Pocahontas is one of the most iconic figures in history. Immortalised through the 1995 Disney film and studied for generations, this young Native American woman is vital to the history of early America.
One of my favourite things to say to family and friends is, “Did you know Pocahontas is buried in Gravesend?” Almost always the response is one of surprise, particularly one friend who thought Pocahontas wasn’t even real and that Disney had made her up.
I took a train to Gravesend to find the final resting place of this famous figure and learn more about her story.
Why is Pocahontas buried in Gravesend?
Pocahontas, also known as Matoaka or Amonute, travelled to England with her husband, John Rolfe, and their young son, Thomas Rolfe, in 1616. It’s worth noting at this point that the Disney film plays with the truth, as Pocahontas never married the explorer John Smith, although it’s believed she did save him from execution by her tribe.
While in England with her (real) husband, John Rolfe, Pocahontas was presented at the English court and met King James I, attracting attention as a symbol of early colonial connections.
While preparing to return to Virginia in 1617, Pocahontas fell seriously ill on board a ship in the Thames. The boat docked at Gravesend, where she died at around 21 years old, making Gravesend the final chapter of her life.
In case you’re wondering (like I was), Gravesend isn’t named after Pocahontas’s grave. The name comes from Old English, meaning "end of the grove" or "at the end of the woods" and likely referred to a settlement at the edge of a wooded area.
Can you visit Pocahontas’s grave in Gravesend?
If you love history, Disney, or are just fascinated by this improbable story, you can visit Pocahontas’s grave in Gravesend. Take a Thameslink train to Gravesend, then it’s an easy 5-minute walk to the site. Head to the churchyard at St George’s Church, where a commemorative statue marks the location of Pocahontas’s grave.
The original Pocahontas gravestone no longer survives, as any marker was lost when the church burned down in 1727. Historical records show that her funeral took place on 21 March 1617 in the chancel of the original church, but the fire destroyed both the building and any grave markers.
The memorial site in Gravesend today serves as a focal point for those interested in her story. It provides historical context without being a traditional tomb, and the churchyard remains open to the public. It’s quite a surreal feeling, seeing people walk through the churchyard with their shopping, knowing that one of the most famous figures in history is buried there.
The statue is beautiful, and I spent some time gazing at it and imagining her visit to England. There were some flowers left beneath the statue which I thought was really sweet, clearly there are people who have a keen interest in this site. In fact, some Americans from Virginia take a regular pilgrimage here.
How old was Pocahontas when she died?
Pocahontas was around 21 years old at the time of her death, based on her estimated birth year of 1595. Her brief life spanned significant historical events, including the early years of English colonisation in Virginia and her journey across the Atlantic to England.
Pocahontas children and descendants
Pocahontas and John Rolfe had one child, Thomas Rolfe, born in Virginia in January 1615. Thomas returned to Virginia after his mother’s death, and later married and had a daughter, Jane Rolfe, who in turn had a son, John Bolling. This lineage confirms that there are documented descendants of Pocahontas today.
While tracing the exact modern family tree is complex, the survival of her bloodline provides a tangible connection to her life beyond Gravesend.
Pocahontas Gravesend: what to expect when visiting
The churchyard at St George’s contains a bronze statue of Pocahontas, unveiled by the Governor of Virginia in 1958. The statue depicts her in period dress, reflecting the way she was remembered by contemporaries rather than her life in Virginia. Nearby plaques provide historical context and mark the site as her memorial.
Although the original grave is unmarked, the statue has become the point of reference for visitors. Gravesend continues to welcome history enthusiasts, local walkers, and those seeking to connect with this unique story. The Pocahontas statue marks the start of Gravesend’s Maritime Heritage Trail, which will immerse you even further into local history.
The Gravesend churchyard offers a reflective experience rather than a conventional historical site. It’s amazing to think about how much the area has changed since those times, and it’s fun to imagine what Pocahontas might have thought of England.
The memorial statue provides a tangible link to Pocahontas, and the surrounding grounds reflect centuries of local history. Visitors can learn about her life, death, and the journey that carried her from her homeland to England, while standing in a place that honours her memory with dignity.
Make a day of your visit
Once you’ve had your fill of history at Pocahontas’s grave in Gravesend, hop on a Thameslink train and travel two stops to Greenhithe for Bluewater to enjoy some shopping and grab something to eat. It’s the perfect way to make it a proper day out.
If you love history, bring it to life by visiting more areas of historical interest on the Thameslink network:
- Take a train to Sevenoaks to visit Knole and walk in the footsteps of Virginia Woolf and her lover, Vita Sackville-West
- Take a train to Greenwich to visit the Old Royal Naval College, stand where Henry VIII was born, and explore centuries of English history
- Take a train to Rochester to discover the life of Charles Dickens and the town that inspired many of his works