I am planning to visit Tower Hamlets Cemetery in London this spring.
Several years ago, a forum member commented that they did not think it was a safe area for someone who looked like a tourist to venture alone.
I'm looking for more opinions on this. I am traveling alone, and I have been to all of the other Magnificent Seven cemeteries on my own. Frankly, I do most everything on my own when I'm traveling. I'm 61 years old and female.
Please weigh in and let me know what you think.
Go for it! You'll be fine. It's no different to other places you've visited cemeteries in. Bow / Mile End are just regular working class neighbourhoods. There's a ton of history to discover in the surrounding area if you care to read up before you go. Hopefully you can make it to Abney Park this time too without the transport troubles.
Bearing in mind one of the monuments you will see in the Cemetery (that to the over 500 Barnardo's children buried there in unmarked graves) a visit to the nearby Ragged School Museum may be a suitable add on. A bit of the history of the East End.
As an aside Dr Barnardo's (plus other similar charities and workhouses) emigrated large numbers of children to Canada (and other Commonwealth countries) to give them a new start. It is a whole very complex subject in itself with many opinions regarding the rights and wrongs of the programme, but the intentions were totally genuine- to give the children a new and better start in life, in their best interests. The emigration was not always with the consent of the families, which is where it sometimes gets difficult.
Definitely go visit this beautiful historic cemetery! I would not consider this area unsafe at all. You're also close to Mile End Park and Victoria Park. If of interest, you can also visit the Ragged School Museum to learn more about schools for the poor in the area during Victorian times.
I would just caveat to visit this cemetery during the day as it has a reputation as being a place that people meet up in the evenings (putting that as delicately as I can).
Piling on. It’s wonderful! I am a huge cemetery geek and I love it. I’m almost your age, fat, have creaky knees, and never once felt unsafe during the several visits I made when we were living in Tower Hamlets. My only caveat is the same as the one Cat VH made. ;-) bow chicka wow wow!
Thanks to you all!
The only places I go at night in London is Trafalgar Square or the West End (for theater).
Thanks also for the recommendation for the museum.
I was in Victoria Park last in 1984. It was for a concert sponsored by the Greater London Council. I remember walking with my friends from St. John's Wood to the London Zoo and onward to the park.
GerryM--I did make it to Abney Park with the help of a cab, in 2023. Last year it was West Norwood. Tower Hamlets is my last. If I go next year, I want to visit Brookwood.
P.S. CatVH, what just popped into my head was "Wink wink, nudge nudge, know what I mean?" LOL
I did make it to Abney Park with the help of a cab, in 2023
Ah yes! I remember a lot of rain and bus trouble at one point.
I didn't know about night time goings on at the cemetery. You know what they say though, a stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet. :)
By the way, because Tower Hamlets Cemetery is the only one of the seven to be closed to new burials, it has technically been renamed.
For accuracy, in war memorial archiving purposes, I have used the mouthful of 'Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park (formerly The City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery)' but just the first 4 words do in everyday use!
If you enjoy cemeteries, I would highly recommend visiting Arnos Vale in Bristol which is another great Victorian cemetery. It was neglected for many years and is now partly restored, partly left to nature. It’s very atmospheric.
Helen, thanks for the recommendation. I'll put it on my list.
