The Necropolis is a Victorian cemetery to the East of Glasgow Cathedral. In 1651 the area was known as Fir Park due to the grounds being covered in fir trees. In 1831 city merchants decided that the park would be better suited to being used as Glasgow’s version of the famous Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. Over 50,000 people were buried at the Necropolis with 3500 tombs of varying size and stature.

Many wealthy merchants and noble people were buried here, and tombs were built to represent each person’s importance and wealth. Many major architects and sculptors of the time created tombs for the dead, including Charles Rennie Macintosh, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson and JT Rochead.

John Knox has the tallest and earliest monument; others are not far behind in height. Undiscovered Scotland recommend viewing the mausoleum of Major Archibald Douglas Monteath.

“This is a highly ornate 30ft diameter structure modelled on the Church of St Sepulchure in Cambridge. The level of detail is amazing, with every window-arch on the lower level bearing a different pattern. Perhaps the most imposing monument in terms of its combined location, bulk, height and detail is the 35ft high William Gavin Monument shown in the header image. Others are much more modest in scale, like the memorial erected by public subscription to William Miller, author of the nursery rhyme "Wee Willie Winkie".

Today the Necropolis is a great place to visit, with spectacular views over the city of Glasgow from the top. Once within the Necropolis the winding paths can seem confusing. However, there are walking guides on sale in the nearby St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, and walking tours are also available. However, if you just keep following the path uphill you soon find yourself at the top of the Necropolis which hosts the largest tombs.

For more information about the Necropolis visit their website http://www.glasgownecropolis.org/ or visit the site itself, just off Castle Street, Glasgow.