Cemetery Archives: New Southgate Cemetery

New Southgate is a big old Victorian cemetery, but if you go there expecting acres of angels and other sumptuous nineteenth century monuments, you're going to be disappointed: Victoriana is a bit lacking. But there's plenty more to see.

Perhaps the most unusual monument in the cemetery is the eagle-topped pillar for Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith, who died on a visit to London in 1957. He was buried in London as his religion required that burial be not further than one hour's journey from the place of death. Many Bahá'í are also buried in this part of the cemetery.

Elsewhere, the many cultures of this part of north London are well-represented at Southgate, with Afro-Caribbean, Greek Orthodox, Jewish and Roman Catholic sections. The interest here is in the variety and vivacity of the memorials left to the dead.

Visiting: Arnos Grove tube or New Southgate rail stations, and then bus 382, which stops outside the main gate.