Hyde Park's Pet Cemetery was started in 1881 by the gatekeeper at Victoria Lodge, a Mr Winbridge, who started burying dogs in the lodge's garden.

The first dog to be buried was called Cherry, a Maltese Terrier, who died of old age.

Cherry’s owners used to visit the park regularly and were friends of Mr Winbridge, so when Cherry died they thought it would be a fitting tribute to be buried in Hyde Park.

The tombstone reads ‘Poor Cherry. Died April 28. 1881’

The park's pet cemetery is not easy to find and isn’t really publicised.

While modern-day pet cemeteries are at an all time high, with burial grounds lovingly cared for in several places across the country from Sussex to Carlisle, this rare part of Victorian London is well worth seeking out.

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Inside Hyde Park's secret pet cemetary Photo: Helen PG-Soteriou

The inscriptions on modern headstones have not changed from those that you will find on tombstones in Hyde Park, all are simple statements of affection for trusted companions. One reads: ‘Our dear wee Butcha, 31 Jan 1894’.

‘Darling Cupid, 1898’

‘Sandy. A faithful friend for 12 years, May 1900’

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Inside Hyde Park's secret pet cemetary Photo: Helen PG-Soteriou

Mr Winbridge ended up donating more and more of his garden to the pet cemetery. The dogs were sewn up in canvas bags and Mr Winbridge carried out the interments. The owners were mostly not present owing to their great distress.

Inside Hyde Park's secret pet cemetary Photo: Helen PG-Soteriou

Many dogs in Victorian times met their end when they were trampled to death by the horses that used the carriageways in Hyde Park. “Prince” was the second dog to be buried at the cemetery – he was a Yorkshire Terrier owned by the actress Louisa Fairbrother, the wife of HRH Prince George Duke of Cambridge. He was killed by the wheel of a carriage. His gravestone reads simply “Poor Prince”, with no dates.

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Inside Hyde Park's secret pet cemetary Photo: Helen PG-Soteriou

Most of the pets – there is a cat as well as many dogs - were owned by distinguished members of society who lived on the edges of the park. Walking around, you can see some names that are recognised today like Peter, Leo, and Sam. Others are less likely to be used, like Freeky, Bogie, Baby, Smut and Scum.

By the time the cemetery closed in 1903, 300 tiny burials dotted the grounds.

Inside Hyde Park's secret pet cemetary Photo: Helen PG-Soteriou

The well-preserved and well-protected little cemetery is a touching window into the past, set in one of London’s most famous Royal Parks.

Inside Hyde Park's secret pet cemetary Photo: Helen PG-Soteriou

How to visit Hyde Park's pet cemetery

Where: Behind Victoria Gate Lodge, adjoining Bayswater Road

Tickets: £50 plus VAT for a visit lasting one hour for up to 6 people.

Contact: Royal Parks royalparks.org.uk

Inside Hyde Park's secret pet cemetary Photo: Helen PG-Soteriou

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