Exploring London's Lost Necropolis Railways: Waterloo to Brookwood & King's Cross to Colney Hatch

In 1854, the London Necropolis Railway began transporting coffins and mourners between Waterloo Station and Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey.
This unusual funeral service was joined a few years later by the far lesser known Great Northern London Cemetery Company, which ran a similar operation between King's Cross and Colney Hatch, Barnet.
This documentary examines the history of these two funeral railways together...
00.00 Introduction
1.33 Background: London's Burial Crisis
4.10 A City for the Dead
6.42 Founding the Great Northern Cemetery
9.01 Opposing London's Funeral Railways
13.23 Opening Brookwood Cemetery
14.10 Opening The Great Northern Cemetery
16.03 Other Roles
17.28 At Brookwood Cemetery
19.34 At The Great Northern Cemetery
21.24 Waterloo's 1st Necropolis Station
25.40 The King's Cross Cemetery Terminal
28.26 Waterloo's 2nd Necropolis Terminal
31.55 Demise of The Great Northern Cemetery
33.30 Demise of The London Necropolis Railway
35.49 Outro
Thank you so much for stopping by. Likes and shares are much appreciated, as are subscriptions as they really do help the robslondon channel to grow.
If you're after more London based content, please be sure to visit my website robslondon.com where you'll find more history, stories and trivia:
robslondon.com/
If you'd like to learn more about Waterloo Station and the London Necropolis Railway, my book- 'A History of Waterloo Station: London's Busiest Terminus' is now available for pre-order:
www.foyles.co....
Other London themed merchandise can be found at my Etsy store; robsonlinedesigns:
www.etsy.com/u...
Thanks again. Stay well and stay tuned!
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Credits:
Maps:
David Rumsey Historical Map Collection (www.davidrumsey...)
Google
National Library of Scotland (www.nls.uk/)
Old Maps Online (www.oldmapsonl...)
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[@paulinemason330]

My husbands Great Grandfather was taken to the Brookwood Cemetery on The Necropolis Railway in 1907. The Burial card that we have for him states a Grave Number, but despite many visits to Brookwood it appears that the Grave wasn’t marked and ties in with the information from his Great Grandmother that it was a Paupers Funeral. A Great video that we found very informative. Thank you

[@Robslondon]

Thank you for the kind words Pauline, and thank you too for sharing your connection with the Necropolis Railway; that's a very moving story. Stay well.

[@alisonlee3314]

I'm sorry you never found his final resting place. But it's a beautiful cemetery. What a wonderful place for him to end up, whatever the circumstances xxx

[@t.p.mckenna]

I travelled to Argentina to locate the grave of a great uncle of mine and although I was furnished with an awful lot of information including an account by the lady who had made his arrangements and who attended the burial, but ultimately we couldn't find a record for the burial and had to assume he was in an unmarked grave. Even so, I was glad to get as close as I could.

[@t.p.mckenna]

You've done a great job here, Rob. This is the most comprehensive account I've seen of the coffin railways. I find I'm fascinated by the history and saddened that there's so little remind us of this quite macabre era. I made a trip a couple of years ago down to Brookwood, but there's so little to see, in its way. I don't know if it got a mention but it is the burial place of Freddie Mercury somewhere in the corner of the cemetery dedicated to members of the Zoroastrian faith, while in motion picture terms the American services plot has been a regular substitute for Washington's Arlington Cemetery. Most noticeably in the film The Omen. I have to admit I have always been enthralled by cemeteries possibly because my school was very close to the Marylebone Cemetery in Finchley. Meanwhile, in my family I am effectively the undertaker as I handle all the arrangements and make things straightforward for everyone. Also, I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so I like thing to be done correctly.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much for your kind- and wonderful- words. I had no idea Freddie Mercury was buried at Brookwood, nor that it featured in The Omen.... these are incredible facts, and ones I'm so glad you shared with me. Thank you. Best wishes, and stay well.

[@t.p.mckenna]

@@Robslondon I should correct myself. It has not been confirmed where his ashes are interred, but this has been speculated to be a location.

[@Robslondon]

@@t.p.mckenna Ah, ok thanks.

[@blacksnip]

Interesting and sad contrast that the hard working horses of London were afforded no such respect or diginity- average working life of about five years for an animal that can live into their thirties.... and an animal that the city of London and indeed all cities owe their existence to.

[@Robslondon]

Well said.

