Dining with the Victorians - (not the standard tour as advertised in 1837)

The Friends of West Norwood Cemetery is a charity dedicated to the care and preservation of this extraordinary space and your support of our work is greatly appreciated.

You might be surprised at how many brands that emerged during the Victorian era can still be found on today’s supermarket shelves. Join us on a walking tour through time and learn about the food, drink, and influences that continue to be a part of the everyday British dining table.

Step into the world of Mrs. Beeton, whose legendary Book of Household Management was the essential guide in every Victorian kitchen, offering not just recipes but weekly menu planners to keep families well-fed and happy. Meet Sir Henry Tate, the sugar magnate who sweetened the nation, and be inspired by the story of Eliza James, the unstoppable "Watercress Queen," who turned a humble green into a staple of every Victorian kitchen.

Discover who revolutionised food distribution in London, designing beautiful markets like Smithfield, Billingsgate and Leadenhall that fed the growing metropolis and meet the man who invented the buffet car (and praised by none other than Charles Dickens) who made train travel more popular by ensuring passengers could enjoy good food on the go.

Explore the surprising origins of some of today’s most beloved staples, from the savoury richness of Bovril to the comforting sweetness of Custard Creams. Learn about James Epps's pioneering Homeopathic Cocoa, a drink that promised both health and indulgence, and marvel at the Victorian innovation that turned toothpaste into a best-seller with a flavour described as "delicious as sherry."

West Norwood Cemetery

Established in 1837, West Norwood Cemetery is one of London's 'Magnificent Seven' cemeteries and is the resting place of lives well lived – from people who changed the course of Victorian society through the arts, food and drink, and inventions, to more recent people such as one of the key leaders of the Windrush generation. You will leave the tour with a deeper understanding of symbolism in Victorian funerary practice and how the Magnificent Seven changed how Victorians saw death and mourning.

Where to meet: we will meet at the arched (main) entrance for a prompt start. If you have any mobility concerns, please get in touch with me and we can advise. Unfortunately, dogs (even on leads) are not allowed in the cemetery.

How to find us: West Norwood Cemetery (SE27 9JU) is located next to St Luke's Church and West Norwood Library. Buses: 2, 68, 196, 315, 322, 432 and 468 (several of these routes go via Brixton Tube Station: 2, 196, 322, 432) or West Norwood Rail Station (trains to and from London Bridge/Victoria). Limited off-street parking is available.

This tour is being offered on behalf of The Friends of West Norwood Cemetery and your kind donation will help us to continue to preserve this very special space. Please note that due to a quirk of the system each ticket has to be booked separately - something to bear in mind if you are coming with a group.