The ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries were established in the 19th century to relieve the overcrowded local parish burial grounds. The sacred sites include: Highgate, Brompton, Abney Park, Nunhead, Tower Hamlets, Kensal Green and West Norwood, which form a ring around the outskirts of central London. All seven cemeteries are worth exploring, but if you only have time for one, then my personal recommendation would be Highgate, as it is definitely the most ‘magnificent’.

Possibly London’s most notorious burial site, Highgate is home to over 170,000 bodies, laid to rest within 53,000 graves. Designed by architect Stephen Geary, the grounds are split into the East Cemetery and the West Cemetery, where you will be transported from the land of the living - to the land of the dead.

You are able to explore the East Cemetery at your own pace, passing by the notable graves of Karl Marx (philosopher and historian), Malcolm McLaren (manager of the Sex Pistols) and Douglas Adams (author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), amongst many more.

I have found that the best way to visit the West Cemetery is by booking a guided tour via their website. You will uncover all the secrets of Highgate, whilst you pass through the overgrown and ivy-clad woodland. On your tour you will get to admire the exceptional architectural design of the Catacombs, Egyptian Avenue, Colonnade, the Circle of Lebanon and the mausoleum of Julius Beer (former owner of The Observer). Whilst passing some extremely high-profile graves including the acclaimed: Michael Faraday (scientist), Tom Sayers (bare-knuckle fighter), George Wombwell (travelling menagerist) and Radclyffe Hall (poet and author).

Support ‘The Friends of Highgate Trust’ by making a visit and immerse yourself in the fascinating history and chronicles of this hallowed grade I listed site.