The City of London Cemetery and Crematorium in Newham has transformed its historic site to bring it into the 21^st century – becoming greener, with new technology and upgrades for its facilities and grounds for mourners.

The East London cemetery, run by the City of London Corporation, is one of the largest in Europe and receives one million visitors a year.

It has taken a series of steps in the last five years to go above and beyond in its services to mourners, whilst becoming more environmentally sustainable.

The most significant changes include: new, environmentally friendly cremators; live streaming of services; new TV screens in chapels; new solar panels; a new heating system; a major stonework overhaul and more electric vehicles and grounds maintenance equipment.

The City Corporation has also developed a new burial area. And it already operates a grave reuse scheme, helping to ensure burial remains a sustainable option at the site.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Port Heath and Environmental Services Committee, Keith Bottomley, said:

“We want to provide the absolute best service possible for visitors and mourners at the City of London Cemetery & Crematorium.

“These changes have helped to modernise the site and its facilities with the new screens and live streaming proving particularly important during the pandemic.

“This work also aligns with our focus on climate action. The Cemetery and Crematorium has become so much greener through the increased use of electric vehicles, solar panels and environmentally friendly cremators.”

The City of London Cemetery and Crematorium is a Grade I listed landscape in the heart of East London that has been open since 1856. The 200-acre site provides a picturesque, safe, parkland atmosphere and offers formal gardens, well maintained roadways, tree lined avenues and local heritage.

The cemetery is located opposite Wanstead Flats and is a short walk from Manor Park railway station.

Amongst the famous people buried at the Cemetery are Sir Robert Hooke, Bobby Moore and two of the Jack the Ripper victims.

The cemetery is a Grade I listed landscape and there are eight Grade II listed buildings within the site.

The Cemetery & Crematorium runs 3,500 funeral services each year. Over one million people have been buried or cremated at the site.

ENDS

Kristina Drake| Media Officer, Public Services

City of London Corporation

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/newsroom

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

M: 07710860884

D: 020 7332 1125

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

The City of London Cemetery and Crematorium has received a prestigious Green Flag award - the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales - every year since the year 2000. It was the first cemetery to be awarded the Green Flag and the first cemetery to be awarded the Green Heritage Award.