Birmingham Tour, A Journey Through Time in Warstone Lane cemetery
Come join us for a historical journey through Birmingham's Warstone Lane cemetery, exploring major founding fathers of Birmingham.
Date and time
Location
Warstone Lane Cemetery
Vyse Street Pitsford Street Birmingham B18 United KingdomGood to know
Highlights
- UNDER 18 WITH PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN
- In person
- Doors at 11:50
Refund Policy
About this event
Birmingham Tour, A Journey Through Time in Warstone Lane cemetery
A Journey Through Time in Birmingham's Historic Cemetery
Join us for an enlightening walking history tour in Warstone Lane Cemetery. This in-person event offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into the rich history of one of Birmingham's most iconic landmarks.
Date: Sun 9 Nov 2025
Time: 11.50am for 12pm
Location: Warstone Lane cemetery.
Meeting point: here
On Sunday, 9 Nov , we will gather inside the cemetery at 11:50 AM to embark on a captivating exploration of the cemetery and its residents. Our knowledgeable guide will regale you with fascinating tales, bringing the cemetery's rich history to life. From prominent figures to unsung heroes, you'll uncover the stories that form the tapestry of Birmingham's past.
What to Expect
During this tour, we'll delve into the stories hidden within the tombstones of this historic Birmingham location. Our guide will share the secrets and stories from the stones, shedding light on the lives of those who rest here.
We will also view the exterior catacombs and uncover the story of John Baskerville, the renowned printer who has an intriguing history of being buried several times. Additionally, we will learn about Major Harry Gem, the co-founder of Lawn Tennis, whose final resting place is also within the cemetery.
Highlights of the Tour
· Discover the Final Resting Place of John Baskerville: Delve into the legacy of a significant figure in the printing world, whose innovations left a lasting impact on typography.
· Learn About Major Harry Gem: Gain insights into the life of the co-founder of Lawn Tennis, an influential figure in the history of sports.
· View the War Stone: Witness a boulder from the Ice Age, a remarkable natural landmark within the cemetery.
· View the exterior Semi-Circular Tiered Catacombs: Marvel at the architectural design of these unique structures in this Church of England cemetery, along with the accompanying lodge.
· Explore the Rich History and Architecture: Traverse the cemetery and admire its historical and architectural significance, reflecting the city's storied past.
· Hear Tales of Prominent Figures and Unsung Heroes: Listen to captivating stories about Birmingham's notable individuals and those who made significant yet lesser-known contributions to society.
Notable Figures Buried Here
· George William Manley: A distinguished gentleman from the Ancient Order of the Druids, whose life and contributions are commemorated here.
· James Cooper: A recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration, honoured for his valour.
· Edward Warrulan: The son of an Aboriginal Chief, whose resting place highlights a unique cultural heritage.
· William Edward Hipkins: The Managing Director of Avery's Scale Makers, whose life tragically ended aboard the Titanic.
· Jacob Wilson: Known as Birmingham's last Town Crier, a role steeped in historical tradition.
· John Postgate: A dedicated food safety campaigner whose efforts brought significant reforms.
· John Inshaw: Celebrated for his innovation with the Steam Carriage, marking advancements in automotive history.
· John Baskerville: Delve into the legacy of a significant figure in the printing world, whose innovations left a lasting impact on typography.
· Major Harry Gem: Gain insights into the life of the co-founder of Lawn Tennis, an influential figure in the history of sports.
Why You Should Join
Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply seeking a unique experience, this cemetery tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure. Feel the thrill as you walk in the footsteps of those who came before, their stories etched in stone. This tour offers a new perspective on Birmingham's heritage and is an opportunity not to be missed.
So, mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself in the allure of Warstone Lane cemetery ( Brookfields) Join us for and gain a new appreciation for the city's storied past.
* If you later find that you are unable to join us it would be helpful if you let us know either by following the – “view and manage your order online link “ in your confirmation email, and then selecting your order or by sending an email www.fkwc.org - this will be passed on to the Tour Guide and will prevent any delay to the start of the event should the guide be waiting for you
Your Tour Guide looks forward to welcoming you.
