Hyde Park Pet Cemetery, Pet cemetery in Hyde Park, London, England
The cemetery is a small burial ground located within the park boundaries near Victoria Lodge, containing approximately 300 marble headstones. Each stone is inscribed with the animal's name and the dates of their life, marking graves for dogs, cats, and other creatures from the Victorian period.
The burial ground began in 1881 when Cherry, a Maltese terrier, was laid to rest there as the first occupant. It remained open for burials until 1903, during which time it became the final resting place for the beloved animals of London's wealthy families.
The inscriptions on the stones reveal how deeply people valued their animal companions during the Victorian era, with touching phrases expressing genuine affection and loss. The words carved into marble show that pets were family members whose memory people wanted to preserve.
The site is not open to the general public without special arrangement, so advance planning is necessary to view the grounds. It is best to contact the relevant park authorities before visiting to arrange access.
Among the numerous dogs and cats are some unexpected burials, including three small monkeys and several birds from the Victorian era. One grave of a dog named Scum was deliberately left without any inscription, standing out as a curious exception.
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