The Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery are, as ever, very pleased and proud to play a small part in the Jesmond Community Festival again this year….. we love contributing to this fantastic showcase of community based activities. The Jesmond Community Forum, in particular our friend Chris Clarke, do an amazing job in pulling all the various strands together in order to organise such a wide and varied programme of events.

Find out more about the Jesmond Community Festival here.

Talking of which, what are we going to contribute? Well…… Jesmond Old Cemetery is, with good reason, often described as the ‘Highgate of the North’….. so why not come along and find out for yourself why we are deemed to be in such esteemed company? This unique John Dobson designed cemetery has an informal ‘garden style’ layout, which is almost hidden from view by the imposing high walls that surround it, where its meandering grassed pathways lead the inquisitive visitor to, and past, the many monuments to the men and women who helped write the story of the North East. Our heritage tours will take you along these pathways, pointing out the funereal architecture and iconography on the way, whilst we visit the graves of Bainbridge, Fenwick and Pumphrey – names that are familiar to most North Easterners, but what about Burrows, Mountain and Walton – Brown? Or Chaplin, Keenleyside or Travers? The Commonwealth War Graves? So many people and all with a story to tell. So, come along on one of our heritage tours, where our friendly and informative guides will ‘walk and talk’ you through the monuments to these individuals, and many more besides, weaving their unique life stories into the culture, heritage and history of the North East. You are welcome to stay and chat over a cup of tea with the Friends afterwards.

Tour details are as follows:

Thursday 9th May 2024 (14:00 to 16:00)

Sunday 19th May 2024 (11:00 to 13:00)

To book a place on a tour, simply email friendsofjoc@gmail.com with details of how many places you would like to reserve and we’ll get back to you.