[@nickspruytenburg1230]

I had actually never heard of Brookwood cemetery until a few months ago, when I discovered that the son of a great friend of my father was buried in the section dedicated to the RAF. This man had died on a test flight when based at Farnborough. The place was extremely impressive, and I found the grave with no difficulty. I later discovered that Rebecca West, the famous author intimately connected with H.G. Wells for many years, was buried in the civilian section. No doubt many more notable people have been laid to rest here as well alongside the humble and forgotten. As Thomas Gray memorably said, "The paths of glory lead but to the grave." Thank you very much for a most informative video.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much for your insightful thoughts and kind words Nick; much appreciated. I wasn't aware that Rebecca West was buried there; very interesting. Thanks again and stay well.

[@petermacdonald3061]

Thank you that was excellent, as a matter of interest, Sydney, Australia also had a funeral train leaving from Central in Sydney to Rookwood in the western suburbs. The station and platform still existed at the end of the 20th century when I left Australia to live in Malaysia.

[@Robslondon]

Many kind thanks Peter. Yes, I've heard about the Aussie funeral railway; from what I understand, the station building was rebuilt as a chapel in Canberra where you can still see it!

[@petermacdonald3061]

@@Robslondon Also funny how London was Brookwood and Sydney, Rookwood. Familiarity for the English settlers I guess.

[@Robslondon]

@@petermacdonald3061 Yes, I've been wondering about this- wether it was inspired or a coincidence?

[@johnjephcote7636]

Yes, I saw photographs of it in one of my bound collections of 'The Railway Magazine'.

[@thoughtengine]

@@Robslondon Not to mention Woronora Cemetery at Sutherland; Sandgate at Newcastle, or the one in Melbourne.

[@brianwilliams7783]

When living in London, I attended S. Alban's Holborn. The church has its own cemetery at Brookwood and there is an account of the first vicar's funeral, including the railway journey to Brookwood. Fascinating video

[@Robslondon]

That's fascinating Brian, I wasn't aware of that.

[@felixwaterman4448]

Just finishing reading Nancy Mitford's first novel "Highland Fling". In the last few pages, the 'Bright Young People' stage a mock funeral and travel to Brookwood on the Necropolis Railway. Interesting how references turn up in unexpected places.

[@felixwaterman4448]

Felix Waterman is Brian Williams, by the way. I live on a boat called Felix!

[@robertbarnes3890]

Splendid video. This history should never be forgotten. Thank you Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Robert. Much appreciated.

[@alisonlee3314]

What a fascinating video. I grew up opposite Kendal Green Cemetery. We used to picnic there in the summer. Not as morbid as it sounds ☺️. I remember the birds and the flowers....it was wonderful. I knew about the line to Brookwood, but not about the others. Thank you so much for your thorough research, and for photos I've never seen before X

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Alison. A relative of mine is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery, it is indeed a wonderful place as you say. Thanks again and stay well.

[@stevehendon4076]

I was born on Purves Road, Kensal Rise (My Mum, my sister and me were all born in the same house)😊😎

[@iaindcosta]

..In the city, ironically cemeteries have an abundance of life, despite the many bones just out of sight.. I also have relatives buried at Kensal Green (who lived on College Road)

[@dongorgon4168]

Thank you. Fascinating. I have travelled through Brookwood station thousands of times as a commuter and I know the area by road very well. I knew about the military connection and latterly the Muslim connection but nothing about Necropolis and the Russian monks, 2 stations in the cemetery with bars! It is a beautiful area. On my commute I passed through the Ash Ranges and then the golf course before the cemetery. Beautiful. You can also see Guildford Cathedral in the distance in autumn/winter. More information about Waterloo as well, my destination. Learnt a lot about the buildings that were part of my London commute so thanks. Best one was that Necroplis was discussed and agreement reached in the Sovereigns pub, Woking, in the 1850s. I worked around the corner in the 80s and frequented regularly. Who knew?

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks for your comment Don; lovely thoughts :-) Stay well.

[@helenblakemore4201]

What a fantastic video with so much information. Thank you, I have really enjoyed it.

[@Robslondon]

I really appreciate that Helen, thank yo 🙂

[@StolenOxygen]

Excellently executed video review of this amazing piece of history! Thanks!

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated; thank you so much.

[@SDD3204]

Very good indeed. Thanks for posting.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much!

[@SDD3204]

@@Robslondon You are most welcome. I knew something about the subject and yet learned more. Great depth and background.

[@Robslondon]

@@SDD3204 I really appreciate that; thanks again.

[@andypidsley2688]

Thanks for a fascinating film and all the effort you put into it.

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated Andy, thank you

[@malcolmdalrymple1779]

Thanks for this. I knew about the Necropolis Railway but not about the northern line and cemetery. I’ll also have to rewatch The Ladykillers more closely.

[@Robslondon]

You're very welcome Malcom, thanks for watching.

[@johnjephcote7636]

I still know the area as Belle Isle, after the name of the former signalbox. There was a Victorian song that went 'Buy me a ticket to Heaven, before the last train is gone'.

