Saturday 4 May - early V.E. Day Events The Friends will be conducting interior catacombs tours of both Warstone Lane cemetery underground catacomb tunnel, plus Key Hill cemetery catacomb chambers both require booking separately.
The catacombs are rarely open to the public, please do not miss out on this opportunity to view these empty catacombs that were used as Air Raid Shelters during the Birmingham Blitz. No coffins or human remains will be seen.
Joining the Friends will be Natural Science Curator Lukas Large WWII Tour exploring the plants & fungi & how they were used during the war.
The Birmingham Air Raids Remembrance Association ( BARRA) will also be joining the Friends. The Friends will have a burial information stall & sales stall ( please arrive with names and dates if possible) On this one day event on Saturday 4 May all tours including tours for Key Hill will leave from the Friends Information gazebo situated in Warstone Lane cemetery.
Guided catacomb tours we ask that you arrive on the hour to check in at the stall, and collect your admittance badge, a steward will walk with each group of 15 attendees to meet your guides. Catacomb Tours will start 15 minutes past the hour, duration of tour is 20 to 40 minutes depending on Q & A that is encouraged We advise that you “ Read about this Event” and the “Frequently Asked Questions ”( under the map) on each booking page before purchasing a ticket. Allow Time: Should you wish to book both catacomb tours, it is essential that you allow time for the duration of the tour, to re-check in at the stall to collect your second admittance badge, and the walk from one cemetery to another. Example if you have booked Warstone Lane tour at 12 noon, it is unlikely that you have time for the Key Hill tour at 1pm. Wise to leave an hour clear between tours. Each time slot on the website Eventbrite shows how many tickets are remaining.
Warstone Lane catacomb tunnel tour
£7.00 plus booking fee
Meet at the Friends gazebo in Warstone Lane cemetery
11am Sold out.
12nn, book here
1pm, book here
2pm, book here
3pm: book here
Key Hill catacombs chambers tour
(Meet at the Friends gazebo in Warstone Lane cemetery)
£7.00 plus booking fee.
11am, Sold out
12nn book here
1pm sold out.
2pm book here
3pm book here
WWII Tour explore the plants & fungi & how they were used during the war 2pm-4pm Sat 4 May
This walking tour will explore the plants and fungi of the Jewellery quarter how they were used in World War II.Join Natural Science curator Lukas Large for a fascinating in-person event as we delve into the history of the Jewellery Quarter during WW2 that had a huge impact on trade.Plants previously imported for food, fibres and medicines were much more difficult to obtain and had to be substituted with local species. This led to a huge increase in foraging for useful wild plants.The aftermath of the war gave a unique opportunity to local botanists to study the plants that sprung up on the bombed sites of the city. Leading to a new appreciation for the flora found in cities. Discover the plants & fungi that played a crucial role during this time.The tour will take place inside Warstone Lane cemetery, Vyse Street, near Pitsford Street meet at the Friends gazebo. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn about the historical significance of these natural elements!This event is part of the Friends WW2 events for Saturday 4 May.
Book here
Birmingham Air Raids Remembrance Association stall in Warstone Lane cemetery 11:00 am - 3:30pm Sat 4 May
This is where you can find out more about the Birmingham Air Raid Remembrance Association (BARRA ) and their work in remembering the impact of air raids in Birmingham and find the name of those civilians whose lost their lives during the Birmingham Blitz.Don't miss this opportunity to honour the past and educate yourself on this significant part of history.
You are welcome to book one free ticket per household/ Family / Friends to visit the BARRA stall or just turn up on the day.
Reserve a place here
Burial Information stall and a sales stall in Warstone Lane cemetery 11.30-2.30pm:
The Friends will be able to assist with a burial index for both Key Hill cemetery from 1836 non-denominational (formally The General cemetery) and Warstone Lane cemetery from 1848 C of E (also known as Brookfields cemetery) and subject to volunteers on the day may be able to show you your ancestors resting place.
It will be helpful if you bring a notebook and names anddatese of birth and death if known. We have books, pens and other items for sale
We look forward to welcoming you.
You are welcome to book one free ticket per household/ Family / Friends to visit the Friends stall or just turn up on the day.
Reserve a place here
