Barnes Old Cemetery

SHC details of proposed extension 3788/6. Report dated 1 Aug 1889 refers to consecration on 30 Dec 1854 of 2 acres (purchased for £10) and the later building of a chapel, mortuary & lodge. £2000 raised by public subscription. £1400 spent on chapel & landscaping. Nearly full by 1889.

Proposal to enlarge by 3 acres on the N & E sides at a possible cost of £2800. It is stated that if a new cemetery was built it would probably cover 8 acres and cost £14800. A Burial Board if formed would have to start afresh as it could not take over the current area and extend it. Hence it was recommended that the Rector and Churchwardens seek authority from parliament to extend the burial ground. The poor rate could not be made available for the purchase so a public subscription would be required. It would also be necessary to purchase 3 acres on the edge of the common so that its total area would not be reduced. There were a number of other legal complications which may explain why it did not go ahead.

Purchased by Richmond council in 1966 with intention of turning it into a lawn cemetery. Chapel & lodge then demolished and boundary railings removed. Much vandalism and many headstones destroyed.

Visited 2011. Now an unfenced and unmarked apparently desolate area of memorials off footpath across SW corner of Barnes Common close to new parking area and tennis courts. A small grid of gravel paths once you enter area, lots of nettles, heavily overgrown. Large vault in centre with good statue above centre to William Hedgman BA died 1869 aged 26 (family local benefactors). Many fallen and broken headstones BUT lots of good statues albeit most without heads. A little gem in many ways despite the desolation. Well worth a visit.

Links