As part of Wrexham’s Year of Wonder, the Wrexham History Circle have prepared a whole host of walking tours throughout the year.
These are not just any walking tours, however. These tours will take you through the historical tales that are waiting to be heard in Wrexham cemetery.
Let’s take a look at what there is to discover as you step into the past.
Marvellous medics and brilliant builders
In recognition of International Women’s Day, on Saturday March 7, Marvellous Medical Women will tell all about Wrexham’s super medics of years gone by.
Here, guests will learn about Wrexham’s first female physician, a Wrexham Union Workhouse nurse and an innovator in women’s health care.
Joining the ensemble of medical heroes is a brave World War I nurse, and a heroic Polish physician of World War II. The tour starts at 11 am.
Jumping forward to Saturday, April 4, we can look forward to the Garden Cemetery Movement and the founders and builders of Wrexham cemetery tour.
Visitors can learn about the innovative Gardenesque approach to Victorian cemeteries that influenced the development, design, and construction of the Borough’s ‘New Cemetery’.
Wrexham boasts the best example of this style in all of Wales. Along the way, you can see its distinctive structures and graves of those who made it happen. The journey begins at 11 am.
From the forgotten to the unusual
There are 1,078 forgotten ‘Inmates’ and dedicated staff of Wrexham Union Workhouse. They had a sometimes contentious relationship between the Board of Guardians and Wrexham Town Council.
You can hear all about it on Saturday, May 2, as the Wrexham History Circle visits the unmarked graves of ‘inmates,’ a master and mistress of the workhouse, and of some of the battling civil servants. The sets off at 11 am.
Wrexham cemetery opened in 1876 and in its first year, the site saw many controversial, notable, tragic, and unusual burials.
On Saturday, June 6, come along and hear all about them as the trip into Wrexham’s landmark year begins at 11 am.
Symbols and spooks
Gravestones hold many symbols with their own unique meaning behind them. The Wrexham History Circle are holding an event where primary school-aged children can enjoy a classroom colouring experience.
Here, they can learn about the symbols and their meanings followed by an easy circular path to find them.
The session will take place Saturday, September 5 at 11 am. This is suitable for primary school-aged children who are accompanied by an adult and wheelchair access is available. In case of rain, the event will take place the next day at the same time.
Space is limited so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
For fans of all things spooky, there is the perfect tour for you in store. On the scariest night of the year, Saturday October 31, join the Wrexham History Circle for “Notable and the Notorious: The Virtuous and the Villainous Interred at Wrexham Cemetery”.
Are you brave enough to hear the tales of the beneficent and maleficent at the necropolis? Don’t worry, the tour starts at 11 am for those wary of the dark.
The tour is suitable for teens and adults with wheelchair access. In case of rain, the event will take place the next day at the same time. Spaces are limited so be quick and secure your place.
How to secure your booking
These tours are free to attend but advanced booking is advised as spaces for each tour is liited.
To register, email the team at the Wrexham History Circle with your date of choice and total number of people in your party to wrexhamhistorycircle@yahoo.com.
All tours are suitable for teens to adults and are all wheelchair accessible. In case of rain, the events will take place the next day at the same time.
