OPENING TIMES
Crossbones Graveyard is opened and run by volunteer wardens, so times may vary.
Current times are: Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 12-2pm
If you are planning a specific trip please email info@bost.org.uk for specific opening times on the day you wish to visit.
Crossbones Graveyard, Redcross Way, London, SE1 1TA.
Please note: Assistance dogs are welcome. All dogs must be kept on leads. Special gifts of remembrance are often left at ground level by visitors for loved ones - please ensure your dog doesn't disturb these or the plants, and be respectful of this much-loved Graveyard and Memorial Garden.
Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance
A former post-medieval burial ground, Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance is believed to be the last resting place of an estimated 15,000 paupers, many of whom were sex workers and children.
For years the site was almost forgotten, hiding its history behind hoardings and under rubble. But since 1996 local writer John Constable with the Friends of Crossbones have championed Crossbones, protecting the site and promoting its important history.
Bankside Open Spaces Trust have worked closely with John and the Friends of Crossbones, alongside other local individuals and companies, to transform Crossbones into a garden of remembrance. Together we campaigned for almost 10 years to get a lease, planning permission, comprehensive surveys, and a costed development plan for the garden.
The garden, led by local people, is designed to respect the outcast dead who are buried beneath. It provides a sensitive, contemplative environment for all who would spend time here.
Volunteering in the garden
Volunteer wardens give up their time to ensure the garden is opened to the public regularly. If you are interested in becoming a warden, click here.
A regular volunteering group takes place on a Friday to care for the garden. If you would like to join the team please email info@bost.org.uk or sign up to the Bulletin via the form left to be kept up to date of ad hoc volunteering days.
Developing Crossbones Graveyard
Crossbones Graveyard has developed dramatically over the years, with a huge amount of community support. Together we carefully covered and protected the remains of the dead; built drystone wall beds and planted them to create a raised garden; commissioned and installed the incredible Goosewing Entrance by artist wood-worker Arthur DeMowbray; installed a wildflower meadow; created a wildlife pond; built a wardens hut, and much much more.
Crossbones’ transformation enters another chapter this year as the Liberty of Southwark development progresses. Planning for this development by Landsec was granted in early 2024. An integral part of this building project, adjacent to Crossbones Graveyard, has been the protection (a 30 year lease has been secured) and enhancement of the garden. Careful and considerate attention has been given to ensure this special place is not only saved but improved in cooperation with those who are closest to it. The Crossbones wardens and Steering Group, as well as other interested people, have been played a big part of the proposed redesign of Crossbones Graveyard - work on this will begin later in 2024.
More information about the history and cultural significance of the graveyard here.
Crossbones Steering Group
The Crossbones Steering Group has been established to offer the local community a structured and constitutionalised way of working and ensure input into the operation and management of Crossbones Graveyard. The Steering Group:
Acts as the local community voice for Crossbones
Discusses and proposes upcoming events and art installations
Raises maintenance and management issues
Discusses funding needs and fundraising efforts
To find out more or to join the mailing list for the group please email: crossbones@bost.org.uk
To read the group’s Terms of Reference, click here.
Crossbones Living Manifesto
A Living Manifesto has been developed with our Steering Group, and with the developers of the Liberty of Southwark site, in order to express our collective commitment to the site's preservation and accessibility. You can read the full document here.