Campaigners ‘delighted’ as treasured historical burial ground with 15,000 graves is to be preserved

By Toby Porter

The future of South London’s most treasured historic burial ground has been secured after developers and transport chiefs agreed a package of support.

The disused Crossbones Graveyard and Memorial Gardenon Union Street and Redcross Way in Southwark was estimated to hold the remains of some 15,000 people when it was closed in 1853.

The former paupers’ graveyard is thought is thought to have been an unconsecrated burial ground for sex workers – known as “Winchester Geese” because they were licensed by the Archbishop of Winchester to work within the Liberty of the Clink, which lay outside the law of the City.

From 2006, campaigners the Friends of Crossbones worked to preserve the historic graveyard, working with Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST) from 2014 to open a public garden of remembrance dedicated to those on the margins of society.

Construction on the next door Landmark Court by developers U+I, who have agreed a deal to secure the site with Transport for London (TfL).

It will see BOST, which currently has a rolling two-year lease, granted a recurring 30-year lease over the graveyard, enabling the charity to apply for funding.

The project includes the enhancement of the memorial garden, with BOST, Friends of Crossbones and the Crossbones Forum, with landscaping improvements as part of the Landmark Court scheme.

TfL and U+I will also provide annual funding to BOST to maintain the garden pay for wardens during extended opening hours.

Richard Upton, U+I’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Crossbones Graveyard and Memorial gardens is one of London’s extraordinary hidden places.

“From the outset we have been determined to secure the future of this special place, ensuring not only that it is preserved but enhanced so that more Londoners can discover its history and honour its continued purpose as a place to remember and respect those on the margins of society.”

Scott Anderson, Senior Property Development Manager at TfL, said: “We are delighted to work with U+I, BOST, the local community and the London Borough of Southwark to provide the Crossbones Graveyard and Memorial Garden long-term protection and support that will ensure its preservation for the community.

“It plays an integral role in the area’s history and we believe it is important that we respect and honour the site’s past.”

Charlotte Gilsenan, CEO of Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST), said:

“We are thrilled to be starting the next chapter for this unique space. Following our agreement, there is now the funding and certainty to bring about the community led vision for Crossbones Graveyard and memorial garden, including welcoming many more visitors to this hidden sanctuary.

“U+I and TfL have worked closely and collaboratively with the Crossbones Forum and BOST to secure a future for Crossbones, and we look forward to acting as custodians together for many years to come.”

Planning consent for the 1.7-acre Landmark Court in June 2020 allows 36 new homes, including 50 per cent affordable housing, and 200,000 sq ft of shops, cafes, restaurants and market stalls.

The scheme, designed by local architects Allies and Morrison, aims to fit the Victorian industrial and commercial architecture of the area. Number 15 Southwark Street, which dates from the 1860s, will also be restored as part of the development.

Work is expected to start on site in 2021 and to complete in 2024.

Crossbones has been the subject of a 20-year campaign to protect the site from development.

London Underground dug up part of the site while building the Jubilee line extension in the 1990s, removing 148 skeletons. The shrine in Redcross Way is now adorned with ribbons bearing the names of the dead, photographs, jewellery, totems and mementos.

Vigils are held there at 7pm on the 23rd of every month.