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The Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian cemetery in Glasgow, Scotland. It is on a low but very prominent hill to the east of Glasgow Cathedral (St. Mungo's Cathedral). Fifty thousand individuals have been buried here. Typical for the period, only a small percentage are named on monuments and not every grave has a stone. Approximately 3,500 monuments exist here.
Following the creation of Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris a wave of pressure began for cemeteries in Britain. This required a change in the law to allow burial for profit. Previously the parish church held responsibility for burying the dead but there was a growing need for an alternative. Glasgow was one of the first to join this campaign, having a growing population, with fewer and fewer attending church. Led by Lord Provost James Ewing of Strathleven, the planning of the cemetery was started by the Merchants' House of Glasgow in 1831, in anticipation of a change in the law. The Cemeteries Act was passed in 1832 and Glasgow Necropolis officially opened in April 1833. Just before this, in September 1832, a Jewish burial ground had been established in the north-west section of the land. This small area was declared "full" in 1851.
The Necropolis was my go-to when I needed to clear my head, some quiet time for thinking or just a quick morning run from my desk while I was doing my postgraduate at the University of Strathclyde. And my friend, Jane used to walk her dog here. Some of those tombstones were magnificent and most intriguing. They looked like a scene from Dracula or Michael Jackson's Thriller!! (See photos). I normally find cemeteries creepy but it felt different walking up here. It's just quiet and peaceful. I loved the morning air, cool and crisp during winter. The photos I'm posting here were taken one winter morning in January just before sunrise and the skies were most colourful - no filters!!
Nur Anisah AbdullahFeb 12, 2018
good place to spent time with family and kids. relaxing atmosphere good to go there at least once in a week.
Kevin CarrollMar 3, 2018
Stunningly beautiful with fascinating history. But I do wish there was more information. Maybe an audio tour or something would be nice.
Alicia DanielJan 7, 2018
Some good gravestones to look at and take pictures. well looked after and good overview of the cathedrall
PAUL MARTINFeb 5, 2018
A superb place to visit filled with history and historical characters. Here you will find massive Mausolea, stunning views and the graves of many famous Glasgow Reformers and Business people. Shown is the monument to great Scottish reformer John Knox
Stephen BrownNov 11, 2017
I usually do not like graveyards or cemeteries or things to do with dead people in general, but this place is a must visit when in Glasgow! Who knew a ginormous gravesite could be such an incredible destination and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! First off, you will definitely get your steps in and decent cardio when exploring this place. It is gated, but you won't get locked in as you can cross the "Bridge of Sighs" over to the cathedral. Second, this place is not only interesting and historic to explore, but absolutely beautiful, from the ornate mausoleums to the beautiful pano views of the city. There are also several gorgeous headstones, monuments, and celtic crosses throughout the grounds. It was fun to read a lot of the epitaphs on the headstones/tombs and it honestly did not feel weird, creepy, or remotely scary or spooky at all; even when roaming around at dusk and into the evening. Passing by at night was actually kind of neat, too, as it was backlit in a very nice way. My fav find was a random tomb that said it had been erected by friends of the dead guy and had a quote that read: "You always spoke of my drinking, but never knew the source of the my thirst...". Loved it!
Leila RahilMar 29, 2018
The most beautiful cemetery with a great view of Glasgow and nearby St. Mungo church. The cemetery itself is very hilly, so of you have trouble walking it will be difficult. If you are in Glasgow it is worth trip, and stop in St. Mungo's to see the beautiful interior. There is a small museum as well, and it has nice, clean bathrooms. At the time of this post, there is no fee required, rather a suggested donation.
Corey PoppApr 29, 2018
I know it's weird to love a graveyard, but that's who I am as a person. This was one of the best I've ever been to. Stunning views and beautifully laid out.
Sam LawesJun 3, 2018
Good place for a walk and to see a bit over the city itself. Sadly there is no entry at the Firpark St.
Chrischy SchindlerMay 16, 2018
Great view on the city and cathedral. Interesting and beautiful
Anastasia TretjakovaJun 3, 2018
We just had one free day to explore in Glasgow and going by the reviews, we chose to go to Necropolis. Thanks a lot, guys! 👏 It's the most beautiful and captivating cemetery we've ever seen! Hauntingly photogenic. The stories of the people buried there, are even more beautiful. :) Might sound weird, but we took a lot of photos because.. THE VIEW! We kept walking, slowly climbing, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and never got bored. :)
Sameera BulusuJun 26, 2018
Unless you're Buffy the Vampire Slayer you probably won't find graveyards very interesting, but in the case of this one you would be wrong, it's full of interesting and spectacular statues , mausoleums and graves,. The site is quite large and fairly hilly so apart from anything else it's a good hike. There's splendid views of Glasgow from the upper levels especially of the Cathedral but you'll probably not notice as you'll be engrossed in the Gothic architecture and magnificence of the place
Alan WallaceJun 29, 2018
Came here with my girlfriend to kill some time "pardon the pun". Quite hilly and even though I'm not into grave yards it's peaceful and worth a stroll on a nice day. The further up the hill you go the bigger the monuments.
