Explore Glasgow's 1700s graveyard home to tales of murder mysteries and grave robbing
The cemetery, which predates the Necropolis by a century, holds the graves of merchants, Lord Provosts, and other famous figures.
Tales of grave robbery and infamous murders are set to come alive this summer with a new guided tour through one of Glasgow’s oldest graveyards. ‘Talks of the Dead’ will take visitors through Ramshorn Graveyard in the Merchant City.
Dating back to 1719, the hidden gem is steeped in history, Glasgow Live reports. It predates the more famous Necropolis by 100 years and serves as the final resting place of many of Glasgow’s wealthy Tobacco Barons.
Ramshorn Graveyard has stood witness to Glasgow’s rise through the centuries. The site was the "graveyard of choice" for many people of wealth and status in the city, and is full of headstones marking the lives of merchants, craftsmen, and a number of many storied figures.
Among those buried there are Lord Provosts, ministers, and other prominent figures, including philanthropist David Dale and John Anderson, founder of the nearby University of Strathclyde.
As part of the tour, visitors will also delve into the graveyard’s more sinister past. Grave robbing was rife in the 19th century, and guides will explain the extraordinary lengths taken to protect the dead from those who sought to profit from them.
Among those buried at the Ingram Street site is Pierre L’Angelier, whose death by arsenic poisoning in 1857 led to the sensational trial of Glasgow socialite Madeleine Smith, who was ultimately cleared of his murder.
The tours, organised by Friends of the Ramshorn Graveyard, explore the graveyard’s role in the city’s development, while delving into its darker past, including stories of body snatchers.
“Many people pass The Ramshorn by yet have never been inside,” said chairperson David Hughes. “There are fascinating stories to tell.
"The graveyard is a green oasis in the centre of the city, with over 60 trees in a relatively small space. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet lunch.”
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‘Talks of the Dead’ will take place every Wednesday from the start of June until the end of August, running from 11am to noon. Though admission is free, donations are welcome.
The full list of dates includes: June 4, June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13, August 20 and August 27, 2025.
David Hughes, chairperson of Friends of the Ramshorn Graveyard, said the group spent a year developing the tours.
He said: "The Ramshorn is the final resting place of many of those who made Glasgow the ‘Second City of Empire’ after London.
"These included the ‘Tobacco Barons’ who made their money from importing tobacco from Virginia, among them men after whom some of Glasgow’s most famous streets like Buchanan and Glassford are named.
"Also buried there are a series of Lord Provosts, Ministers, merchants and industrialists. For many people of wealth or status it was the graveyard of choice."
Spaces are limited and booking is essential. To reserve a place, email tours@ramshorngraveyard.org. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.