New friends help ‘Tobacco Barons’ graveyard give up its secrets
The newly formed Friends of the Ramshorn Graveyard (FORG) has launched free guided tours of one of Glasgow’s most historic burial sites.
Opened in Ingram Street in 1719, it predates the Necropolis by more than 100 years and is the final resting place of the city’s ‘Tobacco Barons,’ other rich merchants and city fathers.
The tours, on Wednesdays in June, July and August, are an initiative of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council. They recount the Graveyard’s history in the context of the development of Glasgow and include the darker side of its past such as the activities of grave robbers.
FORG Chairman David Hughes (pictured with one of the first groups) commented: “Reaction to the tours has been overwhelming with visitors coming from far and wide, including overseas guests, to discover more about people who made Glasgow one of the leading cities of the world.”
There is a limit of 16 places on the tours which start at 11 am outside the gates of the Ramshorn Church, originally built in 1824, replacing a church that had stood on the site since 1720.
To book email [email protected]. Under 18s must be companied by an adult. Donations are welcome.