Inventory Site Record

Morden Cemetery was originally called Battersea New Cemetery, set up by Battersea Burial Board in 1891; the Crematorium was opened in 1958. There are extensive grounds with formal and informal features, well planted with mature trees, and extensive rose gardens. A wide drive flanked by Lombardy poplars leads to the chapel from the main entrance, which has half-timbered lodge, fine railings and gates with Gothicised piers.

Previous / Other name:

Battersea New Cemetery; Battersea Cemetery

Site location:

Lower Morden Lane, Morden

Postcode:

SM4 4NJ

What 3 Words:

lifts.stud.twigs

Type of site:

Cemetery

Borough:

Merton

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

Mon-Sat 8am-4pm (Nov-Feb)/ -5pm (March/Oct)/ -6pm (Apr/Sept)/-7pm (May-Aug). Sun: 10am - 4pm (Nov-Feb)/-5pm (Mar/Oct)/ -6pm (Apr/Sept)/-7pm (May-Aug)

Special conditions:

Facilities:

Events:

Public transport:

Tube: Morden (Northern) then bus. Bus: 163, 293, 413

Citymapper    
Google Map    
streetmap.co.uk

Research updated:

01/06/2002

Last minor changes:

14/07/2022

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.wandsworth.gov.uk; www.nes-crematorium.org.uk

The cemetery was set up by Battersea Burial Board in 1891 then called Battersea New Cemetery, when it was clear that Battersea Cemetery (q.v.) would be inadequate. Prior to this the land was rural and some areas remain meadowland at present. The Crematorium opened in 1958 and is jointly owned by LBs Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth. The cemetery has extensive grounds with a wide formal drive lined by Lombardy poplars leading to the chapel which was designed by W C Poole, where a porte-cochère stood. There is a half timbered lodge near the main entrance, which has attractive railings and fine entrance gates with Gothicised piers, and some way up the driveway to the left is a small rustic shelter. The grounds combine formal and informal features and are well planted with mature trees. There is a garden of remembrance and extensive rose gardens. A number of memorials dedicated to the world war dead from various different parishes are situated here, including Chelsea and Battersea, and there is a Muslim burial section.

Sources consulted:

Bridget Cherry & Nikolaus Pevsner, The Buildings of England: London 2: South (Penguin) 1999; Ian Yarham, Dave Dawson, Martin Boyle, Rebecca Holliday 'Nature Conservation in Merton, Ecology Handbook 29', London Ecology Unit, 1998, p55.

Grid ref:

TQ232673 (523250,167350)

Size in hectares:

20.23

Site ownership:

LB Wandsworth

Site management:

Central Cemeteries Office

Date(s):

1891 (Crematorium 1958)

Designer(s):

Listed structures:

locally listed monuments

On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:

No

Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:

No

Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:

No

Local Authority Data

The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.

On Local List:

No

In Conservation Area:

No

Tree Preservation Order:

Not known

Nature Conservation Area:

Yes - Metropolitan Importance

Green Belt:

No

Metropolitan Open Land:

Yes

Special Policy Area:

No

Other LA designation:

Green Corridor

Morden Cemetery - avenue, chapels and crematorium - Photo: Colin Wing
Date taken: 17/05/20 14:30

Click a photo to enlarge.

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