Deborah Contessa, The Cemetery Lady, Mistress of the Macabre
@deborahcontessa.bsky.social
Cemetery Tour Guide, Tour Manager