Description
When it was built in 1895, Golders Green Cemetery was the only major development in the area, which at that time was predominantly country villas set in the rural landscape. The cemetery is divided into two distinct areas, the north-eastern section for Sephardic Jews, which has distinctive prostrate slabs, their simplicity in contrast to the upright, more ostentatious monuments and tombs in the south-western section for members of the West London Synagogue. The cemetery buildings consist of two brick Prayer Halls connected by an archway, and a half-timbered lodge.
Practical Information
| Previously known as | West London Synagogue Cemetery/Golders Green Cemetery for Sephardi Jews |
|---|---|
| Site location | Hoop Lane |
| Postcode | NW11 7NL |
| What3Words | ///waving.bared.snap |
| Type of Site | Cemetery |
| Borough | Barnet |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | Winter: Sunday to Thursday 8am-4pm, Friday to 2 hours before Shabbat; Summer: Sunday to Friday 8am-5pm. |
| Facilities | toilets |
| Public Transport | Tube: Golders Green (Northern). Bus 82, 102, 260, H2. |
| Research Updated | 1 April 2002 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
When it was built in 1895, Golders Green Cemetery was the only major development in the area, which at that time was predominantly country villas set in the rural landscape. This situation changed when Golders Green Underground Station opened in 1907, due to a large extent to the persuasive powers of an American financier, Charles Yerkes, who convinced people that the station would bring development to the area. Yerkes had built streets and elevated railways in Philadelphia and Chicago.
Golders Green Cemetery is divided into two distinct areas, the north-eastern section for Sephardic Jews, which has distinctive prostrate slabs, their simplicity in contrast to the upright, more ostentatious monuments and tombs in the south-western section for members of the West London Synagogue. The cemetery buildings consist of two brick Prayer Halls connected by an archway, and a half-timbered lodge. Tombs of note in the West London Synagogue section include the huge classical ensemble for Henry Bischoffsheim of 1908, the sarcophagus for Emanuel Belilios of 1905, and the simple black headstone to the cellist Jacqueline du Pré who died in 1987.
Golders Green Cemetery is divided into two distinct areas, the north-eastern section for Sephardic Jews, which has distinctive prostrate slabs, their simplicity in contrast to the upright, more ostentatious monuments and tombs in the south-western section for members of the West London Synagogue. The cemetery buildings consist of two brick Prayer Halls connected by an archway, and a half-timbered lodge. Tombs of note in the West London Synagogue section include the huge classical ensemble for Henry Bischoffsheim of 1908, the sarcophagus for Emanuel Belilios of 1905, and the simple black headstone to the cellist Jacqueline du Pré who died in 1987.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ251881 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 6.68 |
| Site Ownership | West London Synagogue (West) / Spanish & Portuguese Jews' Congregation (East) |
| Site Management | West London Synagogue |
| Dates | 1895 |
| 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 | Barnet |
| In Conservation Area | No |
| Tree Preservation Order | Not known |
| Nature Conservation Area | No |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | Yes |
| Special Policy Area | No |
Gallery
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Nearby parks and gardens
Hampstead Garden Suburb was conceived by Dame Henrietta Barnett in 1903 when the area, hitherto rural, became ripe for development. Her aim was to provide a garden suburb for the working classes, with some larger houses as well as amenities. The overall layout was the work of Raymond Unwin. The street pattern followed the land contours, with curving and straight roads to create interesting viewpoints, closes and squares, street trees, a pedestrian network of footpaths and a variety of green spaces. The first phase was largely built between 1907-1912 and included this small public garden at Meadway Gate. It is bisected by a footpath, over which is a pergola, with grass areas and rose beds either side, and perimeter trees.
Hampstead Garden Suburb was conceived by Dame Henrietta Barnett in 1903 when the area, hitherto rural, became ripe for development. Her aim was to provide a garden suburb for the working classes, with some larger houses as well as amenities. The overall layout was the work of Raymond Unwin. The street pattern followed the land contours, with curving and straight roads to create interesting viewpoints, closes and squares, street trees, a pedestrian network of footpaths and a variety of green spaces. The first phase was largely built between 1907-1912 and included this small public garden, which has grass, perimeter shrubs, seating and trees.
* on The National Heritage List for England, Parks & Gardens
Golders Green Crematorium, the first purpose-designed crematorium 'within easy driving distance of London', was established by the London Cremation Society in 1902 on land it purchased in 1900. The buildings, designed by Sir Ernest George and Alfred Yeates, were developed piecemeal from 1902 until the late 1920s, with the East Chapel by Mitchell and Bridgewater and the Philipson Mausoleum by Edwin Lutyens added in 1938. The grounds are much like they were when first laid out by William Robinson. Open lawns face the Cloister, at one end of which is a rectangular lily pond and War Memorial of 1919/20. Woodland gardens have serpentine paths throughout and to the rear is a small water garden. Among the sculptural features is a bronze sculpture by Henry Pegram, now in the Gertrude Jekyll garden. Many well-known people have been cremated here.
Golders Green Crematorium, the first purpose-designed crematorium 'within easy driving distance of London', was established by the London Cremation Society in 1902 on land it purchased in 1900. The buildings, designed by Sir Ernest George and Alfred Yeates, were developed piecemeal from 1902 until the late 1920s, with the East Chapel by Mitchell and Bridgewater and the Philipson Mausoleum by Edwin Lutyens added in 1938. The grounds are much like they were when first laid out by William Robinson. Open lawns face the Cloister, at one end of which is a rectangular lily pond and War Memorial of 1919/20. Woodland gardens have serpentine paths throughout and to the rear is a small water garden. Among the sculptural features is a bronze sculpture by Henry Pegram, now in the Gertrude Jekyll garden. Many well-known people have been cremated here.
