Somebody's Daughter

This weekend wanderings resulted in us discovering the memorial gates at the Cross Bones graveyard in Southwark, South London.




From medieval times to the 19th century, Cross Bones was a deconsecrated burial ground for prostitutes, who were denied a traditional (for the times) church burial, due to their profession and resulting social status. There are believed to be 15,000 bodies buried on the site.

Described on the Cross Bones website as a spontaneous "living artwork and memorial to the outcast dead", an unofficial shrine has grown on the gates to the site - a vibrant scene of colourful ribbons, flowers and plaques in tribute to women that have lost their lives working in more recent history.

A fascinating place, tucked in the streets of south London and whatever your beliefs, a reminder that some people in society should not be forgotten, especially during their lives.



An article in the Independent about Cross Bones

The Ipswich 'Somebody's Daughter' Memorial fund