[@johnsharp8632]

Another extremely well researched, illustrated and narrated video Rob. I have seen other videos of the Necropolis Railway, but these have not been covered the topic in such depth as you have done. Of more interest to me is the Colney Hatch or Great Northern Cemetery (now New Southgate cemetery) as it is last resting place of my wife's parents. By sheer coincidence, my first employer was Standard Telephones and Cables, whose huge works stood between the former cemetery station and the cemetery itself. The cemetery is a wonderful oasis of peace, and I often took a lunchtime walk there. Fellow workers told me that the cemetery station once existed and your video puts it all into perspective. Thanks Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Brilliant comment John, thank you so much for the kind words.

[@vintagevic4593]

Love the attention to detail and all the incredibly well researched pictures of how things looked then and now. Also, as someone else commented, the use of maps. I live literally round the corner from Waterloo’s ex-Necropolis station, and have coincidentally been working on a book about cemeteries, so I visited a lot of them during lockdown. This video certainly adds to my appreciation of these peaceful and fascinating places. You definitely deserve more subs so I have subbed.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Vic, thank you so much. Best of luck with your book; would be very interested to know more.

[@vintagevic4593]

I don’t think you would be very interested in the book, it is an adult colouring book about cemeteries. It might sound odd, but a lot of people love this kind of thing. I spent all lockdown drawing it! If you want to see it, search for “Angels, Urns & Obelisks” on Amazon. But as I say, it is rather niche. Anyway that is not why I was looking at your stream, I am genuinely interested in Old London and its related urban infrastructure, civil engineering, maps, and so on. You have a deeper, more documentary-like approach than some of the other people who cover this stuff, which is why I enjoyed the video.

[@Robslondon]

@@vintagevic4593 Hi Vic, I looked your book up and judging from the cover you're a very talented artist. I've heard adult colouring books are very popular and I can see why; I myself find art very relaxing. Thanks so much again for your kind words and support and best of luck with your project.

[@vintagevic4593]

Thanks too for your kind words. Here’s to both our online ventures. 😄

[@angelachouinard4581]

Vic I find those coloring books very good for stress relief. I'm glad you and Rob had this chat. I used to be a genealogist's assistant and fell in love with the old cemetaries doing her legwork. I took a look in Amazon and the cover was so interesting I couldn't resist a Christmas present for myself

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

That would be a quiet job: selling season tickets on the Necropolis railway :)

[@Robslondon]

😂

[@roberttaylor6295]

I was aware of such stations and cemeteries but your thorough research, relaxed delivery, suitable bits of film etc. and the perfectly chosen background music has filled in the enormous blanks in my knowledge in really enjoyable way, like all your histories to which I am gratefully addicted, and thankful for the warmth they exude. Thanks for all! Rob

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Rob!

[@RachelDeBono73]

Excellent video, such an interesting subject, important history that should never be forgotten. Well done.

[@2H80vids]

Just found your channel this afternoon and subbed after watching this well-written episode. It seems to be a fairly new channel and I wish you luck with it. That 1000 subs milestone is just around the corner. I'm sure I'll enjoy watching your small back catalogue and you'll hopefully fit in well with my subs to Jago Hazzard, Geoff Marshall and John Thomas.👍👌😁 You make good use of maps, something missing from many channels. I'm sure you're familiar with RailMapsOnline but perhaps some of your subscribers are not. I find that website really helpful and keep it open when watching a video like this. Good luck with the channel. Cheers for now, Dougie.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Dougie; it’s kind words and support from wonderful folks such as yourself which have really encouraged me to develop this channel. You’re right about the Railmaps website; it’s excellent! Thanks again Dougie and stay well.

[@bertspeggly4428]

Great video, well done. I never knew about the Kings Cross-Colney Hatch line.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Bert.

[@fuzzyfreckle1341]

