West Hill Cemetery, Winchester; walking tour

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 on 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 freemasons, and Commonwealth War graves. Women and children also were memorialised, although as was usual the time, they are less well-known but there is a very moving memorial to a mother and her children that I will point out. I will also indicate where I think the guard dog that helped prevent grave-robbery was once tied-up 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 this event will be suitable for you.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 20 September:

1100

Sunday 21 September:

1400

Location & directions

West Hill Lodge, St. James Lane, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 4NY

Directions:

We will meet inside the gates of the cemetery on St James' Lane (this is the Cemetery Cottage entrance).

Contact on day:

Christina Welch

Telephone number:

+447725266888

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Booking through Hampshire Heritage Trust only Please ensure you are aware that the site is uneven with only part of the walk is on tarmac paths, and that this event is potentially problematic for anyone with mobility issues. Appropriate footwear is required, and dress for the weather - if it rains, there is no shelter

Booking contact name:

Hampshire History Trust

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hampshire-history-trust

Booking opens:

08 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

10 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

The site is on a hill and not all the pathways are paved

Additional information

Wear suitable clothing and appropriate footwear; the site is not particularly mobility-disabled friendly. The University of Winchester should be open for the purchase of refreshments and for the use of toilets, but be aware that students may be moving into their residences this weekend

Max no of people per tour:

12

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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