Tomb Of Sir Walter Besant In St Johns Churchyard Extension

The tomb of Sir Walter Besant is located in the extension of St John's Churchyard and dates from around 1901. It features a granite headstone and a stone grave slab. The headstone is designed in a pointed arch shape and is inscribed in memory of Walter Besant and his wife, along with a quotation from Leigh Hunt that reads, "Write as one who loves his fellow-men." The grave slab is plain and has battered kerbing. Sir Walter Besant was a novelist, antiquarian, and social reformer who lived in Hampstead for many years. His socially-conscious novels led to the creation of the People's Palace in Mile End, and he also authored a ten-volume survey of London.