Editing Golders Green Crematorium (section)

==History==

[[File:Golders Green Crematorium, London (142).jpg|thumb|left|The Bedford Chapel at Golders Green Crematorium]]
[[File:Horder Japanese Garden Pond, Golders Green Crematorium.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Horder Japanese Garden Pond]]
The legality of cremation in Great Britain was not confirmed until 1885. The [[Woking Crematorium|first crematorium]] was built in [[Woking]] and it was successful. At that time cremation was championed by the [[Cremation Society of Great Britain]].<ref name="srgw-demon-co-uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.srgw.demon.co.uk/CremSoc/History/HistSocy.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803051500/http://www.srgw.demon.co.uk/CremSoc/History/HistSocy.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 August 2010|title=Cremation Society of G.B. – History of the Society|date=3 August 2010|access-date=1 December 2018}}</ref> This society was governed by a council, at that time led by Sir Henry Thompson (president and founding member). There is a bust to his memory in the West Chapel of Golders Green Crematorium. Out of this Society was formed the London Cremation Company (which has its offices on the premises), who desired to build a crematorium within easy reach of London.

The crematorium in Golders Green was designed by the architect Sir [[Ernest George]] and his partner Alfred Yeates.<ref name="ehlb">{{NHLE|num=1064865 |desc=Golders Green Crematorium Barnet |access-date=2016-12-04}}</ref> The gardens were laid out by [[William Robinson (gardener)|William Robinson]].<ref name="garden"/> The crematorium is a red brick building in [[Lombard architecture|Lombardic style]] and was built in stages, as money became available.<ref name="garden"/><ref name="ehlb"/> The crematorium opened in 1902 and was built in four phases (1901–1910, 1910–1911, 1912–1916, 1926–1928).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.architecture.com/image-library/RIBApix/image-information/poster/golders-green-crematorium-london-the-east-columbarium/posterid/RIBA102395.html|title=Golders Green Crematorium, London: The East Columbarium}}</ref> By 1939, the site was largely completed, although since then some buildings have been added. Since November 1902 more than 323,500 cremations have taken place at Golders Green Crematorium, far more than any other British crematorium. It is estimated that the crematorium now averages around 2,000 cremations a year. The funerals of many prominent people have taken place there over the last century.

[[File:Into the Silent Land by Henry Pegram, Golders Green Crematorium.jpg|thumb|''Into the Silent Land'' by [[Henry Alfred Pegram]]]]
The chimney of the crematorium is located within the tower and the building is in an [[Italianate architecture|Italianate style]].<ref name="cremeu"/> The {{convert|12|acre|abbr=on}} of gardens are extensively planted, and produce a beautiful and tranquil environment for visitors. There are several large tombs, two ponds and bridge, and a large [[crocus]] lawn. Another notable feature is a special children's section, which includes a swinging bench. There is also a 'communist corner' with memorials to notables of the [[Communist Party of Great Britain]]. There are two cremation chapels and a Chapel of Memory. There are also three [[columbarium|columbaria]] containing the ashes of thousands of Londoners and residents of neighbouring counties.

There have been 14 holders of the [[Victoria Cross]] cremated here,<ref name=blvch>{{cite web|url=http://www.victoriacross.org/golders.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-09-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220050101/http://www.victoriacross.org/golders.htm |archive-date=20 December 2016 }}</ref> and there are locations and memorials for many other military personnel of all ranks, and from many countries. Largest among them is the [[Commonwealth War Graves Commission]] memorial, commemorating 496 British and Commonwealth military casualties of both World Wars who were cremated here. Designed by Sir [[Edward Maufe]], it was unveiled in 1952. Built in [[Portland stone]] with names listed on three bronze panels, it stands at head of an ornamental pond at the western end of the memorial cloister.<ref name="CWGCCem">http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/casualty/2043720/GOLDERS%20%GREEN%20CREMATORIUM {{dead link|date=December 2016}}</ref>

At Christmas, a [[Christmas tree]] is erected in the field in front of the main buildings. Although the crematorium is secular, a [[nativity scene]] is also placed near the Chapel of Memory.
[[File:Golders Green crematorium (pictures) 004.jpg|thumb|The [[Freud Corner (Golders Green Crematorium)|Freud Corner]] at Golders Green Crematorium]]