Event Type : Tours, Talks & Walks

Join Dennis Cluley, who has been working in the Jewellery Quarter since 2007, for an informative evening tour exploring Key Hill and Warstone Lane cemeteries, a fun way to end the work day!

A fantastic chance to explore the newly restored cemeteries and learn about famous faces from Birmingham past who found their final resting places in the Jewellery Quarter, including John Baskerville who died once and was buried three times!

Tickets cost £5 and booking is essential as places are limited to ensure social distancing. Ticket revenue will contribute to the gravestone restoration fund. You will visit some memorials in need of restoration on the tour.

We will meet outside The Rose Villa Tavern at 5.30pm and walk over to the cemeteries together. The tour takes around 1 hour and 30 mins but questions are encouraged so please allow 2 hours.

The resting place of John Baskerville , Major Harry Gem ( Lawn Tennis ) , A Gentleman from the Ancient Order of the Druids , James Cooper VC recipient of the Victoria Cross. Edward Warrulan -son of an aboriginal king , plus a connection to the ship Titanic.

Conservation -the two tiered catacombs have recently been restored, along with , new railings , footpaths and planting in this Church of England Cemetery .

Tour of Warstone Lane Cemetery in Birmingham Jewellery Quarter , Hockley , starts at 12 Noon.

Meeting place : In the cemetery near Catacombs at 11.50 am. Entrances at Vyse Street/ Pitsford Street / Warstone Lane & Icknield Street .

Tickets £5.00 plus booking fee . Children under 16 years no charge.

See other events for a guided tour Key Hill Cemetery at 2pm

Follow the Friends on Eventbrite , Facebook , Twitter and via the Friends website .

Volunteers of the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery RAISING FUNDS FOR GRAVE RESTORATION preserving our history and caring for the community since 2004

Victorian cemeteries are full of different trees, and are a great place to learn about many of our native species as well as a variety of more exotic imports. Join Sustainable Life, the brilliant brains behind our new tree trail to meet the trees, learn how to identify them, plus understand their uses and value as wildlife habitat.

We’ll meet outside the Big Peg and walk over to the cemeteries together. This free event is an outdoor walk and social distancing will be observed but you might wish to bring a mask or face covering to allow the group to gather around and look at examples together more easily. Places are limited and booking is essential.

History of Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham’s first cemetery and formerly known as the General Cemetery , the unique catacombs and the residents resting in this non -denominational cemetery .

Walking History Tour with our expert volunteer guide includes the history the unique catacombs and the residents resting in this non -denominational cemetery .

The final resting place of Joseph Chamberlain , Alfred Bird, Thomas Avery , William Murphy , John Skirrow Wright , Joseph Tangye, Constance Naden , Harriet Martineau , Marie Bethel Beauclerc , , Rev George Dawson , Henry Palethorpe, Joseph Gilliott, Robert Lucas Chance , William Butler , Thomas Walker , Isaac Horton, James Hinks.

Conservation -the single tiered catacombs have recently been restored, along with new railings , footpaths and planting in this non-denominational cemetery .

This cemetery is a haven for wildlife .

MEETING PLACE : Key Hill Cemetery, Icknield Street gate entrance not far from Warstone Lane Cemetery Icknield Street entrance at 2pm

( see separate event for Warstone Lane Cemetery tour at 12 noon )

Tickets via Eventbrite £5.00 includes booking fee . Children under 16 years no charge. All Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times

Guided tours are the second Sunday in the month except for December .

Finding a grave – Should you require to find the location of a family grave, the Friends may be able to assist. Please note this is unlikely to be achieved during a guided tour. With prior notice the Friends can arrange for you to meet a volunteer before the tour begins, please allow plenty of time for this. Alternatively, a date and time can be arranged to suit you and a volunteer. Should you require this voluntary service please email the Friends in advance with the family names and year of death if known. Also state which cemetery if known.

Getting here :

By Train and Tram stops at the Jewellery Quarter Station in Vyse Street .

By Bus -the 101 bus from Colmore Row to Chamberlain Clock walk to Vyse Street , see Sunday service via nxbus.co.uk and plan my journey https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/plan-your-journey.

