An informative and entertaining walk telling stories of the people and communities who shaped Wandsworth and rest in this beautiful cemetery.
The cemetery, built in 1878 and extended in 1898, sits between the railway line and Magdalen Road. It contains numerous war graves and holds significance for the enduring heritage of the Romany Gypsy community in Wandsworth.
The tour covers notable figures including Robert Sadler (athlete), Alice Creeke (laundry operator), Victorian cartoonist Marie Duval, Major Thomas Knox-Holmes (cyclist), and Bertram Waldrom Matz (Charles Dickens advocate). It addresses First World War burials, including 18 soldiers from Newfoundland, hospital Matron Edith Holden, and Victoria Cross recipient James Collis VC.
The walk emphasises the Romany Gypsy heritage through 'The People of Wardley Street', acknowledging families like the Hildens and Coopers. Costermonger families documented in 1948 by the BBC are also featured, with graves decorated with motifs indicating this heritage.
Geoff Simmons runs Summerstown182, a community history project in south west London – specialising in walks, talks, tours and putting up plaques.