Putney Vale Cemetery

Putney Vale Cemetery and Crematorium lies in southwest London, surrounded by Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park. The 19-hectare site was once part of Newlands Farm, established in the medieval period. Opened in 1891, it became one of England’s most beautifully situated burial grounds. The crematorium opened in 1938, adding a second function to the parkland setting. The cemetery holds 184 Commonwealth war graves from the two world wars. Six Victoria Cross holders are buried or cremated here, their names recorded on a Screen Wall Memorial. A legal battle led by Heber Hart, Charles Swinfen Eady and Arthur Jelf stopped rifle practice on Wimbledon Common after a stray bullet killed a gravedigger. The Duke of Cambridge supported moving the camp to Bisley. The grounds also contain graves of notable figures from many fields. Visitors find two chapels, one for Church of England services and one for multi-denomination or non-religious ceremonies. A large Garden of Remembrance offers a quiet place to reflect. Scattered throughout the grounds are war graves and memorial panels listing those without headstones. Among the many memorials are those to archaeologist Howard Carter, actor Kenneth More and racing driver James Hunt. The landscape of mature trees and open lawns provides a peaceful setting for remembrance.