By Car – Clean Air Zone From 1st June 2021 Birmingham Clean Air Zone WILL YOU NEED TO PAY?

Charges are from midnight to midnight. Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone will start charging on Tuesday, but estimates predict that 75% of cars will be exempt from charges. The zone, covering the centre of town, aims to reduce pollution levels and encourage more people to switch to public transport to visit the city centre. It is different to the London congestion charge which charges all vehicles so it’s important that you know whether it applies to you or not.

Check your vehicle here to see if you would be charged: https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones

Follow the Friends on Eventbrite , Facebook , Twitter and via the Friends website .

Volunteers of the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery maintaining the cemeteries & RAISING FUNDS FOR GRAVE RESTORATION since 2004 .

Guided Tours of the cemeteries in 2019

Victorian cemeteries are full of different trees, and are a great place to learn about many of our native species as well as a variety of more exotic imports. Join Sustainable Life, the brilliant brains behind our new tree trail to meet the trees, learn how to identify them, plus understand their uses and value as wildlife habitat.

We’ll meet outside the Big Peg and walk over to the cemeteries together. This free event is an outdoor walk and social distancing will be observed but you might wish to bring a mask or face covering to allow the group to gather around and look at examples together more easily. Places are limited and booking is essential.

We visit the two-tier catacombs.

The druid burial that looks like it should be at Stonehenge

The grave of Alfred Bird of Birds custard

The man who invented tennis.

The inventor of the lightbulb

The JQ connection with the Titanic

The Avery scales family

The printer whose embalmed body was moved around Birmingham.

The walk takes approximately two hours and involves walking over uneven ground, so sturdy footwear and good mobility is recommended.

Walking History Tour with our experienced volunteer guide includes the history of Warstone Lane Cemetery , the unique tiered catacombs and the residents resting in this Church of England Cemetery .

The resting place of John Baskerville , Major Harry Gem ( 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 .

Conservation –the two tiered catacombs have recently been restored, along with , new railings , footpaths and planting in this Church of England Cemetery .

Tour of Warstone Lane Cemetery in Birmingham Jewellery Quarter , Hockley , begin at 12 Noon.

Meeting place : In the cemetery near catacombs . Entrances at Vyse Street/ Pitsford Street / Warstone Lane & Icknield Street .

Getting here :

Train and Tram stops at the Jewellery Quarter Station in Vyse Street .

By Bus -the 101 bus from Colmore Row to Chamberlain Clock walk to Vyse Street , see Sunday service via nxbus.co.uk and plan my journey https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/plan-your-journey

By Car – Clean Air Zone From 1st June 2021 Birmingham Clean Air Zone WILL YOU NEED TO PAY?

Charges are from midnight to midnight.

Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone started charging on Tuesday 1st June 2021 but estimates predict that 75% of cars will be exempt from charges. The zone, covering the centre of the city , aims to reduce pollution levels and encourage more people to switch to public transport to visit the city centre. It is different to the London congestion charge which charges all vehicles so it’s important that you know whether it applies to you or not.

Check your vehicle here to see if you would be charged:

https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones

Working in conjunction with The Bone Ensemble, we are creating a unique performance tour experience, uncovering stories from the Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries. Meet figures from Birmingham’s past beside their resting places in Warstone Lane and Key Hill Cemeteries, as brought to life by costumed volunteers, storytelling and live music.

This performance is a socially distanced piece of promenade performance – the audience will move between stops on the tour route, encountering vignettes and characters from history along the way.

There are opportunities for the audience to become part of the story and learn more about Birmingham figures, both well-known and often overlooked, plus the rich history of the cemetery landscapes.

Tours will begin at Key Hill cemetery and last around 1.5 hours. Social distancing rules will be followed throughout the performance; booking is essential due to limited numbers of tickets.

Access information:

The paths in both cemeteries have been recently resurfaced to provide level access from Vyse St, Icknield St, Pitsford St (Warstone Lane Cemetery) and Icknield St and Key Hill (Key Hill Cemetery), but some of the tour locations will involve crossing onto grassed areas which can be uneven. A digital copy of the script will be available for people with hearing impairments. There are no toilet facilities in the cemeteries, the public toilet on Vyse Street is now open to the public again. Please contact us by email josie.wall@jqdt.org if you have any concerns or additional access requirements.

