Who's Buried Where in England

by Douglas Greenwood

England's history has a romantic appeal that is matched by few other nations. For those who are drawn to see the final resting places of those men and women who shaped England's past, Who's Buried Where in England is a fascinating companion. Arranged in eight sections, there are hundreds of entries on Sovereigns; Royal Consorts and Nobles; Statesmen, Politicians, and Warriors; Churchmen, Philosophers, Lawyers, and Scholars; Scientists, Doctors, and Businessmen; Authors, Playwrights, and Poets; Actors, Artists, and Musicians; and Explorers, Sportsmen, Heroines, and Criminals. The book also includes a generous selection of photos as well as a geographical county-by-county checklist for the traveler.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Travel, Reference, Biography, British Literature

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[John Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. Churchyards and cemeteries are my bag. Just as well I guess, as I’ll be heading there eventually!

Unfortunately, I spotted a number of inaccuracies which rather dampened my ardour. One which springs immediately to mind is John Peel, the legendary DJ (real name Ravenscroft). He is not buried in St Edmundsbury Cathedral. St Edmunds Suffolk, as the author would have us believe. His funeral was held here. I know, as I was there. He was afterwards buried in the village churchyard in Suffolk, which serves the eponymous “Peel Acres”.

I didn’t make a note of the others. But there are a number of sloppy mistakes/inconsistencies throughout. These should have been picked up by the editorial team eg where an individual appears more than once in the book, their dates may differ. This undermined my confidence in the book’s veracity. But it’s a useful reference book with mega mini biographies attached to each entry.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the greatest cemetery book that I've ever read. The pictures were great, and there was some interesting facts as well as some interesting people included (Little John, Robin Hood & Pocahontas for example). But it was just very dry, and I ended up skipping huge chunks cos I didn't know the people or I didn't find the categories very exciting. It's worthwhile, if you're interested in graveyards and live in England, but I don't live in England, so won't have much of a chance of visiting these graveyards anytime soon. There are a couple I would love to visit though! It is a keeper though, but really more of a reference book, than a book you actually sit and read.

[Meaghan Waller Haxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read through all of the entries in this handy book and am quite glad I did. It gave me several historical figures to look further into that I had either never heard of or was only barely aware existed. I did take issue with the author serving as an apologist for some controversial figures and some other details, but overall, quite a good guide.

[Beorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this is my kind of guide book!
If you're a graveyard ghoul, crypt creeper or mausoleum marauder like me and lurking around headstones & tombs is your thing, this book is the perfect travel companion.

Far from just being a one-dimensional list of people and where they're buried, this book actually gives more. As well as a summary biography for each entry, there's a very helpful way in which the entrants are listed. You can search for graves by the person's speciality (ie scientist, celebrity, statesman etc), by which county the grave is located in or if you're looking for someone in particular by the person's surname. It doesn't sound highly innovative or amazing when typed out but it's a very nice, incredibly helpful layout which will help you out whether you're looking for specific people or just looking for famous graves around wherever you are in England.

Kind of like if Rough Guide did a guide to dead people, only more fun.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a reference book than one to sit and read in its entirety, this is a nonfiction work that informs of where various notable people are buried. I basically went through this to make a note of where people I admire are so I could maybe go 'visit'. Nicely set out in the way it's divided into chapters according to 'type' of person.

[ouija · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inaccuracies. Needs a new new edition.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly interesting.