Crossbones is a stone's throw away from London Bridge and was boarded up and closed for many years. Behind the hoardings is a post-medieval, un-consecrated pauper’s burial ground with the remains of an estimated 15,000 people buried there.
Since January 2015 Friends of Crossbones has been working with Bankside Open Spaces Trust to create a public garden on the site. The site has great local and London-wide significance as a non-denominational, non-judgmental place where the ‘outcast dead’ can be remembered.
Volunteer Wardens
Crossbones is opened thanks to the generosity of Volunteer Wardens who give their time to open up the site to the public as well as being a welcoming and informational presence during the opening hours.
This opportunity is ideal for those who have a keen interest in history and conservation. We have many visitors that travel to this unique and emotive site and want to create an engaging and memorable time for our visitors. A detailed knowledge of the site is not required, but wardens need to be able to answer basic questions about Crossbones or know where to direct enquiries that they cannot answer. Full information will be provided in a training session.
We need at least 2 people each day in order to open and sessions last for 2 hours. We are currently open Wednesday-Sunday from 12pm-2pm however we are also looking to open outside of these hours to ensure that Crossbones is open to the public as much as possible.
The role is a great opportunity to learn about the history and teach others about the importance of this very special place.
If you are interested, would like any more information or have any other questions please reach out to Marta Pascual Argente, Volunteer Coordinator volunteer@bost.org.uk.
Please visit our website for further information on our Volunteering roles.
You will have great conversations with people who come from all around the world to visit the space.
The role is a great opportunity to learn about the history and significance of this very special place, whilst teaching others about it's unique standing in history.
We welcome applications from anyone who wants to get involved, previous gardening, wardening or volunteering experience is not required. Tasks are suited to all levels of fitness and needs and we endeavour to make our volunteering opportunities accessible for all. A detailed knowledge of the site is not required; however, wardens need to feel confident talking to the public and answering basic questions about Crossbones or know where to direct enquiries that they cannot answer. A keen interest in history and to provide an engaging time for our visitors is welcomed.
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