Fashionably Dead

Who knew death could be so fashionable? Weddings, yes. Anniversary and birthday parties, yes. Baptisms and bar Mitzvahs, yes. But funerals?



Highgate Cemetery opened in 1839, shortly after Queen Victoria's accession to the throne. In the early part of the 19th century London faced a burial crisis with a booming population. To tackle this problem Parliament passed an act that saw the creation of several new London cemeteries, one of which was Highgate Cemetery. Highgate's elevated position in north London attracted a rather posh clientele becoming one of London's most fashionable cemeteries.












Funerals had become yet another reflection of England's class system. Wealthy families used one entrance to the cemetery, while poorer families used another.


As in real estate the choice of burial chamber was a statement of wealth. In the very heart of the grounds a most trendy structure was erected, an avenue of vaults. It was created in the Egyptian style which was in vogue during the period following the discovery of the Valley of the Kings. Today many of the vaults remain empty because the Egyptian style avenue faded out of fashion.


The avenue leads into the swanky Circle of Lebanon. This circle was created by excavating earth around an ancient Cedar of Lebanon. Each of the Cirlce's catacombs boasts its own style and wealth depending on the expensive materials and designs used.




Amidst all the show of style and social status here, I like this simple reminder that regardless of wealth or position we all end up in the same place!


The cemetery boasts many famous residents. Here lies Karl Marx.


George Elliot


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