Willesden Jewish Cemetery

Willesden Jewish Cemetery is an 8-hectare burial ground with around 30,000 graves and Gothic-style funeral buildings designed for services. The grounds feature numerous monuments with Hebrew inscriptions and elaborate decorative details throughout the landscape.

The United Synagogue established this burial ground in 1873 using land purchased from All Souls College Oxford. The site expanded several times over the following decades to accommodate the growing community.

The cemetery serves as a gathering place for the Jewish community and reflects their traditions through Hebrew inscriptions and memorial designs that honor prominent members. The graves document the lives of notable individuals who contributed to British society across many fields.

The grounds are best explored during daylight hours when you can see the various monuments and buildings clearly. The House of Life visitor center offers guided tours that help explain the site and its significance.

One burial site here is that of Rosalind Franklin, whose research contributed to understanding DNA structure. A Grade II listed monument on the grounds was designed by the renowned artist Edward Burne-Jones.

Location: London Borough of Brent

Inception: 1873

Website: http://theus.org.uk/content/willesden-cemetery

GPS coordinates: 51.54470,-0.23990

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:47