Steve WrightJul 13, 2018
Eerily beautiful. Its very nice to walk around here. If you walk to the top of the hill you will get a great view across the city and the cathedral.
Lea TJul 23, 2018
Amazing. Absolutely breathtaking views while surrounded by so much history. Definitely a must see when visiting.
JamieAug 11, 2018
The Necropolis was my go-to when I needed to clear my head, some quiet time for thinking or just a quick morning run from my desk while I was doing my postgraduate at the University of Strathclyde. And my friend, Jane used to walk her dog here. Some of those tombstones were magnificent and most intriguing. They looked like a scene from Dracula or Michael Jackson's Thriller!! (See photos). I normally find cemeteries creepy but it felt different walking up here. It's just quiet and peaceful. I loved the morning air, cool and crisp during winter. The photos I'm posting here were taken one winter morning in January just before sunrise and the skies were most colourful - no filters!!
Nur Anisah AbdullahFeb 12, 2018
good place to spent time with family and kids. relaxing atmosphere good to go there at least once in a week.
Kevin CarrollMar 3, 2018
Stunningly beautiful with fascinating history. But I do wish there was more information. Maybe an audio tour or something would be nice.
Alicia DanielJan 7, 2018
Some good gravestones to look at and take pictures. well looked after and good overview of the cathedrall
PAUL MARTINFeb 5, 2018
A superb place to visit filled with history and historical characters. Here you will find massive Mausolea, stunning views and the graves of many famous Glasgow Reformers and Business people. Shown is the monument to great Scottish reformer John Knox
Stephen BrownNov 11, 2017
I usually do not like graveyards or cemeteries or things to do with dead people in general, but this place is a must visit when in Glasgow! Who knew a ginormous gravesite could be such an incredible destination and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! First off, you will definitely get your steps in and decent cardio when exploring this place. It is gated, but you won't get locked in as you can cross the "Bridge of Sighs" over to the cathedral. Second, this place is not only interesting and historic to explore, but absolutely beautiful, from the ornate mausoleums to the beautiful pano views of the city. There are also several gorgeous headstones, monuments, and celtic crosses throughout the grounds. It was fun to read a lot of the epitaphs on the headstones/tombs and it honestly did not feel weird, creepy, or remotely scary or spooky at all; even when roaming around at dusk and into the evening. Passing by at night was actually kind of neat, too, as it was backlit in a very nice way. My fav find was a random tomb that said it had been erected by friends of the dead guy and had a quote that read: "You always spoke of my drinking, but never knew the source of the my thirst...". Loved it!
Leila RahilMar 29, 2018
The most beautiful cemetery with a great view of Glasgow and nearby St. Mungo church. The cemetery itself is very hilly, so of you have trouble walking it will be difficult. If you are in Glasgow it is worth trip, and stop in St. Mungo's to see the beautiful interior. There is a small museum as well, and it has nice, clean bathrooms. At the time of this post, there is no fee required, rather a suggested donation.
Corey PoppApr 29, 2018
I know it's weird to love a graveyard, but that's who I am as a person. This was one of the best I've ever been to. Stunning views and beautifully laid out.
Sam LawesJun 3, 2018
Good place for a walk and to see a bit over the city itself. Sadly there is no entry at the Firpark St.
Chrischy SchindlerMay 16, 2018
Great view on the city and cathedral. Interesting and beautiful
Anastasia TretjakovaJun 3, 2018
We just had one free day to explore in Glasgow and going by the reviews, we chose to go to Necropolis. Thanks a lot, guys! 👏 It's the most beautiful and captivating cemetery we've ever seen! Hauntingly photogenic. The stories of the people buried there, are even more beautiful. :) Might sound weird, but we took a lot of photos because.. THE VIEW! We kept walking, slowly climbing, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and never got bored. :)
Sameera BulusuJun 26, 2018
Unless you're Buffy the Vampire Slayer you probably won't find graveyards very interesting, but in the case of this one you would be wrong, it's full of interesting and spectacular statues , mausoleums and graves,. The site is quite large and fairly hilly so apart from anything else it's a good hike. There's splendid views of Glasgow from the upper levels especially of the Cathedral but you'll probably not notice as you'll be engrossed in the Gothic architecture and magnificence of the place
Alan WallaceJun 29, 2018
Came here with my girlfriend to kill some time "pardon the pun". Quite hilly and even though I'm not into grave yards it's peaceful and worth a stroll on a nice day. The further up the hill you go the bigger the monuments.
