Last Suicide Crossroads Burial


Last Suicide Crossroads Burial

The last suicide burial at a crossroads in England.

Location: Grosvenor Place

Description: In the distant past until the Victorian era suicides were commonly buried at crossroads, as it was seen as the same as murder (criminals were also buried at crossroads).

Crossroad burial was officially abolished by Act of Parliament in 1823 after opposition to the practice was encouraged when George IV's carriage was held up by a crowd of spectators here on this spot.

They were watching the burial at this crossroads with Lower Grosvenor Place and Grosvenor Place of a suicide called Abel Griffiths. It's now the entrance to the bus station at Victoria Station.

Suicide was becoming regarded with much greater sympathy at this point, while population growth and the development of transport meant that rural crossroads no longer seemed so remote. For a period following abolition, however, suicides could only be buried in graveyards between 9pm and midnight, and no ceremonies were allowed.

This is known as the last crossroads suicide burial in Britain, although it's probably merely the last high profile burial.

Tours: Dark London

Themes: GraveGrave Theme  DeathDeath Theme
Last Suicide Crossroads Burial

The last suicide burial at a crossroads in England.

Ranking This Month: 158/2840

Pages Hit This Month: 136


Credits: http://www.britarch.ac.uk

Other places nearby:


Brunel's Grave», 3.6km

Sir Richard Burtons Bedouin Tomb», 5.3km

St Georges Burial Ground», 1.2km

Tomb of Tom Sayers (with dog)», 4.6km

Skull & Bones Graveyard», 2.3km

Tragic Pair shot by police», 3.3km

Brompton Cemetery», 2.1km

Highgate Cemetery», 4.6km

Tower Hamlets Cemetery», 5.4km

Beatrix Potters Peter Rabbit», 2.0km

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