From the Revd Dr Malcolm Johnson

Sir, — While researching my book Crypts of London, I visited various cemeteries where the bones and coffins from inner-London churches were taken in the late 19th century.

The memorials in the City of London Cemetery, Ilford, are in good repair, but, sadly, several in Brookwood Cemetery, Surrey, are in a parlous condition, and some have collapsed. Notable among these are those of St Botolph’s, Aldersgate (where 237 coffins and 296 boxes of bones were reinterred in 1893); St Martin Ludgate (219 boxes from the churchyard and 81 coffins and 176 cases from the crypt in 1893); and St Magnus the Martyr (534 cases in 1893).

May I suggest that members of the PCCs of these churches visit Brookwood and consider what can be done? St Mildred Bread Street (now part of St Mary-le-Bow) and St Antholin (now part of St Mary Aldermary) are also in need of attention.

Fortunately, the memorials of St Marylebone and St Michael’s, Wood Street, are in good condition.

MALCOLM JOHNSON
1 Foxgrove Drive
Woking GU21 4DZ