The Graveyard Walk – meet Great Yarmouth characters from the past

Great Yarmouth Minster

Great Yarmouth Minster and its graveyard is the setting for The Graveyard Walk at 2pm on Wednesday 28 August. Meet at the Fishermen’s Hospital gates at the northern end of the market to hear fascinating stories about characters laid to rest in this large consecrated area next to the medieval town wall.

There’s the tomb of a sailor killed by pirates and a ghost story about an Egyptian princess. Hear about James Sharman (d.1867), the first curator of the Nelson Monument. Charles Dickens based the character Peggoty in David Copperfield on Mr Sharman, who served on HMS Victory at Trafalgar as a ‘pressed man’ and claimed to have carried Nelson’s body below decks.

See the monument commemorating those who died in the suspension bridge disaster of 1845 and discover the bricked up gate where some of Nelson’s sailors took their final journey, visit the town cemetery where sailors, merchants and the odd circus owner lie side by side next to six listed memorials. Explore the Minster and finish the walk with a nice cup of tea in the church.

Places must be booked in advance on 01493 846346 or by calling into Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre on Marine Parade. Prices: £6.50 adults, £4.50 children (7-16), under 7’s free. Ten paying people minimum required for the walk to go ahead. Price includes refreshments in the Minster, www.heritage-walks.co.uk.