Lambeth and West Norwood Cremation Records
Now on Deceased Online

There are now over 90,000 records from Lambeth's two crematoria, from 1915 to 2012, available on www.deceasedonline.com. Records for the Lambeth, West Norwood, and Streatham cemeteries have been digitised and will be released at a future date.

Lambeth crematorium was opened in 1958 and sits amidst beautiful rose beds and sunken paths in Lambeth cemetery. Ten acres of garden surround the main chapel with well kept lawns, shrubs, flowerbeds, and a wooded area.

West Norwood crematorium is situated at the highest point of the grade II listed West Norwood cemetery, which is one of London's 'Magnificent Seven' Victorian cemeteries. The crematorium was designed by Alwyn Underdown and constructed in 1960 from pink bricks, decorated with ironwork and featuring gothic arched windows. It replaces the Noncomformist chapel built by Sir William Tite (1798-1873), which was itself converted to a crematorium in 1915, damaged by a 'doodlebug' bomb in World War II, and subsequently demolished in 1955. Tite himself was buried in the catacombs below. The crematorium is surrounded by many fascinating Victorian graves and monuments.

Above: the impressive entrance to West Norwood cemetery and crematorium grounds

West Norwood cremation records contain many notable people. Spencer John Bent, a drummer in the 1st battalion, East Lancs Regiment, was awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V when, in November 1914, he took command after his superior officers had been killed. He successfully organised the men and held their position against the attacking German infantry, and brought into cover some wounded men who were lying in the open, exposed to enemy fire. He was cremated at West Norwood after his death in May 1977, and his VC is on display in the Imperial War Museum.

Legendary wrestler Georges Karl Julius Hackenschmidt (the Russian Lion) lived with his wife Rachel in South Norwood, and was cremated at West Norwood after his death in 1968. 'Hack' spoke seven languages and excelled at many sports, including cycling, gymnastics, running, and weightlifting, but was best known for his success in wrestling after defeating the American champion Tom Jenkins and Turkish wrestler Madrali in 1904. After retiring from wrestling, he wrote books and lectured worldwide.

The records comprise digital scans of the original cremation registers, as well as scattering or burial locations.

Above: an extract of a West Norwood crematorium register scan

Other Magnificent Seven cemeteries available on Deceased Online:
Kensal Green Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery
Nunhead Cemetery, in Southwark
Brompton Cemetery