Woking Borough Council has approved plans that will support the ongoing conservation of Brookwood Cemetery and encourage visitors to explore this globally significant heritage site.
The Masterplan and Experience Plan approved at Full Council (30 July 2020) set out a number of broad policies by which the site will be managed and developed in the future. They support a vision of a sustainable working cemetery leading the way in heritage conservation which other sites will look to.
The plans focus on enhancing the cemetery’s unique characteristics such as the railway line that serviced the cemetery up until its London terminus was bombed during the Blitz; the substantial collection of Giant Redwoods thought to be the earliest and grandest in the country; and the cemetery’s historic ‘Ring’ with its high quality Victorian monuments, many of which are Grade I listed.
New visitor facilities including a café, walking trail, education centre and the provocatively titled, ‘Museum of Death’ are among the plans to attract new audiences and promote greater use of this largely hidden public asset.
Ensuring the experience of visiting Brookwood remains that of visiting a cemetery, new information points and zoning will make the site’s historical and ecological landscapes easier to navigate and explore.
Cllr Graham Cundy, Woking Borough Council’s Lead Member for Brookwood Cemetery, said: “We now have a set of plans that will help us take the cemetery forward over the next ten to twenty years. “First and foremost, the cemetery’s main function is, and always will be, to provide a dignified and respectful resting place for Woking’s deceased, of all faiths and none. As stated in the Masterplan, all future development must sustain and support this objective.
“The Experience Plan is a much about inspiring residents to explore and appreciate the cemetery as it is about attracting new audiences from further afield. An expanded programme of events, tours, exhibitions and workshops will bring to life the themes and cultural wonders within the cemetery, while highlighting the different aspects that make Brookwood a heritage site with immense local, national and global significance.”
Brookwood Cemetery was founded mid-nineteenth century after a cholera epidemic (1848-49) exacerbated the problem of overcrowding across London’s cemeteries. Built by the London Necropolis and National Mausoleum Company (LNNMC) on 2,268 acres of heathland purchased from Lord Onslow, Brookwood was reputed to be the largest cemetery in Europe and the pinnacle of Victorian garden cemetery design.
Cllr Ayesha Azad, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Asset Management, said:
“The Council acquired Brookwood Cemetery for the people of Woking. Over time the site has become dissected and lost from public view both physically and metaphorically. We intend to change that and detailed within the plans is a cemetery that is seen as community asset, which supports both physical and emotional wellbeing and provides opportunities for learning and shared cultural experiences.
This week (Wednesday 1 July), The Earl of Wessex received a private tour of Brookwood Cemetery, one of the largest and culturally significant burial sites in the country.
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His Royal Highness was greeted by Strategic Asset Manager Ian Tomes who gave a presentation on the history of the grade 1 listed park and garden near Woking, and took The Earl with the High Sheriff, Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and the cemetery manager on a tour of the site. His Royal Highness met all members of the cemetery staff who have worked throughout the Covid 19 crisis to provide an important service for the bereaved and their relatives.The Earl was shown the route of the old railway line and south station platforms by which coffin trains brought bodies into the cemetery and from there His Royal Highness was taken to St Edward the Martyr Orthodox Church, which contains the relics of Edward II, the young Saxon King slain at Corfe Castle in 978.
Cemetery Manager, Avril Kirby, said:
“Brookwood Cemetery was founded in 1852 to house London’s dead and was uniquely serviced by its own railway. The Earl was escorted to the South of the cemetery to see historic monuments including the life size marble statue of Elaine Maynard Falkiner (d.1900), first wife of Sir Leslie Falkiner; the plot where Lord Nelson’s granddaughter, Horatia Nelson Johnson (d. 1890), is buried; and the striking memorial of Giulio Salvati (d.1898), the Venetian glass and mosaic merchant whose commissions adorn the domes of St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey.
One of the listed memorials in the cemetery marks the grave of Dr Gottlieb William Leitner (d.1899), who was responsible for making Woking a major centre for Islam. He was a noted linguist and founder of the Oriental Institute Europe on the site of the vacant Royal Dramatic Collage near Woking. Today this site is better known as the home of the Shah Jahan Mosque, Britain’s first purpose-built Islamic place of worship.
In more modern times, decades of neglect saw Brookwood Cemetery placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register so in 2014, Woking Borough Council stepped in and acquired the site with a view to restoring the cemetery to its former glory.
Cllr Ayesha Azad, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Asset Management, said:
“There was a danger that the rich history and architectural wonders within the cemetery would be lost forever but since acquiring the site we’ve been working to turn that around“Brookwood has the potential to be a jewel in Woking’s crown and The Earl’s visit was an opportunity for the cemetery team to talk to him about our extensive renovation and conservation plans, which include a new visitor centre and enhanced access to this vast outdoor space.”
