Salvation Army Graves at Camberwell New Cemetery

Image: © Marathon Taken: 18 Oct 2015

In the 1850s the Parish of Camberwell was in desperate need of new burial space. The Camberwell Burial Board was set up to find an answer to the problem and copying the instant success of the nearby Nunhead Cemetery, they bought 30 acres of meadowland and established the 'Burial Ground of St Giles Camberwell'. The first interment took place on 3rd July 1856. Over 30,000 burials took place in the subsequent 30 years. In 1874 the cemetery was expanded by a further seven acres. At the turn of the 20th century it was recognised that the Old Cemetery would soon be full. The land for Camberwell New Cemetery was purchased in three lots totalling 68 acres in 1901. Following its acquisition much of the land was rented out for other uses, including a golf club and a fireworks factory. In 1926 the first part of the land was laid out as a cemetery and the first interment took place on 23rd May 1927. However, large portions remain unused for burials and some of this land is now a recreation ground. At first sight it seems that these graves are war graves but on closer inspection it can be seen that all those commemorated were "promoted to glory". This is a plot for senior Salvation Army Officers, presumably connected with their nearby William Booth College at Denmark Hill. More information about both cemeteries can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camberwell_Cemeteries

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