SAVED! Abney Park Cemetery (Grade II registered) and Chapel (Grade II listed) officially removed from Historic England’s At Risk Register

Stoke Newington, London

Photo credit: Historic England

After years of campaigning and working for its salvation, Abney Park Cemetery has been officially removed from the Historic England “At Risk” Register.

This is a landmark day following the completion of restoration work earlier this year.

Being removed from the “At Risk” Register secures the park’s amenity and historical value for future generations. Since completion, Abney Park Trust has already welcomed thousands of visitors to open days, walks and tours to see the benefits and learn about the history of this Magnificent Seven cemetery and local nature reserve.

Abney Park Cemetery was laid out in 1839-40 as a non-denominational burial ground and developed as an arboretum. It reached capacity by the mid-20th century and fell into neglect. Campaigns to save the cemetery in the 1970s led to Hackney Council taking ownership. The council now manages the cemetery as an urban woodland park, in partnership with the independent, volunteer-run charity, Abney Park Trust.

Abney Park has been on the Heritage at Risk Register since it began in 1998 so its restoration is a major achievement. Work was funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, alongside Hackney Council, with the total exceeding £5m. 

This magical urban woodland continues to play an important role in the local community, boosted by a new café, community room and workshop spaces. Passionate volunteers are actively involved in the Park’s ongoing care. The beautifully restored chapel now hosts events and has held its first ever wedding. 

Chair of Abney Park Trust, Tom Walker, said: “The Trust has campaigned along with Hackney Council for many years to restore Abney Chapel.  This beautiful and careful restoration preserves the park’s unique heritage, wildlife and community while breathing new life into the now-saved chapel and providing vital, accessible new space. Our programme of events, walks, tours and more is now well underway – and we invite everyone to visit the park and book an event via abneypark.org.  We are grateful for the Council’s leadership to help achieve this dream.”

Support the work of the Trust for ongoing activities and by donating via our donations page or setting up a Direct Debit to support this volunteer led community organisation.

Today’s news was announced here on the Historic England website.