BROOKWOOD CEMETERY

The return of an Oakwood Press favourite, The Brookwood Necropolis Railway has been considerably enlarged for this new fourth edition.

This book tells the full story of what must have been one of the most unusual train services to operate on a British railway - the service operated for the London Necropolis Company from its private station just outside London Waterloo to Brookwood Cemetery near Woking. The book describes how the railway conveyed the deceased and their accompanying mourners to their final resting place, Brookwood Cemetery (the London Necropolis), which at one time was the largest cemetery in the world.

The cemetery railway had many unusual features: there were two stations, one for the Nonconformist section and another for Anglicans; associated chapels, and a masonry works siding. Even after death class distinctions were maintained with first, second or third class coffin tickets available. Somewhat surprisingly both cemetery stations included licensed premises and visitors to these bars have said there were notices displayed stating "Spirits served here". The railway has been the inspiration for two novels, but you can read the full true story of this remarkable railway service which the author has been studying for over 30 years.

This much enlarged fourth edition, which includes expanded text and a number of new photographs is to A5 format, with 192 pages of art paper. Amongst the 115 illustrations are photographs, maps, building plans, track layouts and plans of the special rolling stock used on the line as well as tickets and other ephemera connected to the railway and the London Necropolis Company. This new edition also includes a large fold-out map of Brookwood Cemetery. The book is perfect bound with a laminated cover and square-backed spine.

Available now!
Author: John M. Clarke
Price: £12.95
Format: Paperback (192 pages, 115 illustrations)
ISBN: 0853616558
To Order: you may order copies through the Cemetery Office or post free via Oakwood Press direct at PO Box 13, Usk, Mon, NP15 1YS, telephone 01291 650444; fax 01291 650484.