His Royal Highness was shown inside the largest mausoleum in the cemetery, commissioned in 1877 by George Henry, the 5th Earl Cadogan for the burial of his eldest son, Albert Edward George Henry Cadogan, the Viscount of Chelsea. In 1910 it was converted in to a columbarium by its new owners for the storing of ashes. The Grade II listed structure is one of 15 monuments earmarked for renovation if the cemetery’s ambitious conservation plans are approved.
Due to its huge scale and capacity, Brookwood continues to be a favoured resting place. During his visit, The Earl had the opportunity to talk to members of the Surrey Local Response Forum responsible for managing the excess deaths caused by Coronavirus. Via Zoom, His Royal Highness listened to the challenges faced by the county’s coroner, funeral directors, mortuary, and crematoria staff, and conversed with different faith leaders about their experiences during this time.
Before concluding his tour, The Earl thanked all participants for their important role in preserving the dignity and respect of those who have lost their lives during the pandemic and praised the support given to the bereaved and an exceptionally difficult time.
A lost Victorian chapel, discovered in the undergrowth at Brookwood Cemetery, has been fully restored by Woking Borough Council. The exquisitely sculpted, Gothic style chapel, built almost entirely from Bath stone, has been sympathetically restored over the past five months using original materials and specialists’ tradespeople.
Built in 1858, the cemetery chapel was adopted by the Colquhoun’s as their family mausoleum. It was restored in 1924 by Violette Freeman in memory of Eliza Colquhoun Redhouse but subsequently left to disappear behind a thick wall of shrubs and rhododendrons.
The council acquired Brookwood Cemetery in 2014 but the chapel remained cocooned in the dense undergrowth for a further two years.
Woking Borough Council’s Strategic Asset Manager, Ian Tomes, explains:
“Brookwood Cemetery is the largest cemetery in the country and of great historical value. When the council bought the 220 acre site in 2014, it was with a view to restoring this Grade 1 listed park and garden to its former glory. “It was through reviewing historical images of the cemetery that we learnt of the existence of the chapel and set about trying to locate it.”
After a concerted effort, the chapel was found in the back woods, in a poor state of repair. The entrance had been crudely blocked up, the floor of the crypt had fallen in and the wrought iron perimeter fencing had either collapsed or rotted. Nonetheless, the chapel’s beauty and character was still evident.
With support from a specialist conservation surveyor and building company, restoration work started in April 2019. Ten coffins were removed from the chapel and placed in storage while the crypt was rebuilt. Major repairs were made to the roof which included replacing the finials and other decorative features that were carved on site by experienced stonemasons. Internally the chapel was re-plastered, and all the iron fixtures and railings were restored in wrought iron by a blacksmith. The stonework and marble cladding was cleaned, and pathways built to give access to the chapel.
Ian Tomes continued:
“In four years, we have transformed the cemetery and hope to restore many of the memorials and structures on site. Colquhoun Chapel is among the first because it is one of the more beautiful buildings in the cemetery, and one of the oldest. What makes it even more special is the fact that it was a lost building, that hadn’t been seen by anyone for a number of years. There’s a wealth of history within the cemetery walls, which we’re trying to make people more aware of while at the same time, making this fantastic space more accessible to the public.”
Brookwood Cemetery was founded in 1852 to house London’s dead and was uniquely serviced by its own railway. In the early 20th Century, part of the site was sold to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to accommodate the graves of the Commonwealth victims of the First World War. A separate area was also allocated to the American Battle Monuments Commission for American victims.
Twelve Victoria Cross recipients rest within the confines of the cemetery and a further three are commemorated on site.
The cemetery’s immense scale, landscaping, woodland areas and popularity among different denominations, faiths, nationalities, and groups only heighten the site’s historical, cultural, social and nature significance.
“Decades of neglect earned Brookwood Cemetery a place on Historic England’s ‘At Risk Register’ but since acquiring the site we’ve been working to turn that around. “The restoration of Colquhoun Chapel is exciting because it shows what can be achieved and it is now a shining example of the rich history and architectural wonders within the cemetery.
“Brookwood was one of the premier cemeteries in the country and has the potential to be a jewel in Woking’s crown. It’s an important part of our story so it’s down to us to help people understand its value and look after it for future generations.
Built in 1858, the gothic revival style Mausoleum stands in the backwoods of Brookwood Cemetery, Plot 57 and was originally built as a cemetery mortuary chapel. The architect was John Johnson and the sculptural decoration was carried out by W Boulton.
The Mortuary Chapel is built entirely of bath stone; the roof is of stone, carried on arches. Internally the sides are divided into compartments by slate slabs for coffins. The structure includes fantastically fine carved figures of knights in armour on the exterior gable ends. The chapel was adopted by the Colquhoun’s as their family mausoleum before it was completed in 1858. The structure was last restored in 1924 by Violette Freeman in memory of Eliza Colquhoun Redhouse.
For years the Chapel remained cocooned within a wealth of overgrowth and was uncovered in 2016 to expose its splendid character.
