One of the biggest concentrations of famous graves is at one of London’s biggest attractions – Westminster Abbey. This is one of the greatest examples of religious architecture anywhere in Europe – but Westminster Abbey is more than just a cathedral – it’s a symbol of Britain and its history. Amongst the 3000 or so graves and memorials in here are buried many of the rulers who have shaped Britain’s destiny over the last 1000 years or so. Apart from the many kings and queens buried here, the aptly named Poets’ Corner is one of the most popular spots in the abbey. Here you will find the tombs of such well known English poets and writers as Chaucer, Shelley and Dylan Thomas. In the nave at the west side of the cathedral is one of the more touching memorials – Britain’s tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
St. Martin's in the Fields
One of London’s most famous and photogenic churches, St Martin’s in the Fields sits at the corner of Trafalgar Square, in the heart of the West End. Inside are buried Nell Gwynne who was the infamous mistress of Charles II and the notorious highwayman Jack Sheppard. Many other graves here date back to the 1500s, and you can dine among them in the crypt cafe. You can also engage in a particularly English pastime here – "brass rubbing" in which you copy the carvings from tombs and graves onto huge sheets of paper, by rubbing crayon over them.
Many smaller churches are tucked away down the narrow streets and alleyways of the City, as London’s financial district is simply known. The church of St Giles Cripplegate (named after the patron saint of cripples) dates back to the 11th century and survived the great Fire of London. John Milton, the author of "Paradise Lost" was buried here in 1674; a hundred years after he was buried, someone broke into his grave and stole his teeth and what was left of his hair. St Botolphs church, also in the City, has a tiny churchyard that is still known as "postman’s park" as it once was a popular lunch spot for workers from the nearby postal headquarters.
Not far from the City is the burial ground of Bunhill Fields, the last surviving small burial ground in London. The bodies are tightly packed together here – there are an estimated 120,000 bodies here – and it gives an idea of how burial was before the large cemeteries opened. In Bunhill Fields are the graves of many of England’s "non-conformists" including William Blake and John Bunyan. The graveyard is surprisingly well stocked with oak and ash trees and it makes a peaceful place for a picnic lunch.