Opening times:
8am - 7pm 1st April - 1st October
8am - 4pm October - March
Vehicle access gates close at 4pm all year roundA portion of land in Watling Street was originally acquired in 1900 by the Dartford Urban District Council for the purposes of a burial ground for its local residents. Three and a half acres of the ten acre site were consecrated by the Bishop of Rochester on Thursday 23 September 1909, but construction of the traditional Victorian Chapel did not commence until 1915. The Cemetery was officially opened in 1914; the first grave dug by Samuel Bonmack on 6th April 1914 for the burial of James Duggan on Tuesday 7th April that year. The first service in the chapel took place on 7th December 1916.
Watling Street Cemetery is typical of many early 20th Century cemeteries and features a variety of mature trees and shrubs in a formal setting. Within its grounds is a World War II Civilian War Grave memorial erected in May 1949 remembering the many civilian citizens who died during the war and laid to rest on the site from 1940 onwards. James Smith VC is buried in Watling Street Cemetery. He was awarded the Victoria Cross whilst serving with the Buffs (East Kent Regiment) during the Mohmand campaign in India September 1897.
The Cemetery is maintained to a high standard with a regular mowing regime, newly planted ornamental rose beds and colourful bedding schemes.
In October 2006 The Watling Street Garden of Remembrance was opened by the Mayor of Dartford creating a much needed place in which to remember loved ones.