Underneath the large yew tree at the entrance to the church lies the grave of 10 men who lost their lives during the rebuilding of the Crystal Palace in Sydenham in 1853. Scaffolding collapsed and the men fell from a great height to their deaths. The tragedy touched many people's hearts and the funeral in St Bartholomew's church was a huge affair.

The grave was restored in 2003, to mark the sesquicentenary, and re-dedicated by the Bishop of Woolwich. An information board is provided adjacent to the grave.