Covid-19:

Due to Covid-19 there are limited places for this event. If you find you can no longer attend please let us know so we can reimburse you and offer your place to someone else.

We will keep attendee details for 21 days after the event in case they are needed for NHS track and trace.

History of Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham’s first cemetery and formerly known as the General Cemetery , the unique catacombs and the residents resting in this non -denominational cemetery .

Walking History Tour with our expert volunteer guide includes the history the unique catacombs and the residents resting in this non -denominational cemetery .

The final resting place of Joseph Chamberlain , Alfred Bird, Thomas Avery , William Murphy , John Skirrow Wright , Joseph Tangye, Constance Naden , Harriet Martineau , Marie Bethel Beauclerc , , Rev George Dawson , Henry Palethorpe, Joseph Gilliott, Robert Lucas Chance , William Butler , Thomas Walker , Isaac Horton, James Hinks.

Conservation -the single tiered catacombs have recently been restored, along with new railings , footpaths and planting in this non-denominational cemetery .

This cemetery is a haven for wildlife .

MEETING PLACE : Key Hill Cemetery, Icknield Street gate entrance not far from Warstone Lane Cemetery Icknield Street entrance at 2pm

( see separate event for Warstone Lane Cemetery tour at 12 noon )

Tickets via Eventbrite £5.00 includes booking fee . Children under 16 years no charge. All Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times

Guided tours are the second Sunday in the month except for December .

Finding a grave – Should you require to find the location of a family grave, the Friends may be able to assist. Please note this is unlikely to be achieved during a guided tour. With prior notice the Friends can arrange for you to meet a volunteer before the tour begins, please allow plenty of time for this. Alternatively, a date and time can be arranged to suit you and a volunteer. Should you require this voluntary service please email the Friends in advance with the family names and year of death if known. Also state which cemetery if known.

Getting here :

By Train and Tram stops at the Jewellery Quarter Station in Vyse Street .

By Bus -the 101 bus from Colmore Row to Chamberlain Clock walk to Vyse Street , see Sunday service via nxbus.co.uk and plan my journey https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/plan-your-journey.

By Car – Clean Air Zone From 1st June 2021 Birmingham Clean Air Zone WILL YOU NEED TO PAY?

Charges are from midnight to midnight. Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone will start charging on Tuesday, but estimates predict that 75% of cars will be exempt from charges. The zone, covering the centre of town, aims to reduce pollution levels and encourage more people to switch to public transport to visit the city centre. It is different to the London congestion charge which charges all vehicles so it’s important that you know whether it applies to you or not.

Check your vehicle here to see if you would be charged: https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones

Volunteers of the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery maintaining the cemeteries & RAISING FUNDS FOR GRAVE RESTORATION since 2004 .

Follow the Friends on Eventbrite , Facebook , Twitter and via the Friends website .

Friends Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery

Guided Tours of the cemeteries in 2019

Working in conjunction with The Bone Ensemble, we are creating a unique performance tour experience, uncovering stories from the Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries. Meet figures from Birmingham’s past beside their resting places in Warstone Lane and Key Hill Cemeteries, as brought to life by costumed volunteers, storytelling and live music.

This performance is a socially distanced piece of promenade performance – the audience will move between stops on the tour route, encountering vignettes and characters from history along the way.

There are opportunities for the audience to become part of the story and learn more about Birmingham figures, both well-known and often overlooked, plus the rich history of the cemetery landscapes.

Tours will begin at Key Hill cemetery and last around 1.5 hours. Social distancing rules will be followed throughout the performance; booking is essential due to limited numbers of tickets.

Access information:

The paths in both cemeteries have been recently resurfaced to provide level access from Vyse St, Icknield St, Pitsford St (Warstone Lane Cemetery) and Icknield St and Key Hill (Key Hill Cemetery), but some of the tour locations will involve crossing onto grassed areas which can be uneven. A digital copy of the script will be available for people with hearing impairments. There are no toilet facilities in the cemeteries, the public toilet on Vyse Street is now open to the public again. Please contact us by email josie.wall@jqdt.org if you have any concerns or additional access requirements.

Covid-19:

Due to Covid-19 there are limited places for this event. If you find you can no longer attend please let us know so we can reimburse you and offer your place to someone else.

We will keep attendee details for 21 days after the event in case they are needed for NHS track and trace.

Walking History Tour with our experienced volunteer guide includes the history of Warstone Lane Cemetery , the unique tiered catacombs and the residents resting in this Church of England Cemetery .

The resting place of John Baskerville , Major Harry Gem ( 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 .

Conservation -the two tiered catacombs have recently been restored, along with , new railings , footpaths and planting in this Church of England Cemetery .

Tour of Warstone Lane Cemetery in Birmingham Jewellery Quarter , Hockley , begin at 12 Noon.

Meeting place : In the cemetery near catacombs . Entrances at Vyse Street/ Pitsford Street / Warstone Lane & Icknield Street .

Getting here :

Train and Tram stops at the Jewellery Quarter Station in Vyse Street .

By Bus -the 101 bus from Colmore Row to Chamberlain Clock walk to Vyse Street , see Sunday service via nxbus.co.uk and plan my journey https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/plan-your-journey

By Car – Clean Air Zone From 1st June 2021 Birmingham Clean Air Zone WILL YOU NEED TO PAY? Charges are from midnight to midnight.

Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone started charging on Tuesday 1st June 2021 but estimates predict that 75% of cars will be exempt from charges. The zone, covering the centre of the city , aims to reduce pollution levels and encourage more people to switch to public transport to visit the city centre. It is different to the London congestion charge which charges all vehicles so it’s important that you know whether it applies to you or not.

Check your vehicle here to see if you would be charged:

https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones

History of Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham’s first cemetery and formerly known as the General Cemetery , the unique catacombs and the residents resting in this non -denominational cemetery .

Walking History Tour with our expert volunteer guide includes the history the unique catacombs and the residents resting in this non -denominational cemetery .

The final resting place of Joseph Chamberlain , Alfred Bird, Thomas Avery , William Murphy , John Skirrow Wright , Joseph Tangye, Constance Naden , Harriet Martineau , Marie Bethel Beauclerc , , Rev George Dawson , Henry Palethorpe, Joseph Gilliott, Robert Lucas Chance , William Butler , Thomas Walker , Isaac Horton, James Hinks.

Conservation -the single tiered catacombs have recently been restored, along with new railings , footpaths and planting in this non-denominational cemetery .

This cemetery is a haven for wildlife .

MEETING PLACE : Key Hill Cemetery, Icknield Street gate entrance not far from Warstone Lane Cemetery Icknield Street entrance at 2pm

( see separate event for Warstone Lane Cemetery tour at 12 noon )

Tickets via Eventbrite £5.00 includes booking fee . Children under 16 years no charge. All Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times

Guided tours are the second Sunday in the month except for December .

Finding a grave – Should you require to find the location of a family grave, the Friends may be able to assist. Please note this is unlikely to be achieved during a guided tour. With prior notice the Friends can arrange for you to meet a volunteer before the tour begins, please allow plenty of time for this. Alternatively, a date and time can be arranged to suit you and a volunteer. Should you require this voluntary service please email the Friends in advance with the family names and year of death if known. Also state which cemetery if known.

Getting here :

By Train and Tram stops at the Jewellery Quarter Station in Vyse Street .

By Bus -the 101 bus from Colmore Row to Chamberlain Clock walk to Vyse Street , see Sunday service via nxbus.co.uk and plan my journey https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/plan-your-journey.

By Car – Clean Air Zone From 1st June 2021 Birmingham Clean Air Zone WILL YOU NEED TO PAY?

Charges are from midnight to midnight. Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone will start charging on Tuesday, but estimates predict that 75% of cars will be exempt from charges. The zone, covering the centre of town, aims to reduce pollution levels and encourage more people to switch to public transport to visit the city centre. It is different to the London congestion charge which charges all vehicles so it’s important that you know whether it applies to you or not.

Check your vehicle here to see if you would be charged: https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones

Follow the Friends on Eventbrite , Facebook , Twitter and via the Friends website .

