Eccleshall Road Cemetery, Stafford: Open Day and Guided Tours

Opened in February 1856, Eccleshall Road Cemetery is the oldest municipal cemetery in Stafford, covering 4 acres, and until the early 1980s was the final resting place of people from Stafford and surrounding areas before the opening of Tixall Road Cemetery and Crematorium in 1964.

Join the Friends of Stafford Cemeteries for a guided tour of the cemetery to find out about the cemetery's history, view some of the monuments and find out about some of the Staffordians who now rest in the cemetery.

You will have an opportunity to see inside the two Victorian chapels in the cemetery grounds, one Conformist and one non-Conformist, which were closed in the mid-1960s and have rarely been opened to the public since.

You will also be able to see how abandoned areas of the cemetery are now being reclaimed and prepared for new burials.

There will also be traditional and alternative hearses on display with an opportunity to talk to the operators. Local solicitors will be in attendance with advice on wills, probate, etc. Stafford Borough Council's Bereavement Services team will be available to discuss cremations and burials, memorials and funeral arrangements.

Join us for a fun and informative Open Day featuring a guided tour that brings the stories of the cemetery to life. It's a great chance to enjoy a stroll, learn about the local heritage, and meet others interested in history. Perfect for all ages, so bring your friends or family for a memorable outdoor experience.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

Tours start at 10.30am and 12.30pm and last about an hour and a half

Location & directions

Eccleshall Road Cemetery, Stafford, Eccleshall Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 1PD

Directions:

Directions to Eccleshall Road Cemetery FROM M6: Leave the motorway at Junction 14 and come down the A5013 (Eccleshall Road) Follow the road for about a mile past the Creswell, Holmcroft and Tillington estates and the cemetery is on the right just before the roundabout onto the A34. The Open Day is based around the chapels on the 'old' side of the cemetery, so enter through the first or second gate. FROM STAFFORD TOWN CENTRE: Get onto the A34 heading towards Stone. Go up Foregate Street past Greyfriars (with the Waggon and Horses pub on your right). At the roundabout follow the road left past the petrol station on your left and McDonalds on the right. Follow the road up a little way and the cemetery is on your left. The Open Day is based around the chapels on the 'old' side of the cemetery, so enter through the second or third gate.

Contact on day:

Friends of Stafford Cemeteries

Telephone number:

+441785242594

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

This is a walking tour around a Victorian cemetery. Much of the walking is on established paths, but some will be on grassland which may be uneven. Dependent on the weather, the grass may be muddy, so visitors should wear suitable footwear. Visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the weather on the day. Wheelchairs and prams/pushchairs are welcome, but users may be unable to access some parts of the tour. There is no formal car park, but cars may be parked carefully on the roads through the cemetery. Please note that there are no toilets on site. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Additional information

Max number of people:

30

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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