Description
Breakspear Crematorium was established by Ruislip-Northwood and Uxbridge Crematorium Joint Committee in 1957, set in a landscape with woodlands to the north and quite open countryside to the west. The landscaping is extensive and has a complex layout with formal garden 'rooms' within conifer hedging in various configurations, rose gardens, a water garden with pond, waterfall and rockwork, as well as more natural areas and woodland. There are numerous trees throughout the cemetery, with a preponderance of evergreen varieties.
Practical Information
| Previously known as | Ruislip Crematorium |
|---|---|
| Site location | Breakspear Road, Ruislip, Middlesex |
| Postcode | HA4 7SJ |
| What3Words | ///curry.dame.porch |
| Type of Site | Cemetery |
| Borough | Hillingdon |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | 9am - 5pm October - March. 9am - 6.30pm April - September. Sunday/Bank Holiday opens at 10am. Xmas Day 10am-2pm |
| Special Conditions | No dogs apart from Guide Dogs |
| Public Transport | Tube: Ruislip (Metropolitan, Piccadilly). Bus: 331, H13. |
| Research Updated | 1 November 2005 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
Breakspear Crematorium was formally opened on 14 December 1957 by the Rt. Hon Earl of Verulam and was dedicated by the Lord Bishop of Willesden, the Rt. Revd G E Ingle. The more traditional East Chapel dates from 1957 and was designed by Dahl and Cadman. The circular West Chapel was added when the Crematorium expanded in 1972. This was opened on 30 June 1973 by Lord Greenwood of Rossendale, who was President of the Crematorium Society, and dedicated by the Archdeacon of Northolt. In 2008 a £4.2m investment programme commenced to improve the facilities, following agreement between Hillingdon and Harrow Councils, who jointly manage the cemetery. The proposed works include a new crematorium building, a new chapel/multi-purpose hall, increased car parking, waiting rooms and toilets, along with a cafeteria and covered flower terrace.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ081888 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 10.125 |
| Site Ownership | LB Hillingdon and LB Harrow Breakspear Crematorium Joint Committee |
| Site Management | Breakspear Crematorium Joint Committee |
| Dates | 1957 |
| 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 | Hillingdon |
| In Conservation Area | No |
| Tree Preservation Order | Not known |
| Nature Conservation Area | No |
| Green Belt | Yes |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | No |
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
Nearby parks and gardens
Ruislip Woods contain a number of woods including Park Wood, Copse Wood, Mad Bess Wood, Bayhurst Woods and Poors Field, and the site is a substantial fragment of the formerly extensive Ruislip Park, at one time comparable to Enfield Chase. The woods were worked into the C20th but in 1932-36 the estate passed into public ownership. Ruislip Woods was preserved as part of the Green Belt and designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1950.
Ruislip Lido was formed in the 1930s from an artificial lake that was made in the early C19th to feed the Grand Junction Canal. The grounds around the Lido were laid out for the Canal Company in the 1930s, including a restaurant and dance floor, with a miniature railway provided from c.1945 and a beach offering swimming, pedalos and water-skiing. In the 1950s the Lido was purchased by the local council, who continue to maintain the site. For someone unfamiliar with the area, coming across the Lido with its beach and miniature railway is a complete surprise.
The Manor Farm Site contains much of historical interest centred around remains of a Norman Motte and Bailey fort. It remained in use as a farm until 1932, when it was given to Ruislip-Northwood UDC. The historic buildings include the Great Barn, Cow Byre, and the Little Barn, which have been converted for public use in a pedestrianised area with some landscaping, including a scented garden for the blind. The Manor House now provides an interpretation centre.