Crossbones Graveyard and Garden of Remembrance - open garden, tours, art

Bankside Open Spaces Trust are delighted to be able, with the help of our wonderful volunteer wardens, to extend the Crossbones graveyard opening hours during Chelsea Fringe week.

We invite you to come and explore this fascinating site - a garden grown from the area's social history and community action.

Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance is as former post-medieval burial ground, believed to be the last resting place of an estimated 15,000 paupers, many of whom were sex workers and children. The space is led by local people and is designed to respect the outcast dead who are buried beneath. It provides a sensitive, contemplative environment for all who would spend time here.

Usually open three lunchtimes a week, we celebrate Chelsea Fringe with extended opening hours, tours and art. Enjoy a tour of the garden on Friday 27th May with our Landscape Architect and Crossbones Project Manager Helen John. These FREE tours include a Q&A and run at 12pm, 12.45pm and 1.30pm. If you're interested in local history, community activism or are trying to set up your own community garden, you'll find these tours informative and inspiring.

Every day there will also be a self guided art activity on site designed by artist Minnie Scott. Come and create your own imagined portrait or other artwork/poem inspired by those buried in this special place. You are welcome to take your piece home with you or leave at Crossbones to help others remember these once outcast dead