On a day when the cemetery was at its finest, the two new gates on Hubbard Road and Robson Road were officially opened by our MP Helen Hayes and Lambeth Mayor Paul Valentine.
One of London’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ most historic cemeteries, West Norwood Cemetery has seen a six-year programme of restoration and conservation works, made possible by £7.2m in grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Lambeth Council. Delivered in close partnership with the local community, the construction of the new gates was the culmination of the project.
During the ceremony, thanks were expressed by Helen and Paul to all of the people and organisations who made it possible: to funders, the Friends of West Norwood Cemetery, past and present councillors, the cemetery volunteers, Norwood Forum, Kim Hart and Teresa Donoghue in their role as Communication and Engagement Officer.
Hubbard Road resident Becky Matthams said: "For our family, having the gate has made the cemetery feel much more connected to the neighbourhood. It has given us a beautiful, peaceful place right on our doorstep where we can walk, wander, take a breather, clear our heads... The cemetery has become a part of the rhythm of the street, woven into everyday community life. And we can pretend we're the sort of people who go for a wholesome morning stroll rather than frantically trying to find our keys while yelling at teenagers..."
The cemetery is a place for quiet reflection for bereaved families. It is also a beautiful and peaceful green space for all of us. These works make it more accessible and, as Becky added, "It's one of those things that quietly brings belonging and makes where you live a real community."
Local resident and textile designer Cas Baker said, "The cemetery has always been part of my West Norwood experience, whether as a vital pocket of nature in a busy urban environment, a calm place for a reflective stroll, or simply somewhere to escape from the occasionally hectic high street!
We are blessed with amazing parks in London; Brockwell and Dulwich are beautiful, but if you have limited mobility like me, having the cemetery on the doorstep is a true joy.
I used to live on Chestnut Road, down the bottom of the cemetery, then I moved to Auckland Hill, closer to the top, but I still work on Rosendale Road, somewhere in the middle. So now, via the newly opened gates, I am incredibly lucky to commute to work through the cemetery every day, and every day I notice something new; a detail on a grave, a new name to recognise or remember, signs of wildlife; the hungry crows, the playful foxes and the colourful butterflies fluttering around in the summer, new planting and new leaves on the trees. And also, I notice the diverse and busy people of West Norwood, perhaps finding the same small joys I do as they walk through the cemetery from home to work, to the shops or on their lunch breaks, all of it possible because of the wonderful new gates which I hope we can all use for many years to come."
Special thanks to the Youthsayers band who brilliantly accompanied attendees around the cemetery.
The new gates mark the completion of an important chapter in the cemetery's long history, while opening up new opportunities for local people to enjoy and connect with this remarkable part of West Norwood. The restoration has helped to preserve the cemetery's heritage for future generations, while the improved access means it can continue to be a living part of the local community.
