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."
Where to meet:
Please meet your guide under the main archway for a prompt 11am start.
Good to know:
The cemetery is quite hilly in parts and may be a challenge for people with mobility issues. If you have any concerns, please get in touch with us before the day so we can advise (and we recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes whatever level of fitness). There are bathroom facilities available at the crematorium which we will arrive at halfway through the tour. Unfortunately, dogs, even on leads are not allowed in the cemetery.
How to find us:
West Norwood Cemetery and Crematorium (SE27 9JU) is close to St Luke's Church and right next door to West Norwood Library.
Buses: 2, 68, 196, 315, 322, 432 and 468 (several of these routes go via Brixton Tube): 2, 196, 322, 432). Alight at Robson Road stop.
Rail: Tulse Hill Station is a ten-minute walk from the cemetery, while West Norwood Station is the closest (trains to and from London Bridge and Victoria)
Parking: There is limited car parking within the cemetery.
