The earliest known reference to the graveyard was by John Stow in his Survey of London in 1598: Over time, Crossbones Graveyard started to accommodate other members of society who were also denied a Christian burial, including paupers, criminals and children. These prostitutes were not licensed by the authorities, but by the Bishop of Winchester who owned the surrounding lands, hence the namesake. In medieval London, the local prostitutes were known as “Winchester Geese”. This graveyard is an unconsecrated memorial to the thousands of prostitutes who lived, worked and died in this once lawless corner of London centuries ago. This curious and thought-provoking fence marks the eastern boundary of Crossbones Graveyard, a medieval burial ground that’s hidden in plain sight a few minutes walk from London Bridge
It’s an arresting site some of the things have been added recently others are faded and weathered from the elements. There’s flowers, some plastic, some fresh, many in varying states of decay. The fence is completely festooned with ribbons, feathers, beads, knitted hearts, small plastic banners, and all manner of trinkets and personal items such as shoes. If you venture down Redcross Way, a quiet backstreet a short walk from the bustling Borough Market and London Bridge, you’ll come across a tall rusting iron fence surrounding what appears to be large vacant plot of land.
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