Crossbones Graveyard is a beautiful site on Southwark’s Redcross Way, a quiet road running parallel to Borough High Street. Here the atmosphere brims with scarred history, a place where London’s underbelly flocked together in a final resting place.
It’s hard to believe that this was once one of the city's most violent and deprived areas; only a quick walk away from historically famous sites such as the Bishop’s Palace and the Globe, and now in modern times, the Shard and Borough Market. Crossbones has had a colourful history. It is estimated that since medieval times, over 15,000 of those on the edges of London society have been buried here, over 60% children and many brothel workers; Crossbones is a poignant reminder of the “outcast dead”, often neglected by the history books. Although the church in post medieval London licensed prostitutes, their fate was to lie in unhallowed ground. Here in this quiet corner lie those who became known as the Winchester Geese.
The site has been used for more than a graveyard over the years however, and has housed a fairground, a school and it almost became a building site. Its rich history makes this graveyard all the more extraordinary and a wonderful place to visit.
In recent times, it came to the public’s attention after an excavation by the Museum of London in the 1990s which uncovered numerous artefacts and bodies with tragic stories. With the help of John Constable and a dedicated team at Crossbones Graveyard, the site evolved into the must-see destination it is today.
Every 23rd of the month at 7pm, the Friends of Crossbones hold a vigil at the gates to remember those buried there. By keeping alive the stories of marginalised Londoners, we are reminded that this history is still incredibly relevant today, resonating particularly with those who may feel sadly that they are still outside society, yet speaking to all.
Clocking up over 50,000 visitors a year, Crossbones is a truly inclusive place that makes everyone welcome - open every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 12pm - 2pm, entry is free. Escape to a sanctuary in the centre of London away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. This once overlooked graveyard, the resting place of so many unknown souls, will now never be forgotten again.
