Brief Description
The large, austere and rather sprawling brick crematorium building has a wide sweep of drive in front, with a number of beds of ornamental planting within a circular lawn. Behind there are colonnades and a rose garden, with further formal gardens beyond this with lawns and a central open pavilion.
History
The Crematorium was built at a cost of £27,000 to the north of Mortlake Cemetery and was opened by Lord Horder in January 1939.
Visitor Facilities
9am - 4pm (November-January); 9am - 5pm (February/October); 9am - 6pm (March/September and April-August weekends); 9am - 7pm (April-August weekdays)Detailed Description
Mortlake Crematorium was the first joint crematorium to be be established under its own Act of Parliament in 1936. The Crematorium was built at a cost of £27,000 to the north of Mortlake Cemetery and was opened by Lord Horder in January 1939. The large, austere and rather sprawling brick crematorium building has a wide sweep of drive in front, with a number of beds of ornamental planting within a circular lawn. Behind there are colonnades and a rose garden, with further formal gardens beyond this with lawns and a central open pavilion. A path runs around the edge of this garden area, with brick balustrading and short flights of steps at two of the corners and backing onto the hedge that separates it from the cemetery. Throughout the grounds are various ornamental trees and shrubs.Sources consulted:
Hugh Meller & Brian Parsons, 'London Cemeteries, An Illustrated Guide and Gazetteer', 4th edition (The History Press, 2008)
For more information see http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=RIC044
- Access & Directions
Access Contact Details
9am - 4pm (November-January); 9am - 5pm (February/October); 9am - 6pm (March/September and April-August weekends); 9am - 7pm (April-August weekdays)Directions
Tube: Kew Gardens (District). Rail: Mortlake. Bus: R68, 190
- References
Contributors
London Parks and Gardens Trust