Hi Rob, just got round to watching your latest video now. You put it out when I was half asleep around 04:00/05:00 the other morning 😴 😂 think you were trying to catch me out 😂 only "ballhopping" (joking). Well what I can I say Rob 🤔? You've outdone yourself yet again 👏. A Corpse Station. A City of The Dead. This is just absolutely mind blowing. I must say, I was absolutely glued to the screen. Truly! 🧐 You deserve so much credit for your meticulous attention to detail. Putting a face to every name and place. All the photographs, including extremely rare ones , maps and your graphics. The steam engine and the poetic verse you read out was extremely touching. When you told me you were working on your next video, I was so excited and as expected... you never fail to disappoint. I was speaking with my Dad and he was talking about when his sister moved to Hounslow when I was a child, she (my Aunt) then married my Uncle who is now a retired London Cab Driver! Last time I saw them was when I was very young and they used to visit here a lot. However, my Dad has been to visit them countless times. I remember my Dad telling me many moons ago how they had triple glass glazing windows when I never even heard of such a thing 😂 !!!. Due to airport noise I think 🙉 Rob, I was just curious as to why do funerals in England seem so long to take place when compared with Ireland? I'm assuming it's due to the sheer population difference surely? I think you'd be very interested in the town where I live here in Co Cork... It's steeped in history and is famous worldwide. As I said previously though, I'll end up knowing more about London 😂 🙈😎 Congrats on this video.👏👏👏... The amount of work and time it must take is unimaginable. Well done once again Rob and thank you so much for sharing this. I found this video so informative and couldn't believe there were trains going to mass graves. Also, The Class System evident, as always, money talks, even in death! Tremendous video 👏💚🇮🇪

[@Robslondon]

This is an incredible comment Fuzzy Freckle, thank you so much. To be honest I’m not sure why funerals in England take longer...maybe someone in the comments can help?! If your folks lived in Hounslow, triple glazing would be very wise due to the aircraft noise! I grew up close to Heathrow Airport myself and would often hear Jumbo Jets- and even the mighty Concorde- roar overhead!

[@fuzzyfreckle1341]

@@Robslondon well it's just credit where credit is due. I thoroughly enjoy your videos as they are just so diverse, fascinating, informative and engaging. Yes, I have one Aunt in England (Hounslow) think they all got grants at the time for the Triple Glazing from The Government, however, anyone please feel free to correct me if wrong about the Grant Scheme due to noise. Yes, if some of the other subs could let me know why funerals take to long in England that would be great. I'm assuming it's due to population size. Seems most logical explanation to me. 🤔 Here in Ireland when people die, there's a "removal" and then buried/cremated within days, unless it's a suspicious death, obviously. Prior to Pandemic funerals here usually have a "wake"...currently we are under Level 5 restrictions, so only certain number can attend a funeral and we can only travel 5km from our homes unless it's essential travel. No pubs etc are open. Anyway, loved this video immensely. The little details mean so much... When you say a name of some famous person of the time you always accompany it with a painting of the person or a photograph. With places you do the same and also include maps. This is really what sets your Channel apart, in my humble opinion. I feel like I am learning so much. I'm very grateful.

[@Robslondon]

@@fuzzyfreckle1341 😊

[@edwardoleyba3075]

@@fuzzyfreckle1341 . In answer to your point regarding the length of time of funerals taking place in England, sometimes it is literally down to coordinating things with the different authorities, such as arranging a doctors visit to certify cause of death. Then arranging for the removal of the body to a mortuary.Then obtaining a death certificate from the local authority. Followed by engaging an undertaker to arrange the funeral. I had to do this for an old friend in 2015. From the time of death to the funeral was two weeks!

[@fuzexi]

Really well put together. Very informative. Thanks for making the video!

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated Peter, thank you.

[@chriswoodford4331]

Excellent work, Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Chris.

[@ralph9871]

Completely absorbing. Great content and well edited. Would love to hear more on London history.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Ralph, much appreciated. Please stay tuned; there will be plenty more London history to come :-) Thanks again; stay well.

[@bryan3550]

A splendid documentary, Robert! Thank You. Coincidentally, I have just finished the novel "The Necropolis Railway" by Andrew Martin... Have been intrigued by the establishment after my wife discoved it on line some time ago. 🤔

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much bryan :-) If you're both interested in the Necropolis Railway (and haven't already done so), I'd highly recommend a visit to Brookwood Cemetery. The site of the old South Station is now a monastery, and inside there is a tiny museum (just one room) which has a few items related to the Necropolis. It's quite secretive, but if you get chatting to the monks- who are a very helpful and friendly bunch- they're more than happy to show you museum. Thanks again for your support and stay well.

[@bryan3550]

@@Robslondon Thanks for the tip, Rob. We look forward to visiting Brookwood, but that won't be for a while: we live in St Helena, an outer suburb of Melbourne, Australia! 😉

[@Robslondon]

@@bryan3550 Oh! You've got a long way to go!! There's always the remnants of the Sydney/Rookwood Cemetery line to hunt down ;-)

[@2H80vids]

I found Andrew Martin's book on eBay several years ago and wasn't even sure if the railway/cemetery were real or fictional, never having heard of them before. His book is an excellent read and provides a fair amount of history, intermingled with a very readable story. It's a pretty good introduction to the subject and also an interesting insight to the world of an aspiring train driver in the period. It would be a perfect follow-up if you found this video interesting and you should find a copy for little more than the cost of postage - I did. 👌😁👍

[@Robslondon]

@@2H80vids Cheers Dougie; I’d second that 😉

[@butchknapman3939]

Very interesting, as mentioned in this video as one of the magnificent seven West Norwood used to be my local cemetery. Some very interesting people are buried there along with William Cubitt the man associated with Brookwood Cemetery,

[@probablynotmyname8521]

Makes you wonder how many times the coffins got mixed up…

[@Robslondon]

😬

[@MrButtonpresser]

Genuinely fascinating, thanks

[@Robslondon]

Really appreciate that, thank you.

