Freemen Common Houses, 153 Welford Rd, Leicester LE2 6BF
Welford Road Cemetery
Welford Road Cemetery is a public cemetery in Leicester, England.
Location
About
Welford Road Cemetery in Leicester, England is a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and culture. Located in the heart of Leicester, this cemetery is a final resting place for many prominent figures from Leicester’s past, making it a must-visit attraction for any history buff or cemetery enthusiast.
Established in 1849, Welford Road Cemetery spans over 31 acres and is home to over 65,000 graves, making it one of the largest cemeteries in the city. The cemetery is the final resting place for people from all walks of life, including artists, politicians, and members of the aristocracy.
One of the most notable graves in the cemetery is that of Sir Thomas Cook, founder of the travel company that still bears his name today. His grave is a magnificent example of Victorian-era funerary architecture and is a popular spot for visitors to the cemetery. Another notable figure buried here is Thomas Fielding Johnson, who played a pivotal role in the development of the city’s parks and open spaces.
Aside from its famous inhabitants, the cemetery also boasts an impressive collection of memorials and monuments, each with their own unique story to tell. The cemetery is filled with intricate sculptures, elegant mausoleums, and beautiful headstones that are a testament to the craftsmanship of the artists who created them.
One of the highlights of visiting Welford Road Cemetery is the chance to explore the cemetery’s diverse range of burial sections. Visitors can walk through the Jewish section, where they can find graves dating back to the 1850s, or visit the Nonconformist section, where they can see the graves of Quakers and other dissenters.
As a popular tourist destination, Welford Road Cemetery offers a range of guided tours that are led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. Visitors can choose from a variety of tours, including themed tours that explore the cemetery’s history, architecture, and art.
For those interested in genealogy, the cemetery also offers a genealogy service, which provides visitors with information about their ancestors buried in the cemetery. The service is a valuable resource for anyone interested in tracing their family history or learning more about the lives of the people buried in the cemetery.
Overall, Welford Road Cemetery is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and the art of burial. With its impressive collection of monuments, diverse range of burial sections, and knowledgeable guides, this cemetery is a must-visit attraction for any tourist visiting Leicester. Whether you’re a cemetery enthusiast or just looking for an offbeat destination to explore, Welford Road Cemetery is well worth a visit.
Gallery
Opening Hours
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
|---|---|
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Monday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |