Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance, London
A poignant garden and memorial in London honoring the outcast dead, transforming a forgotten paupers’ graveyard into a place of remembrance and community.
Crossbones Graveyard in Southwark, London, is a historic and evocative site originally established as an unconsecrated burial ground for prostitutes and paupers, including the 'Winchester Geese'. Closed in 1853, it holds an estimated 15,000 burials and has been transformed into a poignant garden of remembrance and community memorial honoring the outcast dead. It is a unique spiritual and cultural landmark near Borough Market, offering a tranquil space for reflection and remembrance.
A brief summary to Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance
- Union St, London, SE1 1TA, GB
- +442074033393
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 12 pm-2 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-2 pm
- Friday 12 pm-2 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekday opening hours between 12 PM and 2 PM for a quiet, reflective experience.
- Attend the monthly vigil on the 23rd of each month at 7 PM to witness a moving community remembrance.
- Explore nearby Borough Market before or after your visit to enjoy vibrant food and local culture.
- Respect the solemn nature of the site; photography is allowed but keep noise to a minimum.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground Jubilee or Northern Line to London Bridge Station, from which Crossbones Graveyard is a 10-15 minute walk. Trains run frequently, with fares starting around £2.50 using contactless payment.
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Bus
Bus routes 21, 43, 141, and 343 stop near Borough Market, about a 5-minute walk from Crossbones. Buses operate regularly throughout the day with fares approximately £1.75 per journey using an Oyster card.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in Southwark or London Bridge, walking to Crossbones is easy and scenic, taking 10-20 minutes on mostly flat, paved urban paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance
Origins and Historical Significance
Crossbones Graveyard dates back to medieval times as an unconsecrated burial ground primarily for 'single women'—a euphemism for sex workers licensed by the Bishop of Winchester, known as the 'Winchester Geese'. These women, along with many impoverished paupers and children, were denied Christian burial rites and interred here. By the 18th century, the site evolved into a pauper's cemetery, reflecting the harsh social realities of Southwark, one of London's poorest and most notorious districts. The graveyard was closed in 1853 due to overcrowding and health concerns, with an estimated 15,000 bodies buried there, many in mass graves piled atop one another.Rediscovery and Archaeological Insights
The site was largely forgotten for over a century until the 1990s when archaeological excavations were conducted during the Jubilee Line extension. These digs revealed the extent of overcrowding and the tragic mortality rates, especially among children. The findings exposed the grim living conditions and diseases such as smallpox and tuberculosis that afflicted the buried population. Despite commercial developments covering the land in the 20th century, the graveyard's history resurfaced, inspiring local activism and scholarly interest.Transformation into a Memorial Garden
From the late 20th century, local activists, notably John Constable, led efforts to reclaim and honor the site. Inspired by spiritual visions and community dedication, the Crossbones Graveyard was transformed into a Garden of Remembrance, maintained in partnership with the Bankside Open Spaces Trust. The garden features raised beds to protect human remains, wildflower meadows, dry-stone walls, and a symbolic 'Goose Wing' entrance. The red gates adorned with ribbons, flowers, and tributes serve as a living shrine to the outcast dead and contemporary marginalized communities.Community and Cultural Impact
Crossbones has become a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and inclusion. It hosts monthly vigils and an annual Halloween festival celebrating the 'outcast dead' with rituals, poetry, and dance. The site draws visitors from diverse backgrounds who come to reflect on social exclusion, poverty, and dignity in death. It also serves as a spiritual sanctuary for pagans and others seeking solace and healing. The garden stands as a testament to community activism preserving a neglected piece of London’s heritage amid urban redevelopment.Setting and Visitor Experience
Located just off Union Street near Borough Market, the graveyard is a small, tranquil green space in the bustling city. Visitors can explore the garden in a brief walk, absorbing the poignant atmosphere created by the shrines, sculptures, and inscriptions. The site encourages quiet contemplation and connection to the layered history of London’s marginalized populations. Volunteers staff the garden on weekdays and some Saturdays, fostering a welcoming environment for all who come to pay their respects.Legacy and Continuing Significance
Crossbones Graveyard exemplifies how forgotten histories can be reclaimed through collective memory and activism. It challenges visitors to acknowledge the humanity of those once vilified and forgotten, emphasizing dignity beyond life and death. The garden continues to evolve as a community space, cultural landmark, and spiritual site, preserving the stories of London’s outcast dead for future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Southwark Bridge
0.6 km
A graceful steel-arched Thames crossing with a rich history, distinctive green-and-yellow detailing, and a key role in London’s illuminated river landscape.
Historic England
0.8 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.8 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.9 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.9 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
113 Cannon St
0.9 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
Custom House
0.9 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Blackfriars Bridge
1.0 km
Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
Roupell St
1.0 km
Explore Roupell Street, a picturesque Victorian lane in London offering charm, history, and perfect photo opportunities.
Watling St
1.0 km
Walk the ancient Roman road that shaped British history, from Boudica’s defeat to modern urban life.
The National Firefighters Memorial
1.1 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
1.1 km
Explore the historic IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth, a stunning Anglican church offering a blend of spirituality, architecture, and community in the heart of London.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
1.1 km
Medieval guild church with Wren's only 'true spire'—a 950-year sanctuary in the City's financial heart.
20 Fenchurch St
1.1 km
Iconic London skyscraper with a unique top-heavy design, featuring the Sky Garden — a free public rooftop oasis with panoramic city views and dining.
Lombard St
1.1 km
Explore the iconic Lombard Street, London's 'Crookedest Street,' featuring stunning architecture and charming gardens in the heart of the city.
Unmissable attractions to see
Menier Chocolate Factory
0.1 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in a historic 19th-century chocolate factory with intimate performances and rich industrial charm in Southwark, London.
Red Cross Garden
0.1 km
A historic Victorian pocket park in Southwark offering tranquil green space, heritage cottages, and a wildlife pond in the heart of London.
George
0.2 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, The George, where centuries of history meet traditional pub charm in a unique Southwark setting.
Borough Yards
0.2 km
Discover Borough Yards, London’s vibrant fusion of historic railway arches and contemporary shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Borough Market
0.3 km
Discover Borough Market, London's historic food haven blending ancient tradition with vibrant culinary delights near London Bridge.
St George the Martyr, Southwark
0.3 km
Discover St George the Martyr, a historic Georgian church in Southwark with over 900 years of rich history and architectural heritage.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
0.4 km
Step into Europe’s oldest surviving surgical theatre, hidden in a church attic, and explore the raw, pre-anaesthetic world of 19th-century surgery and herbal medicine.
Southwark Cathedral
0.4 km
Discover Southwark Cathedral’s rich history, stunning Gothic architecture, and cultural ties in the heart of London’s historic South Bank.
The Clink Prison Museum
0.4 km
Step back into England’s darkest prison history at The Clink Prison Museum, where medieval justice and infamous inmates come alive.
Winchester Palace
0.4 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Winchester Palace, a medieval bishop’s grand London residence with a stunning rose window by the Thames.
Lantern Ghost Tours
0.4 km
Discover London’s haunted past with Lantern Ghost Tours, blending history, ghost stories, and atmospheric pub stops near London Bridge.
St Mary Overie's Dock
0.4 km
Historic Thames dock in London’s Southwark, home to the Golden Hinde II and steeped in medieval and maritime heritage.
Rose Theatre Trust
0.4 km
Explore the historic Rose Theatre Trust site, London's first Bankside playhouse where Shakespeare's early works came to life.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
0.4 km
Dive into 2,000 years of London’s darkest history and face your fears in the UK’s top horror attraction beneath London Bridge.
Southwark View Point
0.4 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline from the vibrant South Bank’s premier open-air viewpoint.
Essential places to dine
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.1 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Madison
1.1 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Restaurant Story
1.1 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.3 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
La Dame de Pic London
1.3 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
14 Hills
1.3 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.5 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
The Archduke
1.6 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Southbank Centre Food Market
1.6 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
Ping Pong Southbank
1.6 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
Wahaca Southbank
1.6 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
1.7 km
Stylish 4-star hotel on London’s South Bank with exceptional dining, event spaces, and modern amenities near iconic landmarks.
Strada Southbank
1.7 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
wagamama southbank
1.7 km
Lively riverside pan-Asian dining with fresh, bold flavors and stunning Thames views at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Troia Southbank
1.7 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with halal options in a vibrant riverside setting near the London Eye.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bankside Arches Boutique
0.8 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
1 Poultry
1.1 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Bermondsey Antique Market
1.1 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
Tower of London Shop
1.1 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
One New Change
1.1 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.1 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.1 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
j-me original design ltd
1.2 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
The Royal Exchange
1.2 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Traders Gate
1.2 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.2 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Sugar And Style
1.2 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
The Giftree London
1.5 km
Discover London's soul in souvenirs, crafts, and conveniences at this Lambeth gem—unique gifts, luggage storage, and local flair await.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
1.6 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
Twinings - The Strand
1.7 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Old School Yard
0.5 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Nine Lives
0.8 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.9 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
0.9 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Lyaness
1.0 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
1.1 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
The Bootlegger
1.1 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.3 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Black Parrot
1.4 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Punch Tavern
1.4 km
Historic Victorian Gin Palace on Fleet Street, famed for its Punch magazine heritage and vast gin selection in the heart of London.
The Understudy
1.5 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Waterloo Lost Property Office Speakeasy
1.5 km
Discover a hidden 1920s-inspired speakeasy in Waterloo serving expertly crafted cocktails in a seductive, vintage setting.
Bar @ 26 Leake Street
1.6 km
Experience London’s vibrant street art and nightlife culture at 26 Leake Street, a unique cocktail bar and event venue in Waterloo’s iconic graffiti tunnels.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.6 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
1.6 km
Seasonal cocktails and classics from a cozy mobile bar at Southbank Centre Food Market, where Thames breezes mingle with market buzz and craft libations.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.7 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Corsica Studios
1.2 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
1.6 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
1.6 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.6 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Proud Late
1.8 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
2.0 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Heaven
2.2 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
London Best Night Clubs
2.2 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
E1
2.3 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Carwash Nightclub
2.3 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.4 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
XOYO LONDON
2.5 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
2.5 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
2.5 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly