St. James’s Cemetery

One for sorrow, two for joy …
Whatever the number, you will always find mocking birds here. I love mocking birds, and for some reason they seem to love cemeteries, and thus I have started associating them with the feeling of melancholy.
This cemetery is beautiful. It’s one of those Gothic wonderlands of lovely, grey stones and weeping trees. In blazing July or dull November, this place is such a lovely, secluded, peaceful spot.
Yes, you are surrounded by dead people … But why think morbidly? Why not think of all the wonderful and interesting things this people must have done in their lifetimes?

I don’t think pleasant is probably the best word to describe a cemetry but St. James’s Cemetry is an exception because it certainly feels this way.
The cemetry is based adjacent to the gargantuan Anglican Cathedral, which makes it appear so miniscule. However, it is not to be judged by its size, as this place makes a glorious stroll through an eerie and creepy section that is steeped in history.
Whilst this destination isn’t the most obvious place for tourists or locals to wander, it’s sure to surprise many who visit this fascinating burial ground.

Being below ground level in what was once a quarry whilst being simultaneously overshadowed by the monolithic terror of the Anglican Cathedral gives this place a constraining, claustrophobic feel that will please those of a Gothic persuasion but isn’t ideal if you just want a relaxing stroll.
St James’ Cemetery is filled with death to an oppressive degree. Come on, we all know you died. Stop throwing it back in my face! It’s not my fault. Saying that though, if celebrity deadies are your bag, then you can strut on over to the memorial marking where William Huskisson is buried. He was a Liverpool MP who, during the 1830 opening of the Liverpool-​Manchester railway, was run over and killed by George Stephenson’s Rocket, cementing his place as the world’s first widely reported railway fatality. What a killjoy. No wonder he found his way back to this graveyard.
You can never predict what kind of people will be sharing this place with when you visit. One time, I found my way here at 4am (I’m a grave-​robber) and met a lovely trio of Americans. Then on a sunny afternoon you’ll discover nobody but a gang of smackheads. It can literally be a stab in the dark.

Alas, a non depressing cemetery! This place is beautiful for a walk on a sunny afternoon. Follow the narrow winding path down from the cathedral and you feel as though you’re part of the Da Vinchi Code, then you’re greeted by a lush green area with archaic tombstones and seating areas.
Beware though, this cemetery is frequented by rabbles of daytime drinkers clutching bottles of cider and port and rambling through the tombs! They seem quite friendly but are a pain in the backside when you want a relaxing walk!
I’ve seen guided tours go through the cemetery as well as groups of ramblers, so this is obviously a popular location; the cathedral itself is magnificent and well worth a visit! This is also a prime spot for dog walkers, but alternatively, Prince’s park is a ten minute walk down the road!

I have visited Liverpool Cathedral dozens of times over the years, but only recently took a walk round the beautiful gardens and cemetery that surround it — and was pleasantly surprised.
St James Park is a moody, gothic graveyard sitting moat-​like at the base of the city’s gargantuan gothic cathedral. It is entered through an eerie tunnel lined with graves. It oozes atmosphere, full of moss-​dappled walls, stone monuments and headstones, and creepily formed trees and plants. My other half loved this place and took dozens of photographs on the suitably wet and dreary afternoon we spent there.