Key Hill Cemetery Tour, Birmingham Heritage Week

Date: 14 Sept 2025

Location: Icknield Street, almost facing Park Road South, near Key Hill Circus

A Journey Through Time in Birmingham’s Historic Cemetery

Join us for an enlightening walking history tour during Birmingham Heritage Week at Key Hill Cemetery . Located at Icknield Street, almost facing Park Road South, this in-person event offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into the rich history of Birmingham’s first cemetery ( not being a church yard)

Time: 1.50pm for 2pm

Meeting Point: Inside Key Hill cemetery by the small island.

Location: here

The Event

On Sunday 14 Sept 2025, we will gather inside the cemetery at the small island at 1.50pm 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 in this non-denominational cemetery

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, view Mount Misery, and uncover some of the stories of Birmingham’s notable individuals and those who made significant yet lesser-known contributions to society,

Highlights of the Tour

* Discover the resting place of Joseph Chamberlain, a modest stone for an unpretentious man.

· View Mount Misery and learn why it exists.

· View the exterior Catacombs: Marvel at the architectural design of these unique structures in this non-denominational cemetery.

· Explore the Rich History: 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.

· The impact of the Birmingham Blitz

Some Notable Figures Buried Here

* Joseph Chamberlain 3 times mayor,
*Alfred Bird – chemist & inventor of eggless custard ,
*Thomas Avery founder of Avery weighing machines,
*Charles Edge
*Marie Bethell Beauclerc-First Female Reporter ,shorthand
*Constance Naden- Poet & Philospher
* Harriet Martineau
*William Murphy- Murphy Riots,
*Rev George Dawson,
*John Skirrow Wright ,
*Joseph Tangye inventor
*Henry Palethorpe – Sausages & pork pies,
*Joseph Gillott Pens ( Birmingham taught the world to write with is vast pen production) , *Robert Lucas Chance Glass- Crystal Palace , William Butler -M & B Brewery,
*Thomas Walker
* Isaac Horton,
*James Hinks.
*John Henderson, who built London’s Crystal Palace and the roof of the old New Street Station.
*Alan Andrew Lamb Hickman (the railway man)
* Frederick Wakeling, Suffragette Supporter
*Tolkien family ( JRR Tolkien used to visit Key Hill cemetery ) .
*The Martineau family.
*The Middlemore Family.
* A connection to the Author Washington Irving

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. Join us for Birmingham Heritage Week 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.

Guided Tours of neighbouring Warstone Lane cemetery are on Eventbrite or the Friends website – Events ( top of the page)

Tourists are taking part in a walking history tour of Key Hill cemetery.

Please view the Frequently Asked Questions at the foot of this page before purchasing tickets.

Key Hill cemetery is not far from Key Hill circus.
Meeting point in red.

Please view the Frequently Asked Questions at the foot of this page before purchasing tickets.