Highgate Cemetery 2025

Todays video takes me to North London's Highgate Cemetery, one of the earliest private garden cemeteries in England.
Founded in 1839 by the London Cemetery Company, the West side was the first to open. It was, and always remains, the most prestigious. Here are the impressive features such as the Egyptian Avenue, Lebanon Circle and Terrace Catacombs.
The East side was opened in 1860 due to demand. To maximise space, it does not feature the dramatic layout or imposing buildings of the West side.
Graves were originally sold in perpetuity - for ever. So, inevitably, the cemetery became unprofitable as space ran out. It became neglected and overgrown. Nature was left to destroy the memorials and the company that had set up the cemetery collapsed in financial scandal. There was no money left and no one to look after the site.
Rescued by a charity, The Friends Of Highgate Cemetery Trust, it is now run for public benefit, not for profit.

Although Hammer Productions supposedly had an exclusive 25 year contract to us the cemetery, only two films are listed as having been filmed there. "Taste The Blood Of Dracula" (1970) and "Frankenstein And The Monster From Hell" (1974). Amicus Productions shot scenes there for "From Beyond The Grave" (1974) and "Tales From The Crypt" (1972). Other productions that also used the cemetery are: "The Abominable Dr. Phibes" (1971), "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindlewald" (2018) and "Dorian Gray" (2009).

The West side of the cemetery, has, as well as those shown in the video, an impressive assortment of residents. Charles Cruft, founder of the famous dog show, although according to his wife, he actually preferred cats. Frederick Lillywhite, Cricketer who introduced round arm bowling. Edward Blore, Architect, who was best known for his work on the facade of Buckingham Palace. Philip Harben, Cookery writer and first celebrity tv chef to name just a few, while the East side has Sir Albert Barratt, Director of Barratt & Co confectioners. Sally Beauman, Writer. William Clifford, Mathematician and philosopher who introduced geometric algebra. Jonathan Miller, Theatre and opera director, presenter, writer and doctor. Anthony Shaffer, Writer famous for Sleuth (1970). William Foyle, who with brother Gilbert, founded the famous bookshop.