Summer time and until 3pm British Winter time.

Tags: Cemetery,Landmark & Historical Place,Charity Organization