Highgate Cemetery - Egyptian Avenue

This elaborate Victorian cemetery is a photographers delight. Wildy overgrown and in an advanced state of decay it has hundreds of crumbling stones at crazy angles as they slip inexorably downhill. Lots of mossy architectural details covered with creeping vines sitting immersed in unkempt undergrowth and trees. It is inhabited by lots of historical names and wealthy families. The western side is landscaped with muddy tracks rambling round through the rows of stones. At the centre of the western cemetery is the Egyptian Avenue. Described by Sir John Betjeman as a Victorian Valhalla it consists of a gateway leading uphill past rows of vaults sold to specific families. At the top of the passage is the Circle of Lebanon built in Egyptian style with more vaults on both sides and a giant terrace of 825 catacombs. The Circle of vaults lies beneath an ancient Cedar of Lebanon and the whole lot is surrounded by more giant monuments and mausoleums.