Who is buried on Box Hill?
Major Peter Labilliere
Major Peter Labilliere (1725-1800) is today remembered (if at all) for his eccentric burial; upside down; on Box Hill, near Dorking in Surrey.
Why is it called Box Hill?
Box Hill is a summit of the North Downs in Surrey, approximately 31 km (19 mi) south-west of London. The hill gets its name from the ancient box woodland found on the steepest west-facing chalk slopes overlooking the River Mole.
Why did they bury people upside down?
They theorized that the macabre sights and grotesque sounds of so many decomposing corpses sparked fears of the supernatural, particularly revenants – the walking dead. Europeans may have viewed a face-down burial as a way to prevent buried remains from rising out of the grave, the researchers suggest.
Is someone buried upside down on Box Hill?
Peter Labilliere (1725-1800), also known as Peter Labelliere, was the British Army Major buried upside down on Box Hill near Dorking in Surrey. …
Why are you buried face up?
In many Christian traditions, ordained clergy are traditionally buried in the opposite orientation, and their coffins carried likewise, so that at the General Resurrection they may rise facing, and ready to minister to, their people.
Why would someone be buried head down?
Burying the dead face-down was a way to prevent the impure soul threatening the living. ‘ Anthropologist Elena Dellù said: ‘The prone burial was linked to the belief that the soul left the body through the mouth. ‘Burying the dead face-down was a way to prevent the impure soul threatening the living.
Why are there no pubs in Box Hill?
Under the influence of the temperance movement, the dry zone held until Box Hill Golf Club broke ranks in 1956. In days past, residents were required to attend a polling place to vote on a restaurant’s bid for a liquor licence, and were fined for not doing so.
Is Surrey Hills a dry area?
Parts of the suburbs of Ashburton, Glen Iris, Camberwell, Canterbury, Box Hill, Balwyn, Mont Albert and Surrey Hills are dry areas.
Is there toilets at Box Hill?
Unlike many other National Trust sites in Surrey, there is no entry fee at Box Hill, however, in line with government advice, visitors will see some changes due to the coronavirus crisis. The toilets are open, however the café, refreshment kiosk and shop remain closed.
How to find a grave in Box Hill Cemetery?
Box Hill Cemetery record searches for genealogical or any other purpose may be conducted by website visitors anytime by simply selecting the ‘ Grave or Memorial Search ‘ function. Maps of selected sites and surrounding areas may be printed to help visitors find specific graves and memorials.
Who was the man buried upside down on Box Hill?
Strange faces were everywhere. Some were London visitors, for in the later years of the 18th century a London physician had stayed in Dorking and he and other practitioners had recommended a stay here in the summer for their patients. WELL-KNOWN FIGURE: Major Peter Labelliere who is buried upside down on Box Hill.
Why was Box Hill given to the National Trust?
The Salomons Memorial commemorates the gift of 95 ha (230 acres) of land on Box Hill to the National Trust in 1914. The proposals for a land value tax outlined by Chancellor David Lloyd George in his People’s Budget of 1909 prompted the trustees of the Deepdene estate to start to sell the unimproved land on the western side of Box Hill.
Where is Headley Heath in Box Hill Surrey?
The National Trust also owns Headley Heath, a geologically distinct area of heathland which lies to the north-east of Box Hill village. The majority of the heath was acquired in a single purchase in 1946.