Due to an explosion in population in the early 19th century burial conditions in London became intolerable and Parliament created seven private cemeteries in and around London. Highgate was one if these and the West Cemetery opened in 1839 with the East Cemetery opening in 1854.
They both remained open until 1975 when they ceased to be financially viable and the owners closed down the West Cemetery. The buildings had become dilapidated and the cemetery was extermly overgrown.
The Graveyard in now maintained by the Friends of Highgate Cemetery.