Woodvale Cemetery and the Victorian Cult Of Death

" So we go inside and we gravely read the stones
All those people , all those lives - where are they now ?"
The Smiths

St Nicholas Church may be the oldest church in Brighton , but Woodvale Crematorium and Cemetery is without doubt the grandest . Set in a shallow valley , winding paths overshadow huge family vaults and ancient trees lead to beautiful neo-gothic chapels .

Two soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross are buried here , as well as many of the most famous names in Brighton's history - including Reverends Arthur and Henry Wagner , and Aliester Crowley , the infamous Occultist who called himself " The Beast " was cremated here in the 1940's .

Join me on this walk to find out about the history of this amazing burial place and the lives of some of the people laid to rest here .

We meet by the entrance to Woodvale Crematorium , next to the Gladstone ( big yellow pub ) on Lewes Road , opposite Sainsbury's

Note - although most of my tours are dog friendly this one isn't I'm afraid because of the cemetery byelaws

Tickets are £8 and you can pay by cash or card on the day

Nick