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London: Hidden Places Worth Visiting

by: PhilHamilton
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Word Count: 627

The area of Greater London in England is the biggest metropolis in the whole of Europe covering an enormous area of over six hundred square miles. Throughout the city are numerous world class tourist attractions such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the London Eye and, of course, Buckingham Palace and other places associated with the British Royal Family. However, dig a little deeper and you will find a number of not so well known places well worth visiting.

If you are a fan of gothic horror movies or the black and white classics of Boris Karloff then you will simply have to visit one of London's finest hidden gems, Highgate Cemetery. This overgrown Victorian masterpiece has all manner of grave monuments ranging from the ancient and traditional to the modernistic bust of Karl Marx which can be found in amongst the mausoleums, catacombs and multitudes of statues.

Karl Marx, the "Father of Communism", had moved to London in 1849 and lived there until he died in 1883. Originally he had been buried in a rather ordinary family grave but the Communist Party of Great Britain felt something more monumental was required for such an incredibly influential person and they commissioned the creation of a fine bust of Marx which was put in place in 1954. Unfortunately the change was not met with universal delight as expected as many felt that it went against his teaching and, in 1970, there was an actual attempt to destroy it by blowing it up.

Of course you will also find many other graves belonging to famous people of the past including that of a once famous bare knuckle fighter called Tom Sayers. Charles Dickens' family grave can also be found at Highgate and other famous graves include those of; George Eliot, J. W. Cross, C. H. Newton, Michael Faraday, Julius Beer, Christina Rossetti, G. Wombwell, Dr S.Birch, James Selby, John Lobb and six former Lord Mayors of London.

Due to the rapid increases in the population of London during the Victorian period the disposal of the dead became something of a problem. In response seven cemeteries were created which are known as the "Magnificent Seven" due to their typical Victorian design and over indulgence which can be seen in the many public buildings which remain today. Of the seven graveyards the one at Highgate is the most decorated and it is considered the finest.

To meet the demands of the successful Victorians Highgate had their mausoleums built together in a most amazing fashion. The entrance to the Egyptian Avenue is one of the most spectacular. The avenue itself has mausoleums on either side and it leads on to the famous group of mausoleums known as the "Circle of Lebanon" which is one of the most photographed parts of the cemetery.

Of course these two examples are the most famous and there are plenty of other incredible sights to be seen within the grounds. Walking around the heavily overgrown areas you suddenly find yourself facing amazing examples of memorial sculptures such as weeping angels. One of the most fantastic graves is that of James Selby. Selby was well known for his skills as a coachman and for holding the record for the London to Brighton round trip.

I have purposely been rather vague in some of the descriptions as I would not like to spoil the experience. It really is thrilling to discover something wonderful about stumbling upon something outstanding of which you were totally unaware. Of all the places to visit in London I strongly suggest that you make the effort to visit Highgate Cemetery. Even though it is not one of the top London tourist attractions it does get rather busy but to understand fully why you will have to visit it yourself.