Explore the inventors and innovators buried at the Willesden Jewish Cemetery and the brilliant minds whose legacy lives on to this day
Book your free place below.
Willesden Jewish Cemetery is a treasure trove of stories of many ‘firsts’ that changed our modern life. From powdered milk to fly fishing, early computers to oil tankers, inventions in the area of medicine, navy, science, recording industry and many more. Included, of course, is Rosalind Franklin who is associated not only with the discovery of the DNA structure, but also with the coal industry and virus research, which is still important today. Since our heritage project started, a number of areas in the Cemetery have been landscaped and now provide biodiversity enhancements.
This annual event is part of Heritage Open Days, England’s largest free festival of history and culture, run by thousands of volunteers around the country. It is a celebration of their heritage, community and history and this year’s theme is Inventors/Innovators. It coincides with Open House London which is an annual festival celebrating the architecture and urban landscape of London. It is staged by the charity Open City which campaigns to make London a more accessible, equitable and open city.
This event is free, but advance booking will be appreciated.
The event will run 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm and will include:
2PM a talk by Development Economics Director Historic England, David Tomback OBE: "Does the Past have a Future?"
3PM a guided walk: Inventors and Innovators at WJC
NB: No mobile phones or bicycles to be used, or eating, in the Cemetery. No dogs allowed (except guide dogs)
Do wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella – rain does not stop play!
Inventors and innovators at Willesden Jewish Cemetery
