2 hours
E-voucher
English
Overview
Opened in 1850, Overleigh Cemetery hosts many fascinating graves and monuments that reflect Chester's rich and diverse history. Every gravestone conceals a life story waiting to be told, and every grave has a hidden history. Led by a qualified and insured Green Badge guide, tours will include visits to around 25 of the most notable graves.
Designed by a famous local architect, T.M. Penson, the cemetery was laid out "with admirable taste" and included two lodges, two chapels, and an ornamental lake with three islands. Humble graves were unmarked or had a simple wooden cross, while the better-off had grander memorials.
You'll discover the extraordinary stories of some of those laid to rest here, including Mary Jonas, who had 33 children, including 15 sets of identical twins; Edward Langry, the husband of Edward VII's mistress, who went crazy and died in the local lunatic asylum; and William Bidulph Cross, who made his own illuminated coffin from wooden matchboxes.
Operated by
Paul's Chester Tours
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
4.79
/ 5
19 traveller ratings
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Captivating
Seaside37689024465, Aug 2025
The tour guide is very informative and approachable. The cemetery is a beautiful place with captivating stories of the people who resided in Chester.
Brilliant!
emilyrN3484VZ, Jul 2025
Reviewing for the Welcome to Chester tour! It was great. Just five of us, Paul was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and I feel like I know Chester so much better now and can see all the hidden history. Also, I had a job interview and he told me to rub the baby elephant’s ear for good luck, which I did, and I just got word I got the job! I’m inclined to give Paul the credit. You will not regret taking this tour!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
I'm so happy for you getting the job and glad you enjoyed the tour!
Potted Chester
Stuart T, Jul 2025
We went on the ‘Welcome to Chester Tour’ with Paul which started at the Information Centre. He kept our interest with his fact filled stories. The time flew by, a very knowledgeable and interesting man.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for this lovely review.
Guided tour of Overleigh Cemetery
elainemX3131GX, Jul 2025
Paul is an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and well prepared. He was also able to forward contacts to enable me to explore my own family history further. I highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
It was a great pleasure to tell you some of the amazing stories behind the stones and memorials and to help you locate the graves of some or your relations who were laid to rest here
Itinerary
The guide will give a brief description of the background and history of the cemetery, which replaced the cemeteries in the 8 parish churches within Chester city walls which were full by the mid 19th century.
Stops may include the graves of famous Victorian personalities such as local architects, John Douglas and T M Lockwood, the archaeologist Professor Newstead, who excavated many sites in Chester, Dr Arthur Randall Jackson, who discovered 47 new species of spider, and the Browns William and Charles, who founded Browns Department store and saved Bishop Lloyd's palace from destruction. Others were victims of tragic accidents, such as two Hoole children who drowned after falling through the ice on a frozen pond, Marjorie Tucker an RAF driver in the 1st World War who was killed by a passing train a few weeks before the war ended, and Marie Verbinnen, a Belgian refugee who died of a heart attack just three weeks after the war's end. Thomas Hughes drowned when the Lusitania sank.
2 hours
Experience
Inclusions
- Qualified and insured Green Badge guide (2022)
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.