Join us for a reflective guided walk, exploring social history, poverty and community.

Join Quaker Social Action for a reflective and educational guided walk at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park.

This event will explore the rich social history of the cemetery, with a special focus on poverty, inequality and community in this eclectic east London borough. It’s an opportunity to come together in a respectful and thought-provoking space, while learning more about the lives and stories forever connected with the area.

About Down to Earth

Down To Earth is a service of the charity Quaker Social Action. It is the only UK-wide charity service that supports people struggling with funeral costs.

Down to Earth also campaigns for change so that everyone can afford a meaningful funeral.

What to expect

A gentle walk through the Cemetery Park by a Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park lead.

Share the stories and experiences of people buried at THCP

Learn about the social history of the Cemetery Park

A small group setting to maintain a respectful atmosphere

There may be some photography taking place during the walk. If anyone would prefer not to be featured please speak to a member of the team on the day*

Tickets and taking part

We ask participants to make a suggested contribution of £15 to help cover event costs and support our work. Any additional donation is warmly welcomed. Funds raised through this event will help us continue this vital work.

Respecting the space

This event will take place in a cemetery, which is the resting place of thousands of people. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to enjoy the space – but please do up pick after them. The space remains an important site for reflection and remembrance, and many visitors still attend to graves. We ask all participants to behave respectfully at all times, keeping noise to a minimum and being mindful of others visiting the space.

Date: Friday 11th September

Time: 10am - 12pm

Meeting point: The Soanes Field Centre, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, Southern Grove, London, E3 4PX

Accessibility: The Cemetery Park features a variety of grounds and terrains. The main entrance on Southern Grove is wide, and opens onto a flat, accessible area.

The main paths in the Cemetery Park are flat or gently sloping, around 1-2 metres wide and surfaced with either crushed concrete fines - a hard-packed fine gravel that remains firm even in wet weather - or natural earth. Other paths, particularly towards the centre of the Cemetery Park, are more uneven and can become muddy after rain.

A circular route around the Cemetery Park is approximately 1km, with one steeper slope and some gentle inclines. Two areas have steps, though alternative step-free routes are available.

Benches with backrests are placed at regular intervals throughout the Cemetery Park.

For those attending scheduled events hosted by the Friends, the Soanes Field Centre and Cemetery Park Lodge are best accessed via the Southern Grove entrance. Both buildings have ramp access and accessible toilets.

Contact: For more information, please contact Sophie Clarke at sophieclarke@qsa.org.uk or 020 8983 5055, option 3.

Description supplied by the event organiser.