Dissenters Catacombs

Highgate Cemetery, Swains Lane, Camden.

Grade II*

Best known as the burial place of Karl Marx, Highgate Cemetery is world renowned for its fine Victorian sculptural monuments and is considered by English Heritage to be a “site of outstanding historic and architectural interest”. The landscape and monuments are in constant need of care and attention, and the Friends receive no money from Camden Council towards this ongoing programme of conservation. The Friends are currently working on repairing the Dissenters Catacombs, which line one of the main walkways leading up to the Egyptian Gateway. They consist of a row of large brick and render vaults, some with elegant ironwork gates. Whole sections of render have disintegrated and brickwork has also suffered damage over time. Their restoration will make the walkway more attractive for new burials nearby, which create much-needed revenue for the cemetery. The total cost for repairs is estimated at £225,000 – the Friends hope to receive up to 60% of this in a grant from English Heritage (pending). The Friends of Highgate Cemetery are very anxious to restore the “prestige” of this cemetery and the Trust has offered a grant of £3,000 towards the restoration.