Woolwich Cemetery

Woolwich Cemetery Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide – London

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Woolwich Cemetery, located in the Royal Borough of Greenwich in southeast London, stands as a testament to the area’s rich maritime, military, and social history. Established in the mid-19th century to serve the rapidly expanding local population, the cemetery reflects Woolwich’s transformation from a modest settlement into a significant industrial and military hub. Divided into Woolwich Old Cemetery (opened 1856) and Woolwich New Cemetery (established 1885), the site offers a unique glimpse into Victorian and Edwardian burial customs and landscape design.

Not only is Woolwich Cemetery a place of remembrance, but it is also a valuable resource for genealogists and historians, thanks to digitized burial records. Today, it remains a tranquil green space for reflection, heritage walks, and community engagement. This comprehensive guide details Woolwich Cemetery’s visiting hours, ticketing (free entry), accessibility, facilities, notable memorials, and nearby attractions to help you plan a meaningful visit. For more, see the Royal Borough of Greenwich official website and factsnippet.com.

Introduction
Early Development and Historical Significance
Memorials and Notable Burials
Landscape and Architecture
Military Heritage
Visitor Information (Hours, Tickets, Accessibility)
Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions
Community, Conservation, and Events
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion & Call to Action
Sources

Early Development and Historical Significance

Origins and Expansion

Woolwich Cemetery was created in response to the area’s swelling population during the 19th century, spurred by the Royal Arsenal and Woolwich Dockyard (factsnippet.com). The original 12-acre site (now Woolwich Old Cemetery) quickly filled, leading to the opening of the adjacent Woolwich New Cemetery in 1885 (Wikipedia). These two sections offer insight into shifting burial practices, from garden-style cemeteries to more austere Victorian layouts.

Maritime and Military Connections

The cemetery is deeply entwined with Woolwich’s military and naval heritage. Many individuals interred here were linked to the Royal Arsenal, the Dockyard, and local garrisons, reflecting the area’s pivotal role in national defense (thebestlondon.eu).

The Princess Alice Disaster

A significant event in the cemetery’s history is the burial of victims from the SS Princess Alice disaster (1878). After the passenger steamer collided with the Bywell Castle, over 650 people perished—the worst inland waterway tragedy in British history. A mass grave in Woolwich Old Cemetery holds 120 unidentified victims, marked by a prominent national memorial (London Remembers - Princess Alice Disaster Memorial; Thingstodoinlondon.com).

Woolwich Cemetery’s records and memorials reflect the area’s diverse social fabric, housing skilled engineers, laborers, soldiers, and local dignitaries. The range of grave markers, from elaborate family monuments to simple headstones, illustrates the varied backgrounds of those interred (factsnippet.com).

Memorials and Notable Burials

Princess Alice Disaster Memorial: A white marble Celtic cross, funded by public subscription, commemorates the victims. Its detailed inscriptions and biblical quotations serve as a poignant reminder of the disaster and its impact on public health policy (London Remembers - Princess Alice Disaster Memorial).
War Graves: Woolwich Cemetery contains 96 World War I and 81 World War II Commonwealth war graves, including a dedicated World War I memorial listing 14 casualties (Wikipedia). The graves are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Victoria Cross Recipients: Notables include John Taylor VC (1822–1857), recognized for his actions during the Siege of Sebastopol (Enthusiastic Gardener).
Other Notables: Arthur Edward Jeune Collins, cricket prodigy and war hero; Temple Leighton Phipson-Wybrants, repatriated from an East African expedition.

Landscape and Architecture

Layout and Setting

Woolwich Cemetery spans gently rolling terrain framed by mature trees—oaks, yews, sycamores, limes, and copper beech. The Old Cemetery follows the Victorian garden cemetery tradition, with winding paths, open lawns, and clusters of headstones. The New Cemetery is more austere, with straight grave rows and fewer trees, but features a naturalistic wooded eastern section (Enthusiastic Gardener).

Architectural Features

Victorian and Edwardian Monuments: From ornate obelisks and angels to simple Commonwealth headstones, the cemetery’s memorials reflect changing attitudes toward remembrance.
Cemetery Chapel: The Early English style brick Anglican chapel remains in the Old Cemetery, though the original lodge and non-denominational chapel have been lost.
Cross of Sacrifice and Screen Wall Memorial: These features honor those with unmarked graves and reinforce the cemetery’s military associations.

Military Heritage

Given its proximity to the Royal Arsenal and Royal Military Academy, Woolwich Cemetery is closely linked to military history. Graves of those who died in Royal Arsenal explosions and two world wars highlight the area’s strategic significance and the hazards faced by munitions workers (Wikipedia; Enthusiastic Gardener). Memorials and annual remembrance events underscore Woolwich’s ongoing connection to national service.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours

Open: Daily from 8:00 AM until sunset (exact times may vary by season; check the Royal Greenwich website for updates).

Admission and Tickets

Entry: Free of charge. No tickets or prior booking required.

Accessibility

Paths: Main routes are generally well-maintained, but some areas (especially in the Old Cemetery) can be uneven or muddy.
Mobility: Level entrances and accessible paths near main gates; some slopes may challenge those with limited mobility.
Facilities: No on-site toilets or cafés; use amenities in Woolwich town centre. Benches and information boards available.

Practical Tips

Etiquette: Behave respectfully; discreet photography is permitted, especially outside of funerals. Dogs on leads only.
Safety: The cemetery is well-maintained and safe, but avoid isolated areas after dark.
Conservation: Stay on paths and respect wildlife and plantings.

Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions

Getting There

Public Transport: Several bus routes serve the area; Woolwich Arsenal and Plumstead railway stations are within walking distance.
By Car: Limited on-site parking is available; main entrance is Camdale Rd, London SE18 2DS (Hampstead Village London).

Nearby Sights

Royal Arsenal Riverside: Explore military history and riverside walks.
Bostall Woods, Rockliffe Gardens, Thames Path: Enjoy natural and cultural sites nearby (Time Out London).
Woolwich Town Centre: Offers amenities, eateries, and additional attractions.

Community, Conservation, and Events

Woolwich Cemetery is not only a site for remembrance but also a valued green space. Conservation efforts—often with local volunteers—focus on habitat management and maintaining historical character (London Gardens Trust). Community groups and heritage organizations occasionally offer guided walks or special events; check the GoParks London Woolwich Cemetery page for news.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Woolwich Cemetery’s visiting hours?
A: Open daily from 8:00 AM to sunset. Check the Royal Greenwich website for seasonal updates.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
A: No, entry is free and tickets are not required.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasional tours are offered by local groups. Check community noticeboards or local websites for schedules.

Q: Is Woolwich Cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Most paths are accessible, though some areas (especially in the Old Cemetery) may be uneven or steep.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but please be discreet and respectful, especially during services.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Woolwich Cemetery offers a compelling journey through London’s social, military, and maritime heritage. Its Victorian architecture, poignant memorials like the Princess Alice disaster cross, and tranquil green spaces make it a notable destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking quiet reflection. Open daily and free to enter, it is accessible for independent exploration or as part of a broader visit to southeast London’s historical sites.

For the latest information on opening hours, guided tours, and special events, consult the Royal Borough of Greenwich website and GoParks London. Download the Audiala app for immersive audio tours and follow us on social media for updates on Woolwich Cemetery and related London historical sites.