The chapel was used for filming an episode of ITV’s Endeavour in November 2017. The crude blockage to the entrance of the chapel was removed, the original doors re-hung, and a temporary false floor installed where the concrete flooring had given way to the crypt.
As considered one of Brookwood Cemetery’s “Jewel in the Crown” a programme of works have been approved for restoration. The Chapel has been inspected and a schedule of repairs and refurbishment work has been provided by Priory Heritage Ltd and we have appointed a specialist company, Sally Strachey Historic Conservation, to carry out these works. The work is very much of a specialist nature and will include masonry repairs, internal works, drainage to the crypt and a pathway from the main roadside.
The intention is that upon completion, the Chapel will be brought back to its former beauty and be appreciated by visitors for many years to come.
Please Note. The roadway at the end of St Marks Avenue will be closed to parking during the period of works.
One of the largest cemeteries in the country has received ‘Gold’ recognition for its high industry standards and good practice at the prestigious National Cemetery of the Year Awards
Brookwood Cemetery won the 2018 Gold award in the Large Cemetery category at the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management Learning Convention and Exhibition at the Oxford Belfry Hotel, last week (Tuesday 2 October 2018)
Brookwood Cemetery is one of the most significant heritage assets in the Borough and it is considered by Historic England as a site of national significance, being a Grade 1 listed park and garden.
The Cemetery was opened in 1854 by the London Necropolis and National Mausoleum Company to house London’s dead. In the early 20th Century, part of the site was sold to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to accommodate the graves of the Commonwealth victims of the First World War, as well as a separate area allocated to the American Battle Monuments Commission for American victims.
Philip Potts of the Memorial Awareness Board, who have been promoting and organising the Cemetery of the Year Awards for nearly 20 years, said: “The awards are an excellent opportunity to reward hard-working staff and demonstrate the central role cemeteries and church yards can play in the community. They provide places of peaceful contemplation and beauty, as well as their historical, social and ecological importance.
‘The team at Brookwood Cemetery performed exceptionally throughout the extensive judging period which is focused on industry standards, good practice and freedom of choice.”
Ian Tomes, Woking Borough Council’s Strategic Asset Manager, who oversees the cemetery, said: “This award is such a wonderful pat on the back for Avril Kirby and her team at Brookwood Cemetery. It acknowledges that they go above and beyond to try and provide a reliable, friendly and quality service.
“It is also recognition for the huge amount of work and investment that has gone into cemetery over than past four years, which is transforming the site and restoring it to its former glory.”
Cllr Ayesha Azad, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Asset Management, added: “I would like congratulate Avril and her team on their success at the National Cemetery of the Year Awards.
“We consider Brookwood Cemetery to be a vitally important part of our heritage and its future. Receiving this national award validates the work and investment we have made and continue to do so.
“We are committed to ensuring that the cemetery continues to be a unique and special location for those seeking a final resting place for their loved ones, as well as retaining its status as a site of national importance.’
Since acquiring Brookwood Cemetery in December 2014, the Council has implemented an extensive programme of restoration. Works have included removing vegetation that has returned previously overgrown areas of the cemetery to use, building a new mausoleum and creating a landscaped Garden of Remembrance and an additional 100 burial plots featuring carefully selected trees and shrubs, including a specimen Cedar of Lebanon, that reflects the historic nature of the Grade 1 listed cemetery. The cemetery lake has also been rebuilt and extensive improvements made to the office and public facilities. Currently works are ongoing to replace sections of the historic perimeter wall.
For more information about Brookwood Cemetery, and the services available, please call 01483 472222, email info@brookwoodcemetery.com or visit www.brookwoodcemetery.com
A lost Victorian chapel, discovered in the undergrowth at Brookwood Cemetery, has been fully restored by Woking Borough Council. The exquisitely sculpted, Gothic style chapel, built almost entirely from Bath stone, has been sympathetically restored over the past five months using original materials and specialists’ tradespeople.
With support from a specialist conservation surveyor and building company, restoration work started in April 2019. Ten coffins were removed from the chapel and placed in storage while the crypt was rebuilt. Major repairs were made to the roof which included replacing the finials and other decorative features that were carved on site by experienced stonemasons. Internally the chapel was re-plastered, and all the iron fixtures and railings were restored in wrought iron by a blacksmith. The stonework and marble cladding was cleaned, and pathways built to give access to the chapel.
The Mortuary Chapel is built entirely of bath stone; the roof is of stone, carried on arches. Internally the sides are divided into compartments by slate slabs for coffins. The structure includes fantastically fine carved figures of knights in armour on the exterior gable ends. The chapel was adopted by the Colquhoun’s as their family mausoleum before it was completed in 1858. The structure was last restored in 1924 by Violette Freeman in memory of Eliza Colquhoun Redhouse.
One of the largest cemeteries in the country has received ‘Gold’ recognition for its high industry standards and good practice at the prestigious National Cemetery of the Year Awards