London: Hidden Places Worth Visiting
When you consider the fact that the metropolis of Greater London is the largest in Europe and that it covers an area in excess of 1600 sq km you will not be too surprised to learn of the multitude of world famous tourist attractions that are to be found there. Amongst the most widely known landmarks and tourist attractions are the relatively new London Eye and London Zoo and the many historical buildings such as Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. However London has much more to offer than first meets the eye and, with a little investigation, you will be able to uncover a number of fascinating hidden places well worth visiting if you are in the city.
One of the most incredible places in London to visit that is not too widely known is the eerie Highgate Cemetery. The cemetery would fit the bill perfectly as a location for the shooting of a Hollywood gothic horror story with it’s Victorian splendor now aged beautifully and rather overgrown. Covering an area of around 37 acres Highgate Cemetery has a number of noteworthy graves with amazing obelisks, vaults, mausoleums and catacombs. Amongst the most famous grave monuments is that of Karl Marx.
Karl Marx, the “Father of Communism”, had moved to London in 1849 and lived there until he died in 1883. Originally he had been buried in a rather ordinary family grave but the Communist Party of Great Britain felt something more monumental was required for such an incredibly influential person and they commissioned the creation of a fine bust of Marx which was put in place in 1954. Unfortunately the change was not met with universal delight as expected as many felt that it went against his teaching and, in 1970, there was an actual attempt to destroy it by blowing it up.
The grave of Karl Marx is not the only celebrity grave to be found at Highgate Cemetery as there are many other famous folk from the past buried there. Included in the long list of famous graves are those of Tom Sayers, Sir Leslie Stephen, Dr S.Birch, John Lobb, Christina Rossetti, J. W. Cross, C. H. Newton, George Eliot and many, many more. You will also find the family of Charles Dickens at Highgate along with the graves of 6 Lord Mayors of London.
Due to the rapid increases in the population of London during the Victorian period the disposal of the dead became something of a problem. In response seven cemeteries were created which are known as the “Magnificent Seven” due to their typical Victorian design and over indulgence which can be seen in the many public buildings which remain today. Of the seven graveyards the one at Highgate is the most decorated and it is considered the finest.
To meet the demands of the successful Victorians Highgate had their mausoleums built together in a most amazing fashion. The entrance to the Egyptian Avenue is one of the most spectacular. The avenue itself has mausoleums on either side and it leads on to the famous group of mausoleums known as the “Circle of Lebanon” which is one of the most photographed parts of the cemetery.
Although there are many people who tend to the cemetery much of the character has been allowed to remain and many areas are rather overgrown. This adds to the excitement of discovering the different statues and monuments. There is something really special about peering through creeping vines to find a splendid weeping angel, life sized animals or, in the case of the grave of James Selby, something altogether more spectacular.
I have purposely been rather vague in some of the descriptions as I would not like to spoil the experience. It really is thrilling to discover something wonderful about stumbling upon something outstanding of which you were totally unaware. Of all the places to visit in London I strongly suggest that you make the effort to visit Highgate Cemetery. Even though it is not one of the top London tourist attractions it does get rather busy but to understand fully why you will have to visit it yourself.