Steve WrightJul 13, 2018
Eerily beautiful. Its very nice to walk around here. If you walk to the top of the hill you will get a great view across the city and the cathedral.
Lea TJul 23, 2018
Amazing. Absolutely breathtaking views while surrounded by so much history. Definitely a must see when visiting.
JamieAug 11, 2018
The Necropolis was my go-to when I needed to clear my head, some quiet time for thinking or just a quick morning run from my desk while I was doing my postgraduate at the University of Strathclyde. And my friend, Jane used to walk her dog here. Some of those tombstones were magnificent and most intriguing. They looked like a scene from Dracula or Michael Jackson's Thriller!! (See photos). I normally find cemeteries creepy but it felt different walking up here. It's just quiet and peaceful. I loved the morning air, cool and crisp during winter. The photos I'm posting here were taken one winter morning in January just before sunrise and the skies were most colourful - no filters!!
Nur Anisah AbdullahFeb 12, 2018
good place to spent time with family and kids. relaxing atmosphere good to go there at least once in a week.
Kevin CarrollMar 3, 2018
Stunningly beautiful with fascinating history. But I do wish there was more information. Maybe an audio tour or something would be nice.
Alicia DanielJan 7, 2018
Some good gravestones to look at and take pictures. well looked after and good overview of the cathedrall
PAUL MARTINFeb 5, 2018
A superb place to visit filled with history and historical characters. Here you will find massive Mausolea, stunning views and the graves of many famous Glasgow Reformers and Business people. Shown is the monument to great Scottish reformer John Knox
Stephen BrownNov 11, 2017
I usually do not like graveyards or cemeteries or things to do with dead people in general, but this place is a must visit when in Glasgow! Who knew a ginormous gravesite could be such an incredible destination and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! First off, you will definitely get your steps in and decent cardio when exploring this place. It is gated, but you won't get locked in as you can cross the "Bridge of Sighs" over to the cathedral. Second, this place is not only interesting and historic to explore, but absolutely beautiful, from the ornate mausoleums to the beautiful pano views of the city. There are also several gorgeous headstones, monuments, and celtic crosses throughout the grounds. It was fun to read a lot of the epitaphs on the headstones/tombs and it honestly did not feel weird, creepy, or remotely scary or spooky at all; even when roaming around at dusk and into the evening. Passing by at night was actually kind of neat, too, as it was backlit in a very nice way. My fav find was a random tomb that said it had been erected by friends of the dead guy and had a quote that read: "You always spoke of my drinking, but never knew the source of the my thirst...". Loved it!
Leila RahilMar 29, 2018
The most beautiful cemetery with a great view of Glasgow and nearby St. Mungo church. The cemetery itself is very hilly, so of you have trouble walking it will be difficult. If you are in Glasgow it is worth trip, and stop in St. Mungo's to see the beautiful interior. There is a small museum as well, and it has nice, clean bathrooms. At the time of this post, there is no fee required, rather a suggested donation.
Corey PoppApr 29, 2018
I know it's weird to love a graveyard, but that's who I am as a person. This was one of the best I've ever been to. Stunning views and beautifully laid out.
Sam LawesJun 3, 2018
Good place for a walk and to see a bit over the city itself. Sadly there is no entry at the Firpark St.
Chrischy SchindlerMay 16, 2018
Great view on the city and cathedral. Interesting and beautiful
Anastasia TretjakovaJun 3, 2018
We just had one free day to explore in Glasgow and going by the reviews, we chose to go to Necropolis. Thanks a lot, guys! 👏 It's the most beautiful and captivating cemetery we've ever seen! Hauntingly photogenic. The stories of the people buried there, are even more beautiful. :) Might sound weird, but we took a lot of photos because.. THE VIEW! We kept walking, slowly climbing, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and never got bored. :)
Sameera BulusuJun 26, 2018
Unless you're Buffy the Vampire Slayer you probably won't find graveyards very interesting, but in the case of this one you would be wrong, it's full of interesting and spectacular statues , mausoleums and graves,. The site is quite large and fairly hilly so apart from anything else it's a good hike. There's splendid views of Glasgow from the upper levels especially of the Cathedral but you'll probably not notice as you'll be engrossed in the Gothic architecture and magnificence of the place
Alan WallaceJun 29, 2018
Came here with my girlfriend to kill some time "pardon the pun". Quite hilly and even though I'm not into grave yards it's peaceful and worth a stroll on a nice day. The further up the hill you go the bigger the monuments.
Steve WrightJul 13, 2018
Eerily beautiful. Its very nice to walk around here. If you walk to the top of the hill you will get a great view across the city and the cathedral.
Lea TJul 23, 2018
Amazing. Absolutely breathtaking views while surrounded by so much history. Definitely a must see when visiting.
JamieAug 11, 2018
| Monday | 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.