On a sunny morning in May, a dozen WINK members made our way to Highgate Cemetery via train and tube, taking the bus for the final leg as we didn’t fancy the walk up the hill, however we did saunter down it on the way back! We arrived in good time so were able to visit Karl Marx’s grave, as this wasn’t scheduled on our tour, before hooking up with our guide.
Julia was very entertaining as well as knowledgeable, giving us the history of this Victorian cemetery, pointing out several notable graves, tombs and mausoleums, including Egyptian Avenue, and regaling us with fascinating anecdotes of the deceased. Although very shady due to the number of trees – an issue currently being addressed by the Friends of Highgate Cemetery who maintain it, as many are quite unstable – the atmosphere wasn’t gloomy.
We were in need of refreshment following our tour and enjoyed an alfresco lunch at Lauderdale House in Waterlow Park before wending our way home. A thoroughly worthwhile outing!
