‘A Crematorium to Die For’: A Visit to Golders Green Crematorium

A unique opportunity to visit Golders Green crematorium described as ‘London’s first crematorium and England’s first purpose-designed crematorium landscape,’ (Grade 11 listed) designed by Sir Ernest George in 1902 with Gardens of Remembrance laid out by William Robinson for the London Cremation Company.

Today 8 out of 10 deaths result in cremation and crematoria therefore play a significant role in our lives and wider contemporary society. Given our reluctance to talk about death crematoria tend to be ‘invisible’ buildings, but they tell us a great deal about society’s changing attitudes towards death and disposal and reflect the values and social life of a modern, urban society.

Golders Green Crematorium, opened in 1902, represented a key moment in the architectural expression of cremation in Britain. It was important in four significant ways. First, it witnessed the involvement in crematorium design of an architect of national standing, Ernest George, who the London Cremation Company believed would ‘command the confidence of the public’. Second, it occupied a new metropolitan location within easy reach of central London and was the first crematorium to be built on a new site independent of a cemetery. Third, the collaboration between Ernest George and his friend, the landscape gardener and horticulturalist, William Robinson, resulted in a new landscape for mourning. But fourth and most significantly, Golders Green created a precedent in terms of architectural style, planning and landscaping which was to exert a profound influence on subsequent British crematoria.

This visit provides a unique opportunity to look around all the crematorium buildings (including behind the scenes for those who are interested) and the chance to talk to the crematorium manager. The visit will also include a conducted walk around the gardens which include the Philipson Mausoleum (1914-16) by Lutyens, the Smith Mausoleum (1904-5) by Paul Phipps and the wides landscape devised by William Robinson and Edward White.

Meeting Place: The visit will begin outside the crematorium at 2.00pm and conclude at 5.00pm. The crematorium is situated on Hoop Lane, London NW11 7NL which is a ten-minute walk from Golders Green Tube Station. The buildings and grounds are accessible to all.

The London Cremation Company will provide tea and coffee.

Professor Hilary J Grainger, Chair of the Victorian Society, is Professor Emerita of Architectural History, University of the Arts London and Honorary Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University. She is the leading authority on Sir Ernest George and the architecture of UK crematoria. Hilary is Chair and Director of the Cremation Society of Great Britain, Vice-Chair of the International Cremation Federation, a Non-Executive Director of the London Cremation Company and Chair of the Fabric Advisory Committee at Lichfield Cathedral.

Meeting Point: Outside the crematorium.

This event helps raise funds for The Victorian Society - the only charity dedicated to fighting for our Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Funds raised from events and memberships allow us to employ expert caseworkers to reply to thousands of planning applications a year in our role as a statutory consultee in the planning system.

We help tackle the climate emergency by campaigning for the sensitive reuse of historic buildings to generate much lower carbon emissions than demolition and rebuild. Join us today and safeguard our unique cultural heritage for future generations! For further information, .

FAQs

How do I get to the meeting point?

Buses 631, H2 and H3 all have stops nearby.

The crematorium, situated on Hoop Lane, London NW11 7NL which is a ten-minute walk from Golders Green Tube Station.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact Ruth Miller by email at [email protected] before the day of the event.

Image: Bilbo / Golders Green Crematorium /

Host or Publisher The Victorian Society