Friends Events for August 2025

We advise that you view “About this Event” and the “Frequently Asked Questions” on each booking page before reserving/ purchasing tickets. Saturday 9 Aug,

Litter Pick Time: 10.30am-12.30pm

Meeting Point: The Big Peg, Golden Square, Vyse Street, B18 here 

Pre-booking essential here

Friends volunteers litter pick

Sunday 10 August Birmingham Tour, Warstone Lane Cemetery Time: Start: 11.50 am for 12noon - End: 1.45pm Meeting Point: Inside Warstone Lane Cemetery here  Pre-booking essential here

On Sunday, 10 August 2025, we will gather inside the cemetery at 11:50 AM 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. Highlights of the Tour

· Discover the Final Resting Place of John Baskerville: Delve into the legacy of a significant figure in the printing world, whose innovations left a lasting impact on typography.

· Learn About Major Harry Gem: Gain insights into the life of the co-founder of Lawn Tennis, an influential figure in the history of sports.

· View the War Stone: Witness a boulder from the Ice Age, a remarkable natural landmark within the cemetery.

· View the exterior Semi-Circular Tiered Catacombs: Marvel at the architectural design of these unique structures in this Church of England cemetery, along with the accompanying lodge.

· Explore the Rich History and Architecture: Traverse the cemetery and admire its historical and architectural significance, 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. Notable Figures Buried Here

· George William Manley: A distinguished gentleman from the Ancient Order of the Druids, whose life and contributions are commemorated here.

· James Cooper: A recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration, honoured for his valour.

· Edward Warrulan: The son of an Aboriginal Chief, whose resting place highlights a unique cultural heritage.

· William Edward Hipkins: The Managing Director of Avery's Scale Makers, whose life tragically ended aboard the Titanic.

· Jacob Wilson: Known as Birmingham's last Town Crier, a role steeped in historical tradition.

· John Postgate: A dedicated food safety campaigner whose efforts brought significant reforms.

· John Inshaw: Celebrated for his innovation with the Steam Carriage, marking advancements in automotive history.

· John Baskerville: Delve into the legacy of a significant figure in the printing world, whose innovations left a lasting impact on typography.

· Major Harry Gem: Gain insights into the life of the co-founder of Lawn Tennis, an influential figure in the history of sports. Your Tour Guide looks forward to welcoming you.

Tourists about to view the Ice Age Boulder, near the Cemetery Lodge in Warstone Lane cemetery. Image: © M.Felkin for Friends of Key Hill cemetery & Warstone Lane cemetery

Sunday 10 August

Guided Tour: Walking in Tolkien's Footsteps: A Journey through Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham. Time: Start: 1.55pm End: 3.45pm

Cemetery Location: Icknield Street, almost facing Park Road South.  

Meeting Point: Inside Key Hill cemetery by the small island & benches here  Pre-booking essential here 

Key Hill Cemetery, known as the hidden gem.

Key Hill Cemetery, nestled in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, offers visitors a unique blend of history, artistry, and literary connection. As Birmingham’s oldest cemetery, it serves as a resting place for many notable figures who shaped the city’s legacy. Walking through its winding paths, one can trace the footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien, who visited the resting place of his family. Tolkien's childhood experiences in Birmingham left an indelible mark on his creative imagination. This serene space is not only a historical treasure but also a portal to understanding the lives of those who contributed to the cultural, industrial, and literary fabric of Birmingham.

Footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien For fans of Tolkien, Key Hill Cemetery offers a unique connection to the author’s early life. Tolkien spent part of his childhood in Birmingham, and his experiences in this industrial city heavily influenced his literary works. The sombre and evocative atmosphere of Key Hill may have contributed to Tolkien’s creation of graveyards and landscapes in Middle-earth. Tolkien mentions burial sites and funeral practices in his works, though not always under the modern term "cemetery." He describes funeral customs for various races, including hobbits, men, and dwarves, often featuring graves, burial mounds, and even mass pyres. For example, in "The Scouring of the Shire," the fallen ruffians are buried in a sand pit, while the dead hobbits are laid in a grave on a hillside with a stone. In nearby Edgbaston, Tolkien lived and attended school, and the urban contrasts he witnessed shaped his imagination. It is widely believed that Birmingham landmarks, including cemeteries like Key Hill, inspired settings and moods in Tolkien’s works, such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Walking through Key Hill Cemetery, one may feel echoes of Tolkien’s narratives in the interplay of nature and stone, life and memory.

Highlights of the Tour

. Discover the resting place of Tolkien's family. 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·

Key Hill Cemetery is a veritable who’s who of Birmingham’s industrial and cultural pioneers. Among the notable individuals laid to rest here are:

Notable Figures Buried Here include

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, The Martineau family. The Middlemore Family. * A connection to the Author Washington Irving

Come and join us for this fascinating journey through Key Hill Cemetery, where J.R.R. Tolkien found inspiration for his legendary tales. Discover the hidden stories behind the gravestones and immerse yourself in the world that influenced one of the greatest fantasy writers of all time. Don't miss this unique opportunity to walk in Tolkien's footsteps and uncover the stories that lie within this historic cemetery. Your Tour Guide looks forward to welcoming you.

Tourists are about to embark on their guided tour of Key Hill Cemetery.