The Reception House in Margravine Cemetery is the only one of its kind in London in terms of of design and preservation of its original features. It survived intact, finding use as a tool shed when no longer needed for its original purpose.

The cemetery opened in 1869, paid for by Hammersmith vestry after St Paul's churchyard was closed. Cholera and other infectious diseases were taking their toll. 

Edwin Chadwick's survey of 1843 stated that many poor families lived entirely in just one room. When death struck, the body of the deceased was laid out on the table until the family could pay for the funeral. 

A medical officer of health was appointed in London and his report of 1849 was so shocking that in 1850 the Government passed an Act to make Better Provision for the Interment of the Dead in and near the Metropolis, including the provision of Reception Houses. 

A map in the council archives has the Margravine cemetery building marked as a Receiving House but this name had other meanings; the correct name being a Reception House. 

Margravine's Reception House is an interesting octagonal building with large stone ledges lining each of its sides designed to accommodate a coffin awaiting burial. The windows are the original open metal grills providing good ventilation. It has many pleasing details in its design, including the slate roof on a fine timber roof. Other details include ventilation dormers and a finial.

The Friends applied for its listing. Representatives from the Department for Culture Media and Sport attended its official listing as a Grade II Listed Building. 

Historic England have made it a listed building at risk  due to its decaying condition.

The Friends and the Council are working hard in applying for grants towards its preservation.