Birmingham’s two oldest cemeteries

They are 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 aims to restore them to their former glory and protect them for future generations.

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

The key aims of the project are:

  • 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.

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 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. The second garden cemetery in Birmingham was also in the Jewellery Quarter, probably inspired by the success of the neighbouring Key Hill cemetery.

Explore more about the project

Restoration project

The restoration work began in July 2019 and is due to be completed during Summer 2020.

Phase 1 – July 2019 to January 2020: Boundary walls, railings and catacombs

Phase 2 – January 2020 to Summer 2020: Landscaping, drainage and pathways

Volunteering

Our amazing Jewellery Quarter Heritage Squad volunteers support the project in loads of different ways, and we couldn’t do this without them! Get involved with Outdoor Conservation, Events, Research, Blogging, Social Media, Promotions and more.

Funders & Partners

This project wouldn’t be possible without our amazing funders and partnerships with other local organisations.

Places We Love

Love the cemeteries as much as we do?
Check out these other Jewellery Quarter attractions and sites of interest. You can spend a whole day exploring the area.

museum-of-the-jewellery-quarter

Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries Project

Instagram

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).
...

This project is possible because of funding from: