Keyhill/Warstone Lane

[terryb18]

I came across this site a few days ago whilst browsing around, its a discussion board about 12 months old and it seems like there are others with "interests" with the cemetries. I don't really know what to think of it to be honest. There are some good pictures though, apart from a few I did'nt really like.

Terry

 

[Wendy]

Terry some of the people on these sites are a bit macabre not my cup of tea. I am mainly interested in the history of these places. Not looking for skeletons I find it rather disrespectful to the dead. There is a hole in one of the Catacombs in Warstone Lane but I think this was done to look at the state they were in. The catacombs will not be opened in the near future because of health and safety and also security. I have no problem with people taking pictures of the cemetery and memorials but nothing more I hope. As you say there are some nice photo's though.

 

[johndavies]

That link was tame for these sort of groups. I know their members are not beyond gaining entry to such things as catacombs. Just type crypt of barons in google!
The catacombs in Warstone Lane are fully brick lined, the more adventurous of us did have a cautious amble down the main entrance corridor before it was sealed. Key Hill catacombs are less stable being only partially bricked with sandstone pillars which are liable to erosion. In the 80s I was lucky enough to be given a guided tour of the Key Hill catacombs by the then resident gardener and we had to tread very carefully. I believe there would be no justification for opening these catacombs for public interest, the dead should be allowed to rest undisturbed. From an archeological perspective excavation would be of no benefit as historians have a very complete understanding of Victorian Mortuary practices.

 

[Wendy]

Very well put John.

 

[pollypops]

I would like this link to be removed from this site - I think there are better ways to view photos of Key Hill/ Warstone Lane and as I have family buried at Key Hill I find this link offensive. I realise that this is only my opinion but it is how I feel.
Polly

 

[maggieuk]

Terry some of the people on these sites are a bit macabre not my cup of tea. I am mainly interested in the history of these places. Not looking for skeletons I find it rather disrespectful to the dead. There is a hole in one of the Catacombs in Warstone Lane but I think this was done to look at the state they were in. The catacombs will not be opened in the near future because of health and safety and also security. I have no problem with people taking pictures of the cemetery and memorials but nothing more I hope. As you say there are some nice photo's though.

...
I have to say I agree with you 100% Wendy..Thanks Terry for posting this link because as Wendy said there are some really nice photos..such a shame there are some idiots who are not interested in the history but just out to shock people...Polly I can see why you find this offensive

 

[terryb18]

I have now deleted this link, I apoligise if anyone is/was offended, that was not my intention. I did hesitate before I made that post to be honest but as another poster pointed out, it was quite tame compared with some sites. Believe me,I have the utmost respect for our cemetries and I personally find it distasteful when the authorities let them get into the state that they were. It's because of people like Wendy and her helpers that we can now start to appreciate what Keyhill was once like. I have been to two of the open days and I was most impressed with the amount of work that has been put in, voluntarily I might add. Well done.

Terry

 

[pollypops]

Thank you for removing the link - I feel much happier that people searching for information on Key Hill will not find that link on our lovely, friendly Birmingham History Forum. It is a shame the horrible photos spoilt the good ones.
Polly