[@RichardWells1]

@ Robslondon - A really detailed and illuminating examination of social history in London, which benefits hugely from your thorough research. Excellent programme with fascinating narrative. Thank you!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Richard.

[@robintripp8164]

What a lovely and well produced video, and I have subscribed on the back of this alone. Thanks again.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Robin; good to have you here. Thanks again and stay well.

[@howtubeable]

The video mentions railroad workers witnessing family feuds and other drama. It's true. Funerals can bring out the worst in people. Working in the funeral industry is neither dull nor ghoulish.

[@philipmcdonagh1094]

Enjoyed that thanks.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Philip!

[@peterwilkinson2912]

Really really interesting aspect of railway history. Many thanks indeed

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much for your kind words Peter; really appreciate them. Thanks for watching and stay well.

[@angelasmith7912]

Very interesting and enjoyable, your vids are a great way to learn about London history! I will watch all, many thanks 😊

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Angela ☺️ Stay well

[@Foxybiker72]

Thank you for making this video and uploading it. I found it very fascinating indeed.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Scott; really appreciate that. Stay well.

[@jeremypiggott7994]

Great film Minor point The shaftsbury memorial fountain is of anteros. The god of philanthropic love (in keeping with his charitable work)

[@Robslondon]

Interesting, thanks Jeremy.

[@MrJohn768]

Thank you Rob. Thoroughly researched and professionally produced 👍 Excellent script and perfect voice over. I do like your cartoons and see you have a selection of your art work in your shop. You mentioned that the cemeteries had their own pubs. I read that London graveyards were used as a social meeting place ...rather like taking walks in the park. There is an entertaining book, in Upstairs Downstairs style, by Tracy Chevalier called ' Falling Angels' that gives look into the Victorian 'goings on' going on in Highgate Cemetery. I do enjoy your look at London series...nice for me to able to catch up on your back catalogue. Thank you 👍

[@Robslondon]

Great comment, thank you.

[@emmahudsonsinger6859]

Just realised where I'm living right now is within walking distance of the sight of the Kings Cross cemetary station! Been past it on the bus and had no idea!

[@Robslondon]

:-D

[@richardsingh5827]

Interesting video, good to hear about 2 Richards

[@asheland_numismatics]

Splendid video! 🐰

[@Robslondon]

Thank you asheland!

[@brianparker663]

This is good work. Looking forward to more from you.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Brian, much appreciated

[@gemmawhite1416]

Wonderful film. Thanks so much.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Gemma, really appreciate your kind words.

[@shrutishalini1720]

Fascinating stuff!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Shruti!

[@fuzzyfreckle1341]

I concur 💯 the content and detail is second to none. Each video shows his love, passion, dedication and attention to detail. The content is astounding. 💚🇮🇪

[@Robslondon]

@@fuzzyfreckle1341 Many kind thanks ☺️ It took quite a while to upload, hence the very early hour! 😂

[@fuzzyfreckle1341]

@@Robslondon I can't even begin to imagine the time this must take you. I'm so grateful I came across your channel and honoured to be one of your first subs! I cannot wait to see your Channel grow, you deserve it so much. I watched an Irish KZbinr grow to over one million subs!!!!! And just a quick edit to say I'm not on Twitter, Instagram and what I call "Fakebook" 😂. I do take time to watch certain KZbin Channels that interest and engage me. Your Channel fits the bill!

[@Robslondon]

@@fuzzyfreckle1341 Your support means more than I can say. Thank you 😊

[@oddball7483]

Very informative. Visited Kensal rise, Nunhead, High gate, Putney vale, Barnet in my early years whilst cycling around London. Loved being out and about exploring. Lived in the central area when coal was king. Still learning about the place in my dotage. Thanks

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Oddball.

[@travelinstygian]

Found your channel today and spent most of my Sunday watching your videos. Very well done, lots of interesting facts and history. Fascinating!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much; I really appreciate that; it's great to have you here! Cheers; stay well and thanks again ;-)

[@1506pinkers]

Fascinating. Thanks very much.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you.

