Given that I just started the Read-along of The Ink Black Heart in the lead-up to The Running Grave, I thought it was time to share my visit to Highgate Cemetery. It was just as impressive and magical in person as it was in the fictional cartoon. We didn't take a guided tour or have time (or frankly. energy, it was a very hot day) to visit the area pubs mentioned in the text, but the time we spent exploring was well worth it. I saw most of the sights featured in the book, and a few other interesting ones.
The famous "grave with the chair," onfeof the first pictures featured on Rowling's twitter header.
"The grave Edie liked" with the sacrificial mother pelican.
The Circle of Lebonon.
The "Paperwhite" sleeping angel.
George Wombwell's tomb with Nero the Lion, who allegedly holds some clue to Drek's Game.
The tomb of Queen Victoria's horse slaughterer, who apparently planned to stay busy in the afterlife. Robin saw this grave on her tour.
The grave of Christina Rossetti, which is indeed found in an out-of-the-way cul-de-sac.
This grave was not mentioned in the text, but I thought it was interesting: the resting place of boxer Thomas Sayers. Apparently, his dog, with the the interesting name of "Lion" attended his 1865 funeral, and "behaved impeccably." A statue of Lion now rests on top of the tomb.
While passing this stone, I caught this image in the corner of my eye, and did a double-take, thinking it looked like Drek!
On closer look, it's an urn draped in a stone cloth, with a bird (dove?) holding a scroll in its beak perched on top. Still, it could have inspired the Gamemaker of Death, right?
Finally, I photographed this tomb, because it looks all for the world like it has a Golden Snitch on the front!
Altogether, it was well worth the trip. Highgate should definitely be on any super-Striker's must-see list in London. The Highgate walking tour at Strikefans.com tells you where the various book-mentioned tombs are on the visitors map, and is a very helpful resource.
Thanks for the shout out Louise. Glad you found the walking tour helpful and that you enjoyed your visit.
ReplyDeleteThis was a HUGE win and must visit. We were fortunate to visit last November and even without the whole JKR connection it was a fascinating and mystical place. But with IBH so freshly in my brain and the walking tour guide of highlights from the book (and Harry Potter scenes filmed there) it was a most wonderful and memorable visit. Highly recommend!! Wouldn’t have known about it without JKR and IBH. So grateful for the knowledge now. :).
ReplyDeleteI am actually doing the tour today. Thanks for the refresher.
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