Golders Green Crematorium and Mausoleum was the first crematorium to be opened in
London, and one of the oldest
crematoria in Britain.[1][2] The land for the crematorium was purchased in 1900, costing £6,000 (the equivalent of £135,987 in 2021), and the crematorium was opened in 1902 by
Sir Henry Thompson.[2]
Golders Green Crematorium, as it is usually called, is in Hoop Lane, off
Finchley Road,
Golders Green, London NW11, ten minutes' walk from
Golders Green Underground station. It is directly opposite the
Golders Green Jewish Cemetery (Golders Green is an area with a large Jewish population). The crematorium is
secular, accepts all faiths and non-believers; clients may arrange their own type of service or remembrance event and choose whatever music they wish.[1][3][4]
Cremation was not legal in Great Britain until 1885. The
first crematorium was built in
Woking and it was successful. At that time cremation was championed by the
Cremation Society of Great Britain.[5] This society was governed by a council, at that time led by Sir Henry Thompson (president and founding member). There is a bust to his memory in the West Chapel of Golders Green Crematorium. Out of this Society was formed the London Cremation Company (which has its offices on the premises), who desired to build a crematorium within easy reach of London.
The crematorium in Golders Green was designed by the architect Sir
Ernest George and his partner Alfred Yeates.[6] The gardens were laid out by
William Robinson.[2] The crematorium is a red brick building in
Lombardic style and was built in stages, as money became available.[2][6] The crematorium opened in 1902 and was built in four phases (1901–1910, 1910–1911, 1912–1916, 1926–1928).[7] By 1939, the site was largely completed, although since then some buildings have been added. Since November 1902 more than 323,500 cremations have taken place at Golders Green Crematorium, far more than any other British crematorium. It is estimated that the crematorium now averages around 2,000 cremations a year. The funerals of many prominent people have taken place there over the last century.
Ironically, the ashes of the first person cremated at Woking,
Mrs Jeanette Pickersgill (died 21 April 1885), widow of artist
Henry William Pickersgill, were removed from Woking to the East Columbarium at Golders Green, according to Woking's cremation records.
The chimney of the crematorium is located within the tower and the building is in an
Italianate style.[1] The 12 acres (4.9 ha) of gardens are extensively planted, and produce a beautiful and tranquil environment for visitors. There are several large tombs, two ponds and bridge, and a large
crocus lawn. Another notable feature is a special children's section, which includes a swinging bench. There is also a 'communist corner' with memorials to notables of the
Communist Party of Great Britain. There are two cremation chapels and a Chapel of Memory. There are also three
columbaria containing the ashes of thousands of Londoners and residents of neighbouring counties.
There have been 14 holders of the
Victoria Cross cremated here,[8] and there are locations and memorials for many other military personnel of all ranks, and from many countries. Largest among them is the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission memorial, commemorating 496 British and Commonwealth military casualties of both World Wars who were cremated here. Designed by Sir
Edward Maufe, it was unveiled in 1952. Built in
Portland stone with names listed on three bronze panels, it stands at head of an ornamental pond at the western end of the memorial cloister.[9]
At Christmas, a
Christmas tree is erected in the field in front of the main buildings. Although the crematorium is secular, a
nativity scene is also placed near the Chapel of Memory.
A map of the Garden of Rest and some information on persons cremated here is available from the office. Staff are available to help in finding a specific location. This service is £10 per request. The columbaria can be visited. There is also a tearoom.[6]
David Gest, Music producer, Comedian and Television personality. Funeral service held at Golders Green Crematorium on 29 April 2016,[78] His ashes were scattered in
York.[79]
Richard Hillary, Anglo-Australian RAF fighter ace, ashes scattered over English Channel. He is listed on Commonwealth War Graves Commission cremation memorial.[83][84]
Professor Louis Hoffmann (Angelo John Lewis), author of "
Modern Magic" (1876) and other books on magic, games, amusements and puzzles. Funeral service and cremation took place at Golders Green on 29 December 1919, location of ashes unknown.
Admiral of the Fleet Sir
Dudley Pound, ashes, with those of his wife, scattered at sea; commemorated on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cremation memorial here.[107]
Sophia Duleep Singh (1876–1948) Indian princess and suffragette, daughter of the last Maharaja of the Punjab. Cremated here, ashes scattered in the Punjab.[115]
Vivian Stanshall, founding member of the
Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, artist, poet and broadcaster. His ashes are in the possession of his wife and daughter. A memorial plaque is in the crematorium's Poets' Corner, unveiled on 13 December 2015.[118]
Szmul Zygielbojm, Polish-Jewish political activist who committed suicide in London, in 1943, as a protest against international indifference towards
the Holocaust. His ashes were transferred to
New York in 1961 by fellow members of the Bund Jewish Organization.[126]
^Wilson, Scott. Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.: 2 (Kindle Locations 508-509). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Kindle Edition.
^Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More than 14000 Famous Persons, Scott Wilson
^Pepys-Whiteley, D.
"Courtneidge, Dame (Esmerelda) Cicely (1893–1980)", Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edition, January 2011, accessed 8 August 2011 (subscription required)
^
abYounger, Coralie (2003). "Molly Fink". Wicked women of the Raj. Harper Collins. pp. 115–137.
ISBN978-8172234546.
^Eric T. Pengelley, Daphne M. Pengelley. A Traveler's Guide to the History of Biology and Medicine. Davis, Calif.: Trevor Hill Press, 1986, p. 86.
^Hal Moggridge: Jellicoe. In: H. C. G. Matthew, Brian Harrison (ed.): Oxford dictionary of national biography. From the earliest times to the year 2000. Vol. 29. Oxford University Press, Oxford/New York 2004,
ISBN0198613792, pp. 921–924.
^Curran, Paul (2014). Dear Yootha...: The Life of Yootha Joyce. Mossy Books.
ISBN978-1494911645.
^Morgan, Kevin (1994).
Harry Pollitt. Manchester University Press. p. 183.
ISBN978-0719032479.
Archived from the original on 3 October 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
^Wilson, Scott. Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.: 2 (Kindle Location 22231). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Kindle Edition
^The Complete Peerage, Volume XIII, Peerage Creations 1901–1938. St Catherine's Press. 1949. p. 182.
^Wilson, Scott. Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.: 2 (Kindle Locations 23458–23459). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Kindle Edition.
^"The Profession Mourns". Melody Maker. 15 March 1941. p. 1.
^Francis, Peter (2013). Shropshire War Memorials, Sites of Remembrance. YouCaxton Publications. p. 61.
ISBN978-1909644113.
Beach, Darren (2011). London's Cemeteries (2nd ed.). London: Metro.
ISBN978-1902910406.
Grainger, Hilary J. (2000). "Golders Green Crematorium and the Architectural Expression of Cremation". Mortality. 5 (1): 53–73.
doi:
10.1080/713685990.
S2CID143690122.
Jupp, Peter C.; Grainger, Hilary J., eds. (2002). Golders Green Crematorium, 1902–2002: A London Centenary in Context. London: London Cremation Company.
ISBN978-0954352905.
Meller, Hugh; Parsons, Brian (2008). London Cemeteries: An Illustrated Guide & Gazetteer (5th ed.). Stroud: The History Press.
ISBN978-0752461830.
Golders Green Crematorium and Mausoleum was the first crematorium to be opened in
London, and one of the oldest
crematoria in Britain.[1][2] The land for the crematorium was purchased in 1900, costing £6,000 (the equivalent of £135,987 in 2021), and the crematorium was opened in 1902 by
Sir Henry Thompson.[2]
Golders Green Crematorium, as it is usually called, is in Hoop Lane, off
Finchley Road,
Golders Green, London NW11, ten minutes' walk from
Golders Green Underground station. It is directly opposite the
Golders Green Jewish Cemetery (Golders Green is an area with a large Jewish population). The crematorium is
secular, accepts all faiths and non-believers; clients may arrange their own type of service or remembrance event and choose whatever music they wish.[1][3][4]
Cremation was not legal in Great Britain until 1885. The
first crematorium was built in
Woking and it was successful. At that time cremation was championed by the
Cremation Society of Great Britain.[5] This society was governed by a council, at that time led by Sir Henry Thompson (president and founding member). There is a bust to his memory in the West Chapel of Golders Green Crematorium. Out of this Society was formed the London Cremation Company (which has its offices on the premises), who desired to build a crematorium within easy reach of London.
The crematorium in Golders Green was designed by the architect Sir
Ernest George and his partner Alfred Yeates.[6] The gardens were laid out by
William Robinson.[2] The crematorium is a red brick building in
Lombardic style and was built in stages, as money became available.[2][6] The crematorium opened in 1902 and was built in four phases (1901–1910, 1910–1911, 1912–1916, 1926–1928).[7] By 1939, the site was largely completed, although since then some buildings have been added. Since November 1902 more than 323,500 cremations have taken place at Golders Green Crematorium, far more than any other British crematorium. It is estimated that the crematorium now averages around 2,000 cremations a year. The funerals of many prominent people have taken place there over the last century.
Ironically, the ashes of the first person cremated at Woking,
Mrs Jeanette Pickersgill (died 21 April 1885), widow of artist
Henry William Pickersgill, were removed from Woking to the East Columbarium at Golders Green, according to Woking's cremation records.
The chimney of the crematorium is located within the tower and the building is in an
Italianate style.[1] The 12 acres (4.9 ha) of gardens are extensively planted, and produce a beautiful and tranquil environment for visitors. There are several large tombs, two ponds and bridge, and a large
crocus lawn. Another notable feature is a special children's section, which includes a swinging bench. There is also a 'communist corner' with memorials to notables of the
Communist Party of Great Britain. There are two cremation chapels and a Chapel of Memory. There are also three
columbaria containing the ashes of thousands of Londoners and residents of neighbouring counties.
