Whether in its cemeteries and mausoleums or within iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, many of history’s most notable figures are laid to rest in London’s burial sites. The city is a vast history book of graves, memorials and tombs where people flock to honour great thinkers, artists and leaders, from Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton to George Michael and Amy Winehouse. Discover where to find famous graves in London below.
1. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. It’s also the final resting place of some of the world’s most influential figures, including scientists like Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727), Charles Darwin (1809-1882) and Stephen Hawking (1942-2018) as well as writers like Charles Dickens (1812-1870), Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400) and Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936).
Location: Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA
2. Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral is a 13th-century landmark nestled on the south bank of the River Thames. It’s over 800 years old, making it the oldest Gothic cathedral in London. John Gower (1327–1408), a famous English poet and friend of Geoffrey Chaucer is buried here as well as Edmund Shakespeare (1580-1607) — William Shakespeare’s brother.
Learn more about Southwark Cathedral in London here.Location: London Brg, London SE1 9DA
3. Highgate Cemetery
Opened in 1839, Highgate Cemetery is one of the ‘Magnificent Seven Cemeteries’ in London. There are two Tudor Gothic chapels at the entrance and the graves and mausoleums are draped in gorgeous foliage. Notable names buried here include philosopher and economist Karl Marx (1818-1883) and British pop icon George Michael (1963-2016).
Location: Swain’s Ln, London N6 6PJ
4. St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is arguably the most iconic cathedral in London. After it burnt down in the Great Fire of London of 1666, the famed architect Sir Christopher Wren (1632–1723) designed the structure we see today — and was later buried within its walls. Other historical figures laid to rest here include British Prime Minister The Duke of Wellington (1769-1852), renowned painter Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) and scientist Sir Alexander Fleming (1881-1955).
Location: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
5. Brompton Cemetery
Another of the Magnificent Seven Cemeteries is Brompton Cemetery, a Grade I-listed site located near Kensington. It’s also the final resting place of Emmeline Pankhurst (1858–1928) — a leading suffragette who played a pivotal role in the fight for women’s rights in the UK.
Location: Fulham Rd., London SW10 9UG
6. Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
Bunhill Fields Burial Ground in Islington is a Grade I-listed site that spans over four acres. Here lie John Bunyan (1628–1688), author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, and Daniel Defoe (1660–1731), best known for Robinson Crusoe.
Location: 38 City Rd, London EC1Y 2BG
7. Golders Green Crematorium
Opened in 1902, Golders Green Crematorium is the first crematorium in London. Famous people with memorials or ashes spread here include neurologist Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939), writer Bram Stoker (1847 – 1912) and London-born singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse (1983 – 2011).
Location: 62 Hoop Ln, London NW11 7NL
