This is a guided tour around the West Hill Cemetery in Winchester. Led by Dr Christina Welch (University of Winchester) it will provide an overview of the site from its establishment through to more contemporary times. Do wear appropriate footwear.
West Hill cemetery in Winchester was established in 1840 and taken over by the City Council in the 1950s and currently is a green space and a walkway to and from the University. This walking tour will provide some information of the site and highlight some of the people buried in it. It will point out the sites of the two chapels that once existed in the cemetery, and give an indication of where the so-called 'pauper' graves are most likely to be.
Some well-known individuals are buried in the cemetery; the policeman who solved the first ever railway murder, a famous Victorian bare-knuckle boxer, and the composer of the naval hymn 'Eternal Father, Strong to Save', plus there are graves to freemason, and commonwealth war graves. Women and children also were memorials, although as was usual at the time, they are less well-known. I will also point out where I think the guard dog that helped prevent grave-robbery was once tied and provide some information on the sexton who once lived the the cottage on the site.
The walk will use existing pathways but these are not all paved so please do wear appropriate footwear, and also dress for the weather - the long grass may well be wet. If you have mobility issues do consider whether the walk will be possible for you.
Event Times
Friday 6 September: 10:00am and 1:00pm
Saturday 14 September: 11:00am and 2:00pm
Booking Information
Pre-booking: Required. This event is now fully booked, please click the below link if you would like to join the waitlist.
Booking opens: 15 July
Booking closes: 5 September
Address & Directions
Cemetary Cottage, 15 St. James Lane, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 4NX.
We will meet inside the gates of the cemetery on St James' Lane (this is the Cemetery Cottage entrance).
Additional Information
Max 12 people per tour/session. 1 hour 30 minutes.
The site is on a hill and not all the pathways are paved.
Wear suitable clothing and appropriate footwear; the site is not particularly mobility-disabled friendly. The University of Winchester may be open for the purchase of refreshments and the use of toilets.
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Organised by:
Christina Welch
Header image: West Hill Cemetary_credit Christina Welch