Exeter has had a problem disposing of its citizens since Roman times, when it was the custom to bury its dead just outside the city gates. It wasn't until the early fifth century AD that the dearly-departed were welcomed within the city walls for Christian burial, but due to the expanding population the city has had trouble finding room for everyone ever since.

Come and join us then on this fascinating tour of some of Exeter's more impromptu burial grounds, and discover the history not only of the tiny, ancient and interesting churches where internment has taken place over the years, but see too one of the earliest Jewish burial grounds in England. Starting at fashionable Cathedral Yard we end up creeping by torchlight through the economically disastrous labyrinth of the catacombs outside the city walls. Despite the massive popularity of the 17,552 plots located in the open cemetery around it (where the "vapours from the corpses could blow away on the breeze") this expensively innovative Egyptian style burial chamber only managed to attract 11 occupants!

We shall meet for coffee and shortbread at Abode Bistro in The Royal Clarence Hotel in Cathedral Yard at 10.30am before setting off on the one-and-a-half hour's guided tour finishing up in Fore Street at around 1pm. The architecture of the catacombs is very impressive but it is rather dark and a bit dank inside, so be sure to wear stout footwear - and bring that torch!
                                            Caroline