Many early Quakers were buried in parish churchyards, often without a traditional church committal. Sometimes funerals were disturbed by unruly mobs. Most Quakers preferred not to be buried in the local churchyard and burial in a garden or orchard was common practice. This was not always possible and it became necessary to obtain land.

The first burial at Tottenham was in 1802; that of Thomas Garman, aged seven years. Friends who died were interred in rows without distinction. Gravestones were disallowed.

In 1816 at Tottenham, low oval-topped stones were erected. These were simply engraved with the Friend's name and dates of birth and death.

Today, these stones are stood around the sides of the burial ground and the centre is grassed over. A plan has been kept of the spot where each Friend is buried.

The last burial took place in 1893. In 1894 the Burial Ground was closed to burials, though scattering of ashes is still allowed.