Warstone Lane cemetery tour ,Stories from the Stones & history of catacombs

Warstone Lane cemetery tour ,Stories from the Stones & history of catacombs

History of Warstone Lane Cemetery, the history of unique tiered catacombs & history of the residents who rest here, view the War Stone

By Friends of Key Hill & Warstone Lane Cemeteries

Date and time

Sunday, June 9 · 12 - 2pm GMT+1

Location

Vyse Street, near Pitsford Street

Vyse Street Birmingham B18 United Kingdom

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

Come and explore and join us for an unforgettable journey through the grounds of Warstone Lane cemetery.

On Sun 9 June 2024 , at 12:00 noon, we will delve into the fascinating stories hidden within the tombstones and catacombs of this historic Birmingham location.


During this in-person event, our knowledgeable guide will regale you with tales of the departed, bringing the cemetery's rich history to life. Discover the secrets of stories from the stones as we explore the final resting place of Birmingham's prominent figures and unsung heroes.

Uncover the mysteries of the catacombs, where the printer John Baskerville finally rests.


Feel the thrill as you walk in the footsteps of those who came before, their stories etched in stone.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a unique experience, this cemetery tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure. So, mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself in the allure of Warstone Lane cemetery.


Warstone Lane cemetery C of E includes the final resting place of John Baskerville who died once but buried several times , Major Harry Gem co-founder of Lawn Tennis) , George William Manley -a Gentleman from the Ancient Order of the Druids , James Cooper VC recipient of the Victoria Cross, Edward Warrulan -son of an Aboriginal Chief, William Edward Hipkins -Titanic, Jacob Wilson-Last Town Crier ,John Postgate Food safety campaigner , John Inshaw -Steam Carriage.

Location: Vyse Street, Birmingham, B18

Neigbouring Key Hill cemetery tour at 2pm requires booking separately.

Cemetery tours do not include interior viewing of the catacombs that are closed until spring 2024.


Please view the Frequently asked Question at the bottom of this Eventbrite Booking page.


Website: www.fkwc.org


Frequently asked questions

Do you have a website?

Yes, www.fkwc.org Please view Events the top of the page also Stories from the Stones via " More" at the top of the page.

How do I get to Warstone Lane cemetery?

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.

Where do we meet?

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)

Do I have to arrive early?

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

What is the duration of the tour?

Duration of Warstone Lane cemetery Stories from the Stones Tour is about one and half to two hours depending on Questions & Answers that are encouraged. If you have booked neigbouring Key Hill cemetery tour at 2pm, the duration of the tour is about the same.

Do you have facilities in the cemetery

Sorry, there are not any facilities in either Warstone Lane cemetery or neigbouring Key Hill cemetery. There are several, cafe's, bars and restaurants nearby. A porta loo is hired for special opens days May, July, Sept & Oct

Are the tours suitable for the less abled

These tours are not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Both cemeteries have uneven ground. There are several steps in both cemeteries.

Are there any concessions for cemetery tours & catacomb tours?

Cemetery Tours no charge for those who hold a current membership, contact the Friends for a ticket- www.fkwc.org Subject to availability of tickets there is no charge for children aged 16 yrs & under, must be with an adult who has a ticket. There are no concessions for catacomb tours.

What are the dates for the Friends cemetery tours?

Stories from the Stones cemetery tours are the second Sunday of the month, except for December. Each cemetery requires booking separately – view events on www.fkwc.org : Summer evening tours An Introduction to the cemeteries tour combines both cemeteries in one tour.

Do cemetery tours include interior catacomb tours?

Stories from the stone tours include the history of the cemetery, the residents & history of the catacombs. Interior catacomb tours are separate events usually held in May, July, Sept & Oct. Catacomb tours are much shorter tours. The interior catacombs are closed during the winter & spring months.

What dates are the interior catacomb tours?

Interior catacombs tours of both Warstone Lane & Key Hill are rare events, usually held in 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.

Do you give refunds ?

No, sorry we do not give refunds.

Do you make a profit from the tours?

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.

How do I purchase a GIFT VOUCHER?

Gift Vouchers for two people, are sent via the post , please contact the Friends via our website www.fkwc.org Gift Vouchers can be sent direct to the purchaser or the recipient, UK only. Gift Vouchers will be posted on a Thursday second class post Please allow time for delivery

What is the cost of a Gift Voucher?

Gift Vouchers for Sunday cemetery tours for two people are £32.00 plus postage UK. (£8.00 per person, per cemetery) Both attendees can take both cemetery tours the same day, or split the tours taking the other tour at a later date. Valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

How can I become a member of the Friends?

Please email www.fkwc.org for a membership form.

Tags

Organized by

Friends of Key Hill & Warstone Lane Cemeteries

Guided Cemetery Tours of both Warstone Lane Cemetery & Key Hill Cemetery are the second Sunday of the month except for December.

All tours require pre-booking .

Warstone Lane Cemetery Tours at 11.50 am for a 12 noon start

Key Hill Cemetery Tours at 1.50pm for a 2pm start .

Each cemetery tour last about 1 and half to 2 hours depending on Q & A.

Guided Interior Catacombs Tours are only certain times of the year and time slots differ from cemetery tours.

These are no facilities in the cemeteries but plenty of café, restaurants and bars nearby.

See info on F.A Q on events on how to get to the cemeteries .

Why not volunteer for one of our litter picks ?

All revenue from guided tours, sales, memberships & donations pay for the restoration of the gravestones.