Bring a torch and explore the graves of the East End dead!

A woodland wonder in Zone 2, that's also the final resting place of around 350,000 people. From 1840 to 1966 Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, also known as Bow Cemetery, was the chief end-destination for generations of cockneys.From animal importers, pub landlords and actor-managers to tales of poverty and celebration in equal measure, some of the remarkable characters who are buried here will be briefly and respectfully resurrected this Spooky Season by tour guide and historian Sheldon K. Goodman of the Cemetery Club, in his highly popular yearly tour of this magnificent Victorian cemetery. Come and see the East End as it was, through the lives of the people who lived over a century ago.

With a choice of times, the tours will start at the War Memorial, by the Soanes Centre - which is just a short walk from the main gate. Please wear suitable footwear and make sure to dress for whatever the British weather might throw at us! 

Important general info below:

Your hosts: This tour is run by Cemetery Club. Find out more about them here. 

Ages: This tour may not be suitable for young children due to adult themes and all under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. 

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs welcome.

Clothing: Please remember to dress for the weather as we will be outside for the duration of the tour. Sensible shoes and clothing for whatever the weather might bring.

Meeting Point: The War Memorial (on the right as you enter via Southern Grove), Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, Southern Grove, E3 4PX

Lunch/Refreshments: During the session, there will be no drinks or snacks provided. 

Access statement

• This is an accessible, inclusive Cemetery Club Tour. The maximum number of participants is 30.

• We will cover a distance of less than 1km. The main paths are approx 1-2m wide and their surface is crushed concrete fines, a type of hard-packed fine gravel (which doesn't turn to mud in rain) or earth. We may move into more uneven areas but these can be avoided if necessary. A circular route around edge of the Cemetery Park is approx 1km with one steeper slope and some shallow slopes. There are 2 areas with steps, but these are avoidable. There are benches with backs at regular distances around the Cemetery Park. Some of the site is shaded.

• There is no on-site parking. There is on-street parking available but this is only free at weekends or after 5.30pm on weekdays.

• Please contact us if you have any specific access needs and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

• No toilets will be available for this event. 

• We aim to make our events as accessible as possible and are learning constantly how to do this better. If you would like to let us know about any specific requirements or access needs that you would like us to meet, or offer feedback on our accessibility arrangements, please email contact@fothcp.org.
  

Refund policy: If you tell us that you want to cancel your ticket, we will only give you a refund for payment or donation if you request one, and if you give a minimum of 48 hours notice before the start of the event.

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