Emily Chan
Pets hold a special place in our hearts. They are cherished members of our family and are fully involved in our everyday lives.
For many people, the bond with a pet is as strong as any human relationship. That’s why the loss of a pet is often so heartbreaking and extremely emotional.
This deep attachment to animals can be observed in places like Hyde Park Pet Cemetery. There, pets are laid to rest to honor their memory and how important they were in their owners’ lives.
Hyde Park is the oldest pet cemetery in the United Kingdom. The remains of more than 1,000 dogs and cats have been buried there. But how did a public pet cemetery come about in the first place?
In the late 18th century and early 19th century, the U.K. saw a shift in people’s relationships with animals.
They started developing emotional attachments to their pets. According to the Royal Parks, a man named Mr. Winbridge was responsible for establishing the pet cemetery.
Mr. Winbridge worked as a servant to the Duke of Cambridge. Eventually, he was rewarded for his years of service and loyalty with a gatekeeper position at Victoria Lodge on the edge of the park.
After Mr. Winbridge moved into the gatehouse, he made money by selling refreshments to adults and lollipops to children. He was described as kind and friendly.
He established the pet cemetery in his private garden behind Victoria Lodge. It all started when one man expressed his desire to bury his dog in the garden. Soon enough, word spread, and many people began to come to the garden to bury their beloved pets.
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