Western Catacombs
A very expensive cemetery feature that seemed jinxed from the start.
Catacombs – tunnels where coffins were laid out – were briefly popular in the 19th century, and all of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries built them. Brompton’s catacombs in the Great Circle were a particular feature. Wealthy families could choose handsomely decorated lead-lined coffins for their loved ones, to rest on open shelves. Some cemeteries even charged a small fee for Victorian visitors to view the coffins.
The catacombs at Brompton are brick vaulted passages with spaces for the coffins – known as loculi – on each side. The stacks of lead-lined coffins were extremely heavy, so the shelf structure had to be very strong. The shelves had metal grates on the front, so that the ornate coffins could be seen. (Credit: Greywolf)
Catacombs were very expensive to build, and Brompton built two extensive sets. Unfortunately, catacombs soon fell out of favour and few of Brompton’s shelves were ever filled. The Western Catacombs that lined the west wall of the cemetery faced even greater problems.
The entrance to the Western Catacombs led to a central passageway. There were cells on both sides, and each had five shelves for the coffins. There were also stairs at the entrance, which led up to the scenic walkway on the top of the catacombs. (Credit: Greywolf)
Structural faults were found, soon after they were completed. This caused a rift between the cemetery architect, Benjamin Baud, and the builder, Philip Nowell, which ended with Baud being sacked. Baud had also included a scenic promenade along the top of the catacombs, with views over the adjacent Kensington Canal. This became redundant within a few years, when the canal was replaced by a railway. Finally, the catacombs were badly damaged when West Brompton Station was bombed in the Second World War, and large sections had to be removed.
For a few years, the promenade along the Western Catacombs had lovely views over the Kensington Canal. (Credit: Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea)
The main entrance, which gives access to the remaining southern section of the catacombs, was repaired and restored during the conservation works in 2017.
Further information
(Credit: Greywolf)
(Credit: Greywolf)