There have been 14 holders of the
Victoria Cross cremated here,[8] and there are locations and memorials for many other military personnel of all ranks, and from many countries. Largest among them is the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission memorial, commemorating 496 British and Commonwealth military casualties of both World Wars who were cremated here. Designed by Sir
Edward Maufe, it was unveiled in 1952. Built in
Portland stone with names listed on three bronze panels, it stands at head of an ornamental pond at the western end of the memorial cloister.[9]
At Christmas, a
Christmas tree is erected in the field in front of the main buildings. Although the crematorium is secular, a
nativity scene is also placed near the Chapel of Memory.
A map of the Garden of Rest and some information on persons cremated here is available from the office. Staff are available to help in finding a specific location. This service is £10 per request. The columbaria can be visited. There is also a tearoom.[6]
David Gest, Music producer, Comedian and Television personality. Funeral service held at Golders Green Crematorium on 29 April 2016,[78] His ashes were scattered in
York.[79]
Richard Hillary, Anglo-Australian RAF fighter ace, ashes scattered over English Channel. He is listed on Commonwealth War Graves Commission cremation memorial.[83][84]
Professor Louis Hoffmann (Angelo John Lewis), author of "
Modern Magic" (1876) and other books on magic, games, amusements and puzzles. Funeral service and cremation took place at Golders Green on 29 December 1919, location of ashes unknown.
Admiral of the Fleet Sir
Dudley Pound, ashes, with those of his wife, scattered at sea; commemorated on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cremation memorial here.[107]
Sophia Duleep Singh (1876–1948) Indian princess and suffragette, daughter of the last Maharaja of the Punjab. Cremated here, ashes scattered in the Punjab.[115]
Vivian Stanshall, founding member of the
Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, artist, poet and broadcaster. His ashes are in the possession of his wife and daughter. A memorial plaque is in the crematorium's Poets' Corner, unveiled on 13 December 2015.[118]
Szmul Zygielbojm, Polish-Jewish political activist who committed suicide in London, in 1943, as a protest against international indifference towards
the Holocaust. His ashes were transferred to
New York in 1961 by fellow members of the Bund Jewish Organization.[126]
^Wilson, Scott. Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.: 2 (Kindle Locations 508-509). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Kindle Edition.
^Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More than 14000 Famous Persons, Scott Wilson
^Pepys-Whiteley, D.
"Courtneidge, Dame (Esmerelda) Cicely (1893–1980)", Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edition, January 2011, accessed 8 August 2011 (subscription required)
^
abYounger, Coralie (2003). "Molly Fink". Wicked women of the Raj. Harper Collins. pp. 115–137.
ISBN978-8172234546.
^Eric T. Pengelley, Daphne M. Pengelley. A Traveler's Guide to the History of Biology and Medicine. Davis, Calif.: Trevor Hill Press, 1986, p. 86.
^Hal Moggridge: Jellicoe. In: H. C. G. Matthew, Brian Harrison (ed.): Oxford dictionary of national biography. From the earliest times to the year 2000. Vol. 29. Oxford University Press, Oxford/New York 2004,
ISBN0198613792, pp. 921–924.
^Curran, Paul (2014). Dear Yootha...: The Life of Yootha Joyce. Mossy Books.
ISBN978-1494911645.
^Morgan, Kevin (1994).
Harry Pollitt. Manchester University Press. p. 183.
ISBN978-0719032479.
Archived from the original on 3 October 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
^Wilson, Scott. Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.: 2 (Kindle Location 22231). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Kindle Edition
^The Complete Peerage, Volume XIII, Peerage Creations 1901–1938. St Catherine's Press. 1949. p. 182.
^Wilson, Scott. Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.: 2 (Kindle Locations 23458–23459). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Kindle Edition.
^"The Profession Mourns". Melody Maker. 15 March 1941. p. 1.
^Francis, Peter (2013). Shropshire War Memorials, Sites of Remembrance. YouCaxton Publications. p. 61.
ISBN978-1909644113.
Beach, Darren (2011). London's Cemeteries (2nd ed.). London: Metro.
ISBN978-1902910406.
Grainger, Hilary J. (2000). "Golders Green Crematorium and the Architectural Expression of Cremation". Mortality. 5 (1): 53–73.
doi:
10.1080/713685990.
S2CID143690122.
Jupp, Peter C.; Grainger, Hilary J., eds. (2002). Golders Green Crematorium, 1902–2002: A London Centenary in Context. London: London Cremation Company.
ISBN978-0954352905.
Meller, Hugh; Parsons, Brian (2008). London Cemeteries: An Illustrated Guide & Gazetteer (5th ed.). Stroud: The History Press.
ISBN978-0752461830.