Witton Cemetery, Historic cemetery in Birmingham, England
Witton Cemetery is a large burial ground in Birmingham situated on a slope facing west and south. Red-brick walls enclose the site at multiple entry points, and a gothic Anglican chapel stands within the grounds.
The cemetery opened in 1861 following consecration by the Bishop of Worcester to meet Birmingham's growing burial needs. This new facility addressed a critical shortage in burial capacity during a period of rapid urban growth.
The grounds feature separate sections for Anglican, Jewish, Roman Catholic, and Nonconformist burials, each reflecting the religious communities that shaped Birmingham during the 1800s. Walking through these areas shows how different faiths coexisted in one burial space.
The grounds are open during daytime hours with times varying by season. Plan for walking on level or gently sloped paths and wear sturdy footwear.
The grounds contain an unusual granite lighthouse memorial dedicated to Ernest Beston, adorned with marble seagulls perched on granite boulders. This striking monument stands out as a surprising discovery among the burial markers.
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