Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance — Attraction in London

The first thing that you need to know if you wish to visit is that Crossbones is currently open to the public between 12 - 2 pm on Wed , Thurs. & Fridays. The entrance is on Union St . Underneath Crossbones some 15,000 bodies lie at rest. Originally this area fell in the Liberty of The Clink , an area outside the jurisdiction of The City of London & therefore a magnet for brothels , bull & bear baiting , cock fighting. Being unconsecrated ground , prostitutes were buried here & then paupers until the site became full by the mid 19th c . The prostitutes , known as Winchester Geese , were licensed by the Bishops of Winchester to work the area . This is reflected in the curved & roofed walkway at Crossbones entrance fashioned in wood to represent a Goose wing. In addition to this , Once a year the clergy of nearby Southwark Cathedral perform a walk of regret to Crossbones to honour these women . Crossbones is lovingly cared for by dedicated volunteers & has become a place of contemplation , sanctuary & vigil for those who may be considered outcasts by so called normal society. The volunteers are very well informed & have interesting...

Crossbones Graveyard is a hauntingly beautiful memorial that offers a profound glimpse into London's forgotten history. Located just off Borough Market, this small garden is a powerful tribute to the marginalized souls buried here - including sex workers, paupers, and countless children who were discarded by society. The site is incredibly moving, with colourful ribbons adorning the memorial gates and thoughtful shrines scattered throughout the garden. Despite its small size, it holds the remains of an estimated 15,000 people, many of whom were buried in mass graves during the post-medieval period. Visitor Experience Open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 12-2 PM Free entry with donation box Guided tours occasionally available Volunteers provide historical context and warmly welcome visitors What makes this place special is its raw authenticity. It's not a polished tourist attraction, but a genuine memorial that honours those society once ignored. The overgrown landscaping and poetic inscriptions create an atmospheric space for reflection on social justice and...

I just by chance happen to see this place mentioned on Facebook shortly before visiting Borough Market. It is 10 minutes walk away from the market so I though I’d take a walk over there. It isn’t a huge area (even more significant give the number who are buried there) but it is beautiful. There is a stunning handmade goose wing shelter, an amazing skull made out of coppers (1 and 2 pence pieces) and many other creative elements to represent different elements of society, to remember those who have passed and to remind folk that they aren’t alone. Which is surprising that such a small space, with its history, can give such comfort. I visited on a cold March day and was warmly welcomed by volunteers who were happy to talk to me about the space and what it means. If you go, do give a donation. It’s certainly worth half an hour of your time if you are visiting...