Magnificent Seven, London

The Magnificent Seven are seven cemeteries used by the citizens of nineteenth century London.

Related Topics:
Cemeteries - London

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In the first 50 years of the 19th century the population of London more than doubled from 1 million to 2.3 million. At this time all London's dead were buried in small parish churchyards, which quickly became dangerously overcrowded, leading to decaying matter getting into the water supply and causing epidemics. There were stories of graves being dug that already contained bodies, and bodies being flushed directly into the newly-built sewer system.

Related Topics:
19th century - Epidemic

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In 1832 Parliament passed a bill encouraging the establishment of private cemeteries outside London, and later passed a bill to completely close all inner London churchyards. Over the next decade 7 cemeteries were set up - the "Magnificent Seven":

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• Kensal Green Cemetery - 1832
• West Norwood Cemetery - 1837
• Highgate Cemetery - 1839
• Abney Park Cemetery - 1840
• Nunhead Cemetery - 1840
• Brompton Cemetery - 1840
• Tower Hamlets Cemetery - 1841
 
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