The $1 Million Graveyard Monument in London That You Need to See

Did you know that one of the finest funeral monuments in Canada can be found right here in London?

Known as the Fulford-Pixley Mausoleum, this ornate structure, made of granite and marble, contains the remains of Annie Pixley, a celebrated stage actress who captivated audiences across North America in the late 1800s. 

Author’s Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all photos are by the author.

But how did a world-famous actress who was born in New York and died in London, UK, come to be buried in London, Canada?

First, Who was Annie Pixley?

In her day, Annie Pixley was a bona fide star.

She began her career as a dancer but found her greatest fame in the title role of M’liss, Child of the Sierras, a theatrical adaptation of a Bret Harte story about a wild-hearted girl in a California mining camp.

The play was a blockbuster hit, and she performed it over two thousand times, touring from New York to San Francisco and becoming one of the highest-paid actresses of her era.

Her Connection to London, Ontario

Annie Pixley was married to Robert Fulford, who also acted as her manager. They had one son, Thomas.

Annie and her family frequently visited the London area, staying in Port Stanley, where they vacationed each summer for ten years.

Tragedy Strikes

Tragically, their son Thomas died while staying with relatives in Port Stanley in 1886. He was 12 years old. Unfortunately, Annie and Robert were away on tour at the time.

Devastated, they rushed back to Ontario and shortly thereafter laid him to rest at Woodland Cemetery in London.

While Annie tried to remain effervescent on stage, she never fully recovered. Seven years later, she died of “brain fever” in England while visiting relatives.

A Tribute to His Wife

Robert thought it only fitting that Annie, in death, should join her son in Woodland Cemetery.

So he commissioned the construction of the elaborate Fulford-Pixley Mausoleum, which is considered one of Canada’s finest funerary monuments.

Annie’s husband commissioned celebrated Toronto sculptor, Walter S. Allward, to produce granite sculptures of Drama (left photo), Victory (top photo), and Music (right photo).

Left photo: Constructed from Barre granite and adorned with Italian marble, the building is a masterpiece of Victorian funerary art.  

Photo on the right: Peeking through the ornate, solid bronze gates and delicate floral motifs, one can view the richly decorated interior, which holds a marble bust of Tommy and the reliquaries with his parents’ remains.

So, the next time you find yourself exploring London’s history, remember the name, Annie Pixley. She was an international star who, through a story of love and loss, became an everlasting part of the fabric of London, Ontario.

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Hi. I’m Lawrence – bicycle tour guide, storyteller, and proud Londoner.

I love shining a light on the hidden gems and interesting stories like Annie’s that make our city special. I can’t always promise a million-dollar mausoleum, but I can guarantee small groups, big laughs, and a fresh perspective on this wonderful city.

Click here to learn more!