The Real Pet Cemetery
We all know Stephen King’s famous novel, ‘Pet Sematary’. Many of us spent nights reading the book full of dreadful mysteries about a cemetery dedicated to pets; and the soil bearing spiritual power to let the dead come back to life again.
Well, the pet cemetery does exist and it’s in Hyde Park.
Older Than You Think
The Pet Cemetery is at Victoria Lodge rare garden.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Hyde Park secret Pet Cemetery was not opened by plan.
Let’s go back in time in 1881, when this little graveyard’s story started with Cherry, a Maltese terrier.
Cherry loved spending time in Hyde Park with their owners Mr and Mrs J. Lewis Barned. As they visited Hyde Park quite often, the husband and wife made a friendship with the park’s gatekeeper Mr Winbridge.
When Cherry passed away at an old age, their owner approached Mr Winbridge and asked if there was any chance to bury their beloved dog within the park, in Victoria Lodge’s back garden, as that had Cherry’s favourite place been.
They got the permission and Cherry’s tombstone is still there with its inscription, ‘Poor Cherry. Died April 28. 1881’
The Prince’s Dog
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The next pet to be buried here was Duke of Cambridge’s beloved dog, a Yorkshire terrier, named Prince. Prince had met his end under the wheel of a carriage in an unfortunate accident.
Soon, Hyde Park became wealthy Londoners’ beloved companions’ final resting place.
More Than a Thousand Graves
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The Pet Cemetery closed in 1903 as it was getting too cramped.
By the time the cemetery closed, 300 little souls had been laid to rest in the tiny back garden. The Victorian cemetery was the first public pet cemetery in Britain, and over 1,000 pets buried there.
Dogs are the Most Common Animals
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Mostly dogs are buried in the Pet Cemetery – many of them had a fatal encounter with carriages – but there are plenty of cats and birds and even a monkey.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The headstones bear simple inscriptions addressed to faithful companions:
“In loving memory of my darling little Cirrie, Died March 14 1893”
“To the beloved memory of Orphie, Most faithful devoted friend who left us sorrowing, Died Aug 22 1897”
“In memory of my dearest little Susan”
There is even a victim of a murder, Balu.
“Balu, Son of Fritz, Poisoned by a cruel Swiss, 1899”
Photo: Urban Adventurer
How to Visit
The cemetery is not open to the public but at rare occasions The Royal Parks organise walking tours that include special viewing to the Pet Cemetery.
If you missed the special viewing, you can still contact with Hyde Park and arrange a one-hour private viewing.
Peek through the railings by Victoria Gate to catch a glimpse of the real Pet Cemetery.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Alternatively, peek through the park’s railings by Victoria Gate and you can catch a glimpse of the tiny tombstones. Map
Ready for your next adventure? Visit London’s weirdest museum: Museum of Curiosities.