HISTORY & HERITAGE

Manor Park Cemetery and Crematorium was founded in 1874 and has proudly served all sections of the local community since that date. Extending its historical heritage the company is still run by the scions of the same family who originally dedicated the land to the service of the local area and all its requirements.

Over its long history The Manor Park Cemetery & Crematorium has been the chosen resting place of numerous individuals whose lives have generated great historical interest.

The very first interment on March 25th 1875 was that of Mr William Nesbitt located on Centre Drive. Proudly ­­sitting at the corner of Cornwell Crescent and Centre Drive is the memorial to John Travers Cornwell VC who was the youngest recipient of the Victoria Cross for his valiant actions at the Battle of Jutland in 1916. 

He subsequently died from his wounds having saved so many lives during the battle.

In an area off Burge Road sits the World War Two Civilian Mass Grave for 57 persons who lost their lives as the result of enemy bombing during World War Two when a residential area close to Whitta Road took a direct hit and total families were killed.

The grave and memorial to Matchgirl Sarah Dearman (nee Chapman) is sited off Burge Road. Sarah is renowned for her work in fighting for the rights and conditions of working women. She was involved in a campaign while working at the Bryant and May Match factory in Bow, where she was a leader in the successful Matchgirls Strike in 1888. Sarah was elected as President of their new Union and became the first representative to the TUC at National and International level.

And in the same vicinity is the Memorial to Annie Chapman who, as the second victim of Jack the Ripper was buried in Manor Park Cemetery in 1888 having met her end in such notorious circumstances.

At the crossroads of Centre Drive and Manor Avenue is the impressive grave of John Clinton, a brave ten year old from Walworth who in 1894 saved his playmate from drowning in the River Thames near London Bridge. Sadly John then fell back into river and drowned in the fast current.

While every grave in the cemetery will carry its own special story, these are just a sample of the breadth and variety of historical characters who rest within the estate and are testimony to the vital service that Manor Park Cemetery has offered the local community over so many years.