Nunhead Cemetery Open Day
After my last post about Nunhead Cemetery, I thought it only right that I brave the rain and stroll over to their open day last Saturday. There was a pretty good turn out despite the weather – I don’t think I’ve seen that many goths gathered in one spot since I saw the Cure in 1989 (fittingly, the filename of the goth picture above is DSC4666).
There were quite a few stalls, including one where kids could try out headstone carving, and the Anglican Chapel was open for the day, with a choir performing inside. I hadn’t realised that, despite its ruinous state, it is still possible to climb to the top (if you look closely at the second photo, you can just see someone’s head peeking over the top). Unfortunately there was a bit of a queue, and with the Cup Final fast approaching I decided not to wait; I rather regret it now as I’m sure it was a great view, plus Cardiff lost anyway.
I did find time to join the last 30 minutes of a guided tour by Southwark historian Rex Batten, and fascinating it was too. He pointed out so many interesting things – stories about the characters buried in the cemetery, explaining the history of the different plots etc. – that I had to buy his book, Nunhead Remembered, on the way out. I’ll definitely be back for one of the monthly tours, especially now I’m a fully paid up Friend of Nunhead Cemetery.
Of course, it’s impossible for me to think of the name Rex without thinking of…
Nunhead Remembered!
Cool.