Crossbones Graveyard in Southwark, London, is a unique historical site with a deeply layered past. Located near London Bridge, it dates back to medieval times and is believed to have been used from at least the 16th century as a burial ground for those denied burial in consecrated churchyards. This included some of the city’s poorest residents, as well as women known as the “Winchester Geese,” a term used for sex workers licensed by the Bishop of Winchester.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the graveyard had become severely overcrowded and was eventually closed during Victorian public health reforms. As London expanded, the site was gradually built over and largely lost from view, though its existence was never fully forgotten in local memory. Interest in its history returned in the late 20th century when redevelopment work uncovered human remains, bringing renewed attention to what lay beneath the modern streets.
Today, Crossbones survives as a small memorial garden created through community efforts rather than official restoration. The entrance is now marked by ribbons, notes, and personal tributes left by visitors, a tradition that began organically and has become part of the site’s identity. It has also become a place of regular remembrance, with gatherings often held on the 23rd of each month, where people come together to reflect on those buried there.
Although most of the original burial ground now lies beneath surrounding buildings, the remaining garden offers a rare pause in the city’s pace. It stands as a reminder of how different groups were treated in earlier centuries, and of the lives that existed on the margins of London’s history.
Visiting The Crossbones Garden
Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance welcomes visitors on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12 noon to 14:00. As the site is managed by volunteer wardens, these hours may occasionally vary.
To ensure a successful visit, it’s advisable to check the most up-to-date opening times on the Bankside Open Spaces Trust website before your journey. This precaution will help you avoid any disappointment and make the most of your time at this unique historical site.
The Crossbones Graveyard is easily accessible via multiple public transport options. The nearest Underground stations are London Bridge (served by the Northern and Jubilee lines) and Borough (on the Northern line), both within a short walking distance of the garden
London Bridge station also serves as a major National Rail hub, connecting to various parts of South East England.
Several bus routes also serve the area. For the most up-to-date journey options and live routes, it’s best to check the Transport for London website or journey planner before travelling.
For river transport, London Bridge City Pier is the closest stop for Thames Clipper services, about a five-minute walk from the market.
The address is Crossbones Graveyard, Redcross Way, London, SE1 1TA.
The Local Area
The Crossbones Graveyard sits in Southwark, a short walk from London Bridge station, surrounded by a mix of residential streets, commercial buildings, and repurposed Victorian warehouses that now house offices and apartments. The area feels layered, with modern developments sitting alongside remnants of the district’s industrial past.
Just to the north lies Borough Market, London’s oldest food market, with roots stretching back to the 12th century. Today it remains a busy meeting point for traders and visitors, known for its independent food stalls and specialist produce.
A little further east is the George Inn, the city’s only surviving galleried coaching inn and now owned by the National Trust. Dating back to the 17th century, it has long been part of London’s pub history and is famously linked to Charles Dickens, who referenced it in Little Dorrit.
Heading south along Borough High Street towards St George the Martyr, you’ll also find the remains of the Marshalsea debtors’ prison. This site is closely associated with Dickens’ childhood, as his father was imprisoned there in 1824, an experience that later shaped much of his writing and his focus on social conditions in Victorian London.
Nearby Attractions
The Crossbones Graveyard sits at the heart of a vibrant area rich in attractions, all within walking distance.
- Borough Market
- The Shard
- Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- HMS Belfast
- Southwark Cathedral
- Old Operating Theatre Museum
- The Clink Museum
- The George Inn
- The Golden Hinde
