Friends of Beckett Street Cemetery
Uncovering histories, caring for the cemetery, shaping future legacies.
Welcome to our genealogy hub, for everything related to uncovering those buried in Beckett Street Cemetery. Delve into the past and discover the stories that shaped your present on our comprehensive platform. From our Annual General Meetings where we share insights and discoveries to guided tours of this historic cemetery.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming exclusive tours that will deepen your understanding of your roots. Join our community of fellow history enthusiasts and embark on a quest to unlock the secrets of your ancestry. Keep checking this page for news and forthcoming events, and let the exploration begin!
Tours last approximately 60–90 minutes. All tours are free of charge, although donations are always welcome.
Please meet at the notice board by the main (North) gate.
Sturdy footwear is recommended. Some paths are uneven and may be slippery after rain.
Find Us: ///bench.stored.asleep | View on Google Maps
Beckett Street Cemetery, Leeds LS9 7BH
Friday, 27 Mar 2026 at 13:00
Monday, 13 Apr 2026 at 19:00
Saturday, 25 Apr 2026 at 13:00
our Annual General Meeting at the Thackray.
It will be preceded by a short tour with Alun at 1pm, - meet in the Cemetery by the notice board. Thackray’s café will be open for lunch, hot n cold drinks etc., and light refreshments will be available in the meeting room, between the ‘formal’ part and our speaker’s presentation.
We’re delighted to welcome back, Lesley Newnham whose illustrated talk is entitled: Steeplejacks of Leeds: the Brave, Nerveless, Foolhardy or Desperate. There are several steeplejacks buried in the Cemetery, from rival families. The talk was inspired by the grave of Sarah Kidney, whose husband Thomas was the oldest working steeplejack when aged 82! It’ll be fascinating!
Thursday, 30 Apr 2026 at 00:00
Throughout April – ‘Blossom in Beckett Street’ part of Leeds in Blossom joining with sites across Leeds during this festival of blossom.
It’s a self-guided tour to show off our beautiful trees, some planted decades ago. At each one, there’ll be a poem, haiku or epitaph fluttering in the breeze. Pick up a trail leaflet from the holder attached to the notice board.
Other sites will be shown from the end of March at www.loveleedsparks.org.uk
Saturday, 16 May 2026 at 14:00
Alun will lead a tour around some of the Cemetery’s Commonwealth War Graves, as part of War Graves Week (16th – 24th May)
Tours will take between 60 and 90 minutes. All are free, although donations are always acceptable!
Meet by the notice board at the main – North – gate.
Please wear sturdy footwear. Some surfaces are uneven and may be slippery if it has rained.
Tuesday, 9 Jun 2026 at 11:00
Alun Pugh will lead a general tour, pointing out a mixture of aspects of the Cemetery.
Parking in the Cemetery is limited but pay and display parking is available at the Thackray Museum.
Please wear suitable footwear.
Thursday, 11 Jun 2026 at 11:00
Sylvia Hodges and Jeanette Bolton will repeat their Women Within These Walls tour.
The lives and professions of women buried there will be discussed as we take a one hour walk around looking at their memorials.
Meet at the Notice Board, near the main gate, at 11am. All welcome.
Parking in the Cemetery is limited but pay and display parking is available at the Thackray Museum.
Please wear suitable footwear.
Beckett Street Cemetery, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7BH
We strive to document all of our sources. If you have something to add, please let us know.