[@ianparker9562]

Very enjoyable have walked the Brookwood line but never knew anything about Colney Hatch

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Ian

[@6yjjk]

No sound from 28:25 to 32:30 - copyright troubles? Shame - a well-put-together documentary.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you- yes, copyright trouble I’m afraid, even though the music I used was deemed free to use at the time. Thanks again though.

[@barrywa39]

An excellent, informative, and very interesting video. Nice to see the clip from The Ladykillers, one of my favourite films. Don't know if you've read it, but there is an excellent crime novel written by Andrew Martin, called The Necropolis Railway. It's worth a read.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Barry! Yes, I know that book- thanks for mentioning it. Cheers and stay well.

[@perrystalsis55]

Another excellent and fascinating documentary- thank you Rob!

[@Robslondon]

☺️

[@alrichmond4341]

Amazing research. Very well done.

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks Al. Stay well.

[@Rachel-bo3qg]

I love your channel and have recently bought your latest book ‘Waterloo Station A history or London’s busiest terminus’ and would thoroughly recommend it !

[@eltonlovell9898]

I explored the Waterloo Station a couple of years ago - it was possible to let yourself through the gate behind the Station and go up the iron stairway to what's left of the platform and track.. seems to be some sort of Rail Training Portacabins up there but deserted when I explored..

[@Robslondon]

Wow ;-)

[@johnbacon1854]

Rob that was a really well laid out presentation of the history of those Necro trains. I knew of the Waterloo ones but not the Kings Cross. Fascinating and a little sad too, especially the ones involving children. You really deserve more subs and I hopr your Channel grows really big for the time and effort you put in to it. All the best.

[@Robslondon]

I really appreciate that John, thank you so much. It's comments like yours that really keep me going! Many thanks sir, and stay well.

[@DavidShepheard]

Very interesting video! BTW: If you edit the times in the video and change the full stop "." for a colon ":" KZbin will add in it's own hyperlinks that allow people to jump to the right places in the video. Like this: 00:00 Introduction 1:33 Background: London's Burial Crisis 4:10 A City for the Dead 6:42 Founding the Great Northern Cemetery 9:01 Opposing London's Funeral Railways 13:23 Opening Brookwood Cemetery 14:10 Opening The Great Northern Cemetery 16:03 Other Roles 17:28 At Brookwood Cemetery 19:34 At The Great Northern Cemetery 21:24 Waterloo's 1st Necropolis Station 25:40 The King's Cross Cemetery Terminal 28:26 Waterloo's 2nd Necropolis Terminal 31:55 Demise of The Great Northern Cemetery 33:30 Demise of The London Necropolis Railway 35:49 Outro

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much David! I have tried to do this but it's never seemed to work; I'll give it another go! Thanks again and stay well :-)

[@andrewlucas9282]

Hi did any one else loose commentary for about 5 minutes towards the end. Great documentary again btw.

[@Robslondon]

Hi Andrew, thank you so much! I’m really sorry about the loss in commentary, it happened recently when I had to remove a piece of music- it took the entire audio unfortunately 😖 Thanks for sticking with it though!

[@LadySorrowfree]

Audio stops at about 28:30. No sound after that

[@susansantapola]

Very interesting really enjoyed watching. Thanks 👍

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure Susan, thank you so much.

[@fluffylad]

well done on another fascinating video, Rob. apologies if this has already been commented, but for some reason the audio has disappeared for 4 minutes between around 28:30 & 32:30 and I wasn’t sure if you were aware? thanks again, John

[@Robslondon]

Thanks John, yes there was a copyright claim on a piece of music used in that section (despite being classed as copyright free when I made the video!) sadly, it removed the entire audio section… sorry about that, it’s very frustrating. Cheers and stay well

[@fluffylad]

thanks for the prompt & detailed response, Rob, and totally understood. in fact, the historic photos in that section largely speak for themselves so the brief absence of audio certainly didn’t detract from the video as a whole.

[@Robslondon]

No problem at all; thank you so much for sticking with it! Much appreciated. Stay we;; ;-) @@fluffylad

[@johnjephcote7636]

Apparently a bar notice at Brookwood stated 'Spirits sold here'. A railway enthusiast who collected tickets travelled disguised as a mourner but his tickets were collected at journey's end; he should have purchased a duplicate set having gone to such lengths.

[@Robslondon]

:-)

[@pocketjohnson1820]

Probably should have said "spirits served here"😂

[@Robslondon]

@@pocketjohnson1820 😂

[@whyyoulidl]

Many thx; most informative.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you

[@greerbox]

Thanks Rob, a very interesting (and moving) piece of historic London. I have attended 2 Military funerals of my colleagues in the Blues and Royals at Brookwood Military Cemetery. I loved your drawings, very clever. Best wishes 👍

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts; they mean a lot to me- much appreciated. Stay well.

