A new book highlights a tomb of local importance in St George’s Gardens. The Grade II listed tomb is of Robert Nelson (d. 1715) and is an important part of cemetery history, featuring in the recently published The British Cemetery – Architecture, Landscape, Sculpture. It was the first tomb raised in this burial ground and commemorates a very distinguished author and figure in church circles in his day. It made burial fashionable in this new graveyard away from a church.

The monument is an elaborate Baroque one comprising an urn on a tall pedestal. Unfortunately it is currently in very poor condition, exacerbated by tree growth and being obscured by overgrowth and generally looking neglected. It is hoped pruning and tidying by Camden Council will be taking place soon.

The book is by Brent Elliot, formerly Librarian of the Lindley Library and trustee of several historic London cemeteries, and Roger Bowdler, formerly Director of Listing at English Heritage and a member of the Friends of St George’s Gardens, who has often led interesting walks around the monuments in the gardens. Published by Liverpool University Press, if you buy the book direct from LUP there is a 20% discount, price £40. The price from Amazon is £46. Read it and understand the Gardens better!