Volunteers Revitalize London’s Historic Victorian Cemeteries

In South East London, a dedicated group of volunteers is breathing new life into the history of two Victorian cemeteries. The Friends of Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries (FOBLC) was established in July 2007 and has since grown to include approximately 300 volunteers. Their efforts focus on preserving these historic sites and connecting families with their ancestors, many of whom have long been forgotten.

Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries, previously known as Deptford and Lewisham Cemeteries, opened just one month apart in 1858. Together, they serve as the final resting place for thousands of local residents. Among the notable individuals interred here are the Great War poet and artist David Jones, the last survivor of the Battle of Waterloo, Elizabeth Watkins, and anti-war activist Elizabeth Colgate.

Preserving History Through Ancestry Research

For the past seven years, FOBLC members Phill Barnes-Warden and Mick Martin have met every Tuesday to delve into the lives of those buried in these cemeteries. “We are bringing them back to life,” Phill stated during a recent tour with the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Mick, who has served as the Friends’ Great War Coordinator for 18 years, emphasized the importance of storytelling. “I like telling stories and trying to build pictures in people’s minds,” he said.

Their research not only paints vivid portraits of these individuals’ lives but also uncovers the circumstances surrounding their deaths. This includes details about soldiers’ final moments and the lives of notable detectives involved in infamous investigations, such as the Jack the Ripper cases.

Phill’s work extends beyond storytelling; he has developed a database on genealogy platforms, uploading burial details and photos of graves for public access. Since joining FOBLC, he has successfully reconnected numerous families with their lost relatives. “I came in and started research seven years ago and I haven’t stopped,” he noted, highlighting Mick’s ongoing search for war graves.

Reuniting Families Across Borders

The impact of their work resonates deeply within the community. Families from as far away as Canada have reached out to express gratitude for reconnecting them with relatives they never knew were buried in the cemeteries. Phill’s research led him to discover that his own great-great-grandfather is interred in a nearby common grave.

Excitingly, an Australian family is set to visit the site at the end of the month to pay their respects to a grave that Phill recently uncovered. “They will be making their way round to take us and we’ll take them to the grave,” he shared, emphasizing the personal connections fostered through their work.

Mick added, “These people are not forgotten, you can see it from all the thank you notices we get from so many people.” Their efforts not only honour the deceased but also create a sense of community among those who visit the cemeteries.

The Friends of Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries continues to welcome volunteers and visitors alike. Their commitment to preserving history and fostering connections ensures that the stories of those interred remain alive. For more information about the FOBLC and their initiatives, visit their website.