[@samgarrod4781]

Great stuff. Newly subbed. I'm fascinated by urban social history, architecture and oddities. 🏤🏰⛪

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Sam; good to have you here!

[@SushiTime1981]

Fantastic Video and would love to visit Brookwood one day. Looks very peaceful

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much. I hope you get to visit Brookwood one day; it is indeed a beautiful place.

[@qvide]

Don't forget to read Andrew Martin's great detective story, The Necropolis Railway.

[@mattking241]

Superb.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Matt, much appreciated.

[@lyntnugent9361]

Great vid mate,id read that golfers used to use one of the train lines,as it was cheaper than getting a taxi.Think the book was called The Fireside Book of Death.

[@Robslondon]

That’s interesting Lynt… there was indeed a golf course next to the necropolis

[@trickysam04]

Shame there is no sound for the final quarter of it 😢

[@Robslondon]

Hi Robert…. Yes, I recently had a copyright claim on the music used in that segment (even though it was classed as public domain). Rather than argue, I opted to remove the music… although it then erased the other audio too. This happened very recently and I sincerely apologize; thank you for watching the video that far.

[@clairbarnard9058]

Fascinating! Try ‘The Necropolis Railway’ by Andrew Martin. It’s as good novel featuring Jim Stringer, a young railway employee who solves mysteries and appears in the series of railway stories.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Clair

[@andrewjameson5918]

The railway hotel serves good beer and other drinks.

[@Robslondon]

🍻😁

[@johnw2580]

Really enjoyed that though need to point out that you missed the North station location at Brookwood. Despite the hedge and wire the platform brickwork extends behind the 'Railway Avenue' sign at 18.09.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks John, didn't realise that.

[@jorybennett5932]

The sound drops out at 28:28 for about 4 minutes.

[@Robslondon]

Yes, really sorry about that. Recently a copyright strike was made on a piece of music (despite it being available to use when I made the video)… instead of cutting the music, the whole audio section was knocked out. Frustrating I know- apologies again.

[@michaelcampin1464]

There is a book about the Railway Detective and the Necropolis Railway. Secondly there was also a railway within the Manor Park cemetery in East London

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Michael, I had no idea about the Manor Park Cemetery station... very interesting!

[@christianfreedom-seeker934]

😆 pretty creepy but necessary. We have the Lincoln Funeral Train as our Stateside creepy legend.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Christian! I’ve heard of the ghostly Lincoln train, read about it many years ago as a kid and I thought I’d sounded like the most incredible story ever! 👻

[@yeswap57]

Liked the vid. Shame about so many ads 😢

[@Robslondon]

Thanks… this channel is now my livelihood; my main source of income so the ads are vital I’m afraid. Without them I wouldn’t be able to make these videos.

[@JeremyMagicJohnson]

I live in Orange County California. I like London, I go there for fun often. i stumbled into Bromtom Cemetery by accident one day, my god…, Dudes using heroin, homeless vagrants and drunk teenagers defacing tombstones. Why doesn’t the council do anything about this?

[@Robslondon]

Oh dear....sorry you had a bad experience there.

[@MrKenichi22]

Love this video

[@Robslondon]

:-)

[@MrKenichi22]

:) I love railways

[@tweetypie1978]

That was really interesting and morbid

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Em ;-)

[@tweetypie1978]

@@Robslondon 🙃 the necropolis railway was mentioned in one of the zombie apocalypse books. I meant to look it up so thank you! There's loads of fascinating history in our country and especially in London. The morbid stuff that isn't generally discussed is always the best! Thanks Rob.

[@Robslondon]

@@tweetypie1978 Oh wow! Would love to know about the zombie book! Thanks again Em ☺️

[@goatlady7761]

The under ground railway section was apparently sealed I wish more information was presented on this.

[@Robslondon]

Hi Goatlady7, not sure there was an underground section of the Necropolis Railway?

[@goatlady7761]

@@Robslondon Ghosts of the underground at 40min mark.

[@Robslondon]

@@goatlady7761 Ah... that's a completely different story (most likely an urban legend); it certainly wasn't connected to the official Necropolis lines. Maybe worth a video in its own right though ;-)

[@goatlady7761]

Thanks for looking into it,

[@Robslondon]

@@goatlady7761 No worries

[@mlord1854]

Great but last 8 minutes no sound.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks; yes I'm so sorry about that- there was a copyright claim on a piece of music (even though it was classed as free to use at the time)... when it was removed, it took all of the audio with it. Very frustrating.

[@timecircuits88]

Am I the only one who's had audio dropout on this video? I restarted KZbin 4 times but it didn't solve anything 😔. Missed a whole chunk

[@Robslondon]

I'm so sorry about that. The video was ok until a while ago when a copyright claim was made on a piece of music (even though it was free to use at the time of making the video).... however, rather than just remove the music, my voice over was deleted too. Very frustrating I know: apologies.

[@Robslondon]

Yes, I'm sorry about that. There was recently a copyright claim on a piece of music used in that section (even though it was free to use when I made the video). The music was removed, but it also took my voice over away... very frustrating I know; apologies.

[@elsquared8800]

Why is there no audio from 28:25 to 32:31? Or am I the only one having that problem?

[@Robslondon]

The section was removed after a copyright claim was made on the background music (despite being free to use at the time I made the video). Really sorry; I know it's frustrating.

[@elsquared8800]

@@Robslondon I figured it was something like that. Fascinating video anyway.

[@davidw1518]

Interesting, and very well put-together. You clearly did lots of background research! In future videos, could you try to speak a little more clearly? There's nothing wrong with your Londoner's accent - I'm not asking for "Oxford English"! - but I did find it difficult to make out some of what you said. Maybe speak a tad more slowly, and don't run words into each other so much? But, as I say, an excellently constructed video, informative and interesting.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks for the feedback David. I've been working on my voice- and also the conditions in which I record, along with the equipment. I'm hoping it's improved in my more recent videos (the ones on London's quirkiest railways)! Still on a learning curve ;-)

[@HenrikBergpianorganist]

There's no audio between 28:25 and 32:31.

[@Robslondon]

I know Henrik; I'm really sorry about that. It was cut out a while ago due to a copyright issue with music used (even though when I made the video it was stated the music was free to use). Rather than just remove the music, the *whole* audio went. Apologies and thanks for your understanding.

[@HenrikBergpianorganist]

@@Robslondon I suspected that was the case. And I assume you appealed against the decision? It's just so strange - if you go to that video where the music was taken from, it still says the music can be used freely. But there's something fishy going on, because VMAX don't state who the pianist is, so they might've just stolen someone's recordings... To me it happens all the time that various robots find my videos and claim I've taken music from this or that album, even though I'm clearly playing myself. A couple of times the audio was turned off, but came back after I appealed...

[@Robslondon]

@@HenrikBergpianorganist Interesting comment Henrik, thank you. I didn't contest it unfortunately, rather naively I thought the audio and music could be separated (crazy I know!) Appreciate you taking the time to write, and sorry again you missed out on part of the video. Stay well.

[@HenrikBergpianorganist]

@@Robslondon It might be worth trying, even though my case was perhaps more obvious, I got my sound back in just a few hours just by writing a short message. There is this form you fill out. :)

[@Robslondon]

@@HenrikBergpianorganist I appreciate your help Henrik; thanks for this my friend.

[@YukariAkiyamaTanks]

I would hate to be the drivers/engineers of these trains. I cant imagine having to drive the trains of the dead.

[@Robslondon]

Good point Brett. Must've been a rather different atmosphere on those trains...

[@howtubeable]

Don't be childish. It's a great honor to drive the deceased to their final resting place. There's nothing ghoulish about the job.

[@philrougier5533]

Dead good!

[@Robslondon]

;-D

[@geoffreymartin2764]

FYI, Rob, Google Rookwood Necropolis, Sydney, AU. Currently searching for a new site. 🏳‍🌈

[@Robslondon]

Interesting, thank you!

[@rainyfeathers9148]

I'm still confused as to why they didn't just start burning them. There has to be a line where you say 'big man t'ing, put da oven on.'. There was a law or some noise but come on... just come on😅

[@Robslondon]

Yes, it is amazing how long they held cremation back isn’t it? Thanks for watching and stay well.

[@howtubeable]

Many people find it extremely disrespectful to burn the dead body of a loved one, as if it were nothing but trash. Also, Christian teaching of the resurrection begged for the body to remain as whole as possible. Burning the body seemed like a rejection of Christianity. That seems silly to modern secularists, but it's a valid point of view.

[@rainyfeathers9148]

@@howtubeable Oh yeah, I forgot about the resurrection angle🤔... In that case I'd say it shouldn't matter because it would be like saying that a person who died in a fire or whose body was maimed or destroyed(say in a factory accident) before death would not be counted for resurrection. If it's a God the body would be restore to a healthy state... at least by my thinking🤷🏾‍♀. The 'trash' argument makes much more sense to me.

[@rainyfeathers9148]

Gross🙃

[@Robslondon]

😉

[@maverickhistorian6488]

It's not for everyone to be sure, but for me the cemeteries especially the most prominent ones, are akin to a vast open air archive

[@simontaylor2319]

Fascinating, many thanks

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Simon.