Glasgow Southern Necropolis History Tour

Your guide for the tour of the Southern Necropolis has an over 35 years passion for the history and heritage of the cemetery, and he is also known as The Happy Reaper, winning the Doors Open Festival Audience Award for 2023. Throughout the tour you will have opportunities to view various historical documents and images relating to the cemetery and those buried within. The tour is delivered in such a way, as to respect the Southern Necropolis as a burial ground, but also as a celebration of life with the many stories from the many individuals, being like a window on time to the rich historical legacy of Glasgow and beyond. The cemetery has also recently been the recipient of a Keep Scotland Beautiful : Community Green Flag award.

Meeting Point

Southern Necropolis Gate Lodge

Southern Necropolis Gate Lodge, Caledonia Rd, Glasgow G5 0JQ, UK

Go to Caledonia Road opposite the corner of Cumberland Street and meet at the gatehouse entrance.

What to expect:

Duration: between 1 hour and 2 hours

Southern Necropolis

Caledonia Road, Glasgow, G5 0TB

Opened in 1840 the Southern Necropolis is the final resting place of approximately 250,000 contributors to the rich historical legacy of the Gorbals and Glasgow (and beyond). The tour will include stopping at various character graves throughout the three sections of the cemetery and include looking at different documents and photos relating to the history and characters of the Southern Necropolis. We will also stop at various graves including the following : Legendary White Lady monument, where you can walk around her three times, or she may turn you to stone. Introduction to the unique monument of architect Alexander Greek Thomson, grave of Sir Thomas Lipton and details about the Gorbals Vampire incident from 1954. Refreshments will be provided after the tour.

2 hours