New Books:
Dr Claire Stainthorp has a new book about Constance Naden buried in Key Hill Cemetery. Also, a new book about Chance Bros’ – ‘Keepers of the Light Portland Bill & Chance Glass Works’ (buried in JQ Cemeteries), and ‘Highbury – Chamberlain Book’ – The House where the weather was made.
The Friends have a new item of merchandise for sale: Limited edition of Tea towels with printed family history verse that mentions the catacombs. Price £4.99 plus P & P
Lily Evans buried Warstone Lane Cemetery
‘Sudden death of Birmingham’s smallest Midget 1884 buried Warstone Lane Cemetery.
Lily Evans alias the ‘Lilliputian wonder’ and the smallest Midget in the world, died suddenly in Birmingham on Tuesday 19 August 1884, the death being attributed to the excessive fatigue of its numerous performances extending it over 15 hours a day.
The child who is 2 months old was only 9 inches in length and weighed but 10 ounces the body being quite perfect.
The parents who had previously had several healthy children ‘let’ the ‘Lilliputian’ for 30 shillings a week to a showman of monstrosities, who exhibited the child on the corner of Albert St, Dale End, Birmingham’.
Lily Evans is buried in Warstone Lane cemetery in a public grave with a total of 175 internments.
This story was compiled and researched by Jacqui Fielding for the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery. To read the whole fascinating story contact Jacqui Fielding.
Guided Tours for 2020 – second Sunday of the month
Come and walk off the winter blues with our first guided tour of the year 2020:
Jan 12 – Feb 9 – March 8 – April 12 – May 10 – June 14 – July 12 – Aug 9 – Sept 13 – Oct 11 – Nov 8.
Warstone Lane Cemetery guided tours; Meet at Pitsford Street entrance. (Parking available at Vyse Street Car park) Time: 12 o’clock. Key Hill Cemetery guided tours ; Meet at island in the cemetery (Parking available via Key Hill Drive) Time: 2.00 pm.
Train and Tram stop at the Jewellery Quarter station.
The Official Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery
Raising Funds for Restorations of gravestones.
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