Tourists visiting the Lodge and the ice age boulder, both located in Warstone Lane cemetery.Please view the -Frequently Asked Questions- at the foot of this Eventbrite Booking page, before purchasing tickets.
Entrances to Warstone Lane cemetery are in blue.The meeting point is in red.
Please view the -Frequently Asked Questions- at the foot of this Eventbrite Booking page, before purchasing tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Inside Warstone Lane cemetery nr memorial garden bench's. Warstone Ln cemetery is incorrectly listed as Brookfields cemetery on some modern-day online maps. (Warstone Lane cemetery has red railings, neighbouring Key Hill cemetery has black railings)
Getting here: Train and Tram stops at the Jewellery Quarter Station in Vyse Street , Hockley Bus 8a, 8c and 101 from Birmingham city centre to Chamberlain clock at Warstone Lane walk to Vyse Street, Bus 16 &74 to Great Hampton Street. Car – Multi-storey car park in Vyse Street.
Please arrive by 11.50am to check in with your guide, for the tour to commence @ 12noon. If you find that you are unable to join us it would be helpful to let us know , please send an email via the website www.fkwc.org this will be passed on to the tour guide & will prevent delays to the tour
Duration of Warstone Lane cemetery tour is about one and half to two hours depending on Questions & Answers that are encouraged. If you have booked a neigbouring Key Hill cemetery tour at 2pm, the duration of the tour is about the same.
Sorry, there are not no facilities in either Warstone Lane cemetery or neigbouring Key Hill cemetery. There are several, cafe's, bars and restaurants nearby. A toilet is hired for Open days only
These tours are not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Both cemeteries have uneven ground. There are several steps in both cemeteries.
Cemetery Tours no charge for those who hold a current membership, contact the Friends for a ticket. There are no concessions for catacomb tours that are held during Open Days.
Cemetery tours include the history of the cemetery, the residents & history of the catacombs. - Viewing the interior catacomb tours are separate events usually held in May, July, Sept & Oct.. Catacomb tours are much shorter. The interior catacombs are closed during the winter & spring months.
Interior catacombs tours of both Warstone Lane & Key Hill are rare events, usually held in May, July, Sept & Oct. Wise to click on “ Follow” on this Eventbrite page, to be automatically notified of future listings. The catacombs are closed during the winter & spring months. www.fkwc.org
From 1 Oct 2025, we have reverted to a no-refund policy for both cemetery & catacombs tours. For cemetery tours, you may reschedule for another month. This does not apply to catacomb tours.
Yes, You must give at least 5 days’ notice before the event or transfer date. • The new ticket holder’s name must be provided and verified via our website www.fkwc.org. Please submit the details to our admin team through the official online process.
Yes, Children under 16 years of age are required to be with an adult who has also purchased a ticket. For some cemetery tours, there is no charge for children, subject to availability ( this does not include catacomb tours on Open Days_
Only assisted dogs are allowed on cemetery tours. No dogs allowed on catcaomb tours. Please contact the Friends www.fkwc.org
If attendees wish to video then prior permission must be sought from Film Birmingham and a Filming Request Form applied for well in advance. https://filmbirmingham.co.uk/filming-application-form/
Cemetery tours are on the second Sunday of the month except for December. Warstone Lane at 12 noon, Key Hill at 2pm. Meeting point is in each cemetery. Duration of each cemetery tour is just under 2 hours each. Thursday Evening Tours are held during the spring and early summer
No, All revenue from the Friends of Key Hill & Warstone Lane tours, talks & presentations, membership, plus sales & donations are for the Friends Grave Restoration Fund, to repair damaged & broken graves. www.fkwc.org
The Friends who are volunteers, care for the cemeteries & raise funds for damaged & broken graves, aiding the Friends' restoration fund. This is achieved via membership, guided cemetery tours, catacomb tours, talks and presentations, sales at open days and history fairs , plus donations etc.
Yes, www.fkwc.org
Organised by
Followers
--
Events
--
Hosting
--