Geology Site Account

Site of geological interest with potential for promotion of geology. Of educational importance only.

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Site description

The City of London Cemetery was opened by the City Corporation in 1856 to alleviate the problem of overcrowded burial grounds in the City. The largest cemetery in London, it is unique due to the nature and quality of its landscape, its avenues of trees and variety of wildlife. It also contains a range of structures and buildings of high architectural quality with eight listed buildings.

The cemetery is also of great geological interest with a large variety of natural stones used in buildings, headstones and statues. Cemeteries are excellent places to learn about geology with a bewildering variety of limestones, marbles, granites and sandstones. With headstones having a date on them there is also the opportunity to appreciate how different stones weather at different rates over time.

The cemetery is a great opportunity for schools to learn about geology. The Department of Earth Sciences at University College London has produced an on-line educational resource which deals specifically with the geology of the City of London Cemetery and contains teacher guides, pupil worksheets and details and photographs of specific headstones and memorials.

The Cemetery is a public space managed by the City of London Corporation and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the grounds. There is a cafe and public toilets.