Birmingham’s two oldest cemeteries

With Key Hill opening in 1836 and Warstone Lane in 1848, they have provided a final resting place for many notable Birmingham figures.

The landscapes of both cemeteries are listed on the Historic England Register of Parks and Gardens in recognition of their great historic importance.

This project aimed to restore them to their former glory and protect them for future generations.

Alongside the restoration work, there was an extensive programme of events celebrating the heritage, natural environment and community value of the cemeteries.

Explore the Cemeteries on the Interactive Map

Use the interactive map to explore historical locations of The Jewellery Quarter, Warstone Lane Cemetery & Key Hill Cemetery.

The key aims of the project:

  • To change perception of the cemeteries and raise awareness of their historical importance
  • To get more people to visit the cemeteries and become actively engaged with the project
  • To add to the ‘sense of place’ in the JQ, boosting pride and confidence in the area
  • To build strong partnerships with local residents, business and communities
  • To provide new resources for education and life-long learning about nature and heritage.

The cemeteries are managed by Birmingham City Council Bereavement Services.

Visit the council webpages for more information:

Warstone Lane Cemetery

Key Hill Cemetery

If you have any enquiries please call 0121 216 2000 or email bereavement.services@birmingham.gov.uk

Cemeteries

Key Hill Cemetery

Originally known as the Birmingham General Cemetery and opened in 1836, Key Hill was Birmingham’s first garden cemetery. It was founded by a group of non-conformist businessmen to solve the shortage of burial space in the city and allow their Ministers to conduct funerals. The cemetery and was open to all creeds and denominations.

Warstone Lane Cemetery

Founded by the Church of England Cemetery company and consecrated by the Bishop of Worcester in 1848, designed to serve the Anglican community. This was the second garden cemetery in Birmingham, also located in the Jewellery Quarter, inspired by the success of the neighbouring Key Hill cemetery.

Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries Project

Instagram

Free drop in crafts for Easter
This Saturday 8th April from 2pm
Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Make a Pinecone animal or pom pom flower to take home
#easter2023🐣🐇 #jewelleryquarterbirmingham #jewelleryquarter #easterholidays
@jq_bid
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The Snowflake Trail is over now until Christmas 2023.
120 of you took a Snowflake home for your own tree and 40 people left a message for a loved one on our memory tree. Thank you for visiting and making this event so special
#JQChristmas #keyhillcemetery
...

The Snowflake Trail is back for a 3rd year in Key Hill Cemetery and the weather laid on some real snow for us too!

The trail is free and open to everyone from 18th December until 1st January. Wrap up warm and explore, hunting for wooden snowflakes which hang from some of the trees forming a trail around the cemetery. Add the name of your loved one to our memory tree using the stars and snowflakes provided. Choose a decorative snowflake from the trail to take home for your own tree.

Please take care while walking as paths may be slippery in snowy, icy oe wet conditions. Please visit during daylight hours only.

Share your photos of your snowflake on your tree at home and tag us!

Key Hill Cemetery too far to travel? There are also snowflake trails at Lodge Hill Cemetery (18th Dec- 24th Dec), Lodge Hill Cemetery (18th Dec- 24th Dec) and Sutton Coldfield Crematorium (19th Dec - 24th Dec).
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This project is possible because of funding from: