Bunhill Fields Burial Ground City Road London

So, you're in London, right? Or maybe you're planning a trip. Either way, I've got this little gem for you - Bunhill Fields Burial Ground. Now, don't go rolling your eyes, it's not as dull as it sounds. Promise.

First things first

This place is old, like really old. We're talking 1665 here. You know, when people were still wearing those crazy ruffs and saying "prithee" and all that jazz. But don't worry, it's not some stuffy, dusty old place. It's got character, charm, even a bit of a rebellious streak.

You see, back in the day, this was where the non-conformists were buried. The ones who didn't toe the line, who said "screw you" to the Church of England. So, it's like the original alternative burial ground. How's that for a history lesson?

Meet the locals

Now, who's buried here, you ask? Well, let me tell you, it's a who's who of the non-conformist elite. We're talking William Blake, the guy who wrote "Tyger Tyger" and had all those trippy visions. He's got a rather unassuming plaque, but hey, he was a rebel, not a show-off.

Then there's Daniel Defoe, the guy who wrote "Robinson Crusoe". Yep, he's here too. I like to imagine him rolling in his grave every time someone asks if he was the real Robinson Crusoe. Spoiler alert: he wasn't.

More than just a graveyard

But Bunhill Fields isn't just about the dead, oh no. It's a little oasis of calm in the middle of bustling London. It's got these beautiful old trees, the kind that make you think about how many centuries they've been standing there. There's a pond too, with ducks and everything. It's like a little slice of countryside in the city.

And get this, it's a public park now. Can you believe it? All those non-conformists, rolling in their graves, thinking they're in a park. I bet they're loving it.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room

Okay, so it's a graveyard. I get it, it's not everyone's cup of tea. But hear me out, it's not your average graveyard. It's more like an open-air museum. The graves are all over the place, some are grand, some are simple. It's like a snapshot of history, right there in the ground.

Plus, it's not like you're going to be tripping over coffins or anything. It's all very respectful and well-maintained. The worst that'll happen is you'll step in a duck pond. Which, let's face it, is a pretty small price to pay for a bit of history.

So, what are you waiting for?

Next time you're in London, give Bunhill Fields a visit. It's just off City Road, so it's not hard to find. And who knows, you might just find yourself having a conversation with William Blake. Or at least, his grave. Either way, it's a story worth telling, right?

So, go on, be a rebel. Visit Bunhill Fields. You know you want to.