This is Cross Bones Graveyard, an unconsecrated memorial to the thousands of prostitutes who lived, worked and died in this once lawless corner of London. This is, at least, how it started out in the late medieval period.
How many people are buried at Cross Bones?
Cross Bones is a disused post-medieval burial ground on Redcross Way in Southwark, south London. Up to 15,000 people are believed to have been buried there. It was closed in 1853. Cross Bones is thought to have been established originally as an unconsecrated graveyard for prostitutes, or “single women”,…
Why is crosscross bones a ‘single women’ graveyard?
Cross Bones’ early reputation as a graveyard for ‘Single Women’ suggests that at least at first, the graveyard was mainly used for the burial of prostitutes. You see, even though the brothels and the prostitutes within were licenced by the Bishop of Winchester they were not allowed to be buried on consecrated ground.
What is the history of cross Brones graveyard?
Over time, Cross Brones Graveyard started to accommodate other members of society who were also denied a Christian burial, including paupers and criminals. With Southwark’s long and sordid past as “the pleasure-garden of London”, with legalised bear-baiting, bull fighting and theatres, the graveyard filled up extremely quickly.
What happened to Southwark’s Southwark Cemetery?
With Southwark’s long and sordid past as “the pleasure-garden of London”, with legalised bear-baiting, bull fighting and theatres, the graveyard filled up extremely quickly. By the early 1850’s the graveyard was at bursting point, with one commentator writing that it was “completely overcharged with dead”.
What is the history of the London graveyard?
The earliest known reference to the Graveyard was by John Stow in his Survey of London in 1598: “I have heard ancient men of good credit report, that these single women were forbidden the rights of the Church, so long as they continued that sinful life, and were excluded from Christian burial, if they were not reconciled before their death.