Volunteers of the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery maintaining the cemeteries & RAISING FUNDS FOR GRAVE RESTORATION since 2004 .

Guided Tours of the cemeteries in 2019

Walking History Tour with our experienced volunteer guide includes the history of Warstone Lane Cemetery , the unique tiered catacombs and the residents resting in this Church of England Cemetery .

The resting place of John Baskerville , Major Harry Gem ( 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 .

Conservation –the two tiered catacombs have recently been restored, along with , new railings , footpaths and planting in this Church of England Cemetery .

Tour of Warstone Lane Cemetery in Birmingham Jewellery Quarter , Hockley , begin at 12 Noon.

Meeting place : In the cemetery near catacombs . Entrances at Vyse Street/ Pitsford Street / Warstone Lane & Icknield Street .

Getting here :

Train and Tram stops at the Jewellery Quarter Station in Vyse Street .

By Bus -the 101 bus from Colmore Row to Chamberlain Clock walk to Vyse Street , see Sunday service via nxbus.co.uk and plan my journey https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/plan-your-journey

By Car – Clean Air Zone From 1st June 2021 Birmingham Clean Air Zone WILL YOU NEED TO PAY? Charges are from midnight to midnight.

Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone started charging on Tuesday 1st June 2021 but estimates predict that 75% of cars will be exempt from charges. The zone, covering the centre of the city , aims to reduce pollution levels and encourage more people to switch to public transport to visit the city centre. It is different to the London congestion charge which charges all vehicles so it’s important that you know whether it applies to you or not.

Check your vehicle here to see if you would be charged:

https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones

History of Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham’s first cemetery and formerly known as the General Cemetery , the unique catacombs and the residents resting in this non -denominational cemetery .

Walking History Tour with our expert volunteer guide includes the history the unique catacombs and the residents resting in this non -denominational cemetery .

The final resting place of Joseph Chamberlain , Alfred Bird, Thomas Avery , William Murphy , John Skirrow Wright , Joseph Tangye, Constance Naden , Harriet Martineau , Marie Bethel Beauclerc , , Rev George Dawson , Henry Palethorpe, Joseph Gilliott, Robert Lucas Chance , William Butler , Thomas Walker , Isaac Horton, James Hinks.

Conservation -the single tiered catacombs have recently been restored, along with new railings , footpaths and planting in this non-denominational cemetery .

This cemetery is a haven for wildlife .

MEETING PLACE : Key Hill Cemetery, Icknield Street gate entrance not far from Warstone Lane Cemetery Icknield Street entrance at 2pm

( see separate event for Warstone Lane Cemetery tour at 12 noon )

Tickets via Eventbrite £5.00 includes booking fee . Children under 16 years no charge. All Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times

Guided tours are the second Sunday in the month except for December .

Finding a grave – Should you require to find the location of a family grave, the Friends may be able to assist. Please note this is unlikely to be achieved during a guided tour. With prior notice the Friends can arrange for you to meet a volunteer before the tour begins, please allow plenty of time for this. Alternatively, a date and time can be arranged to suit you and a volunteer. Should you require this voluntary service please email the Friends in advance with the family names and year of death if known. Also state which cemetery if known.

Getting here :

By Train and Tram stops at the Jewellery Quarter Station in Vyse Street .

By Bus -the 101 bus from Colmore Row to Chamberlain Clock walk to Vyse Street , see Sunday service via nxbus.co.uk and plan my journey https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/plan-your-journey.

By Car – Clean Air Zone From 1st June 2021 Birmingham Clean Air Zone WILL YOU NEED TO PAY?

Charges are from midnight to midnight. Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone will start charging on Tuesday, but estimates predict that 75% of cars will be exempt from charges. The zone, covering the centre of town, aims to reduce pollution levels and encourage more people to switch to public transport to visit the city centre. It is different to the London congestion charge which charges all vehicles so it’s important that you know whether it applies to you or not.

Check your vehicle here to see if you would be charged: https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones

Follow the Friends on Eventbrite , Facebook , Twitter and via the Friends website .

Volunteers of the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery maintaining the cemeteries & RAISING FUNDS FOR GRAVE RESTORATION since 2004 .

Guided Tours of the cemeteries in 2019