Key Hill Cemetery (sometimes known as Hockley Cemetery) was opened as the Birmingham General Cemetery in 1836. It was the 1st garden cemetery in Birmingham and was founded by a group of non-conformist Christians, to provide a burial place which was open to all creeds and denominations. The cemetery was designed to look like a romantic garden with catacombs, winding pathways and beautiful trees. The cemetery is the final resting place of many important Birmingham figures including Joseph Chamberlain, Alfred Bird and Constance Naden.

Key Hill is now managed by Birmingham City Council’s bereavement services and was closed for new burials in 1984. Please note that there isn’t a staffed office at Key Hill cemetery, and enquiries about grave own should be directed to the team at Handsworth Cemeteries.

Key Hill Cemetery is currently undergoing restoration work as part of the Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries Project, a 2 year initiative funded in partnership between National Lottery Heritage Fund, Birmingham City Council and Jewellery Quarter Development Trust. The aim of the project is to restore them to the cemeteries to their former glory and protect them for future generations.

Alongside the restoration work, there will also be an extensive programme of events celebrating the heritage, natural environment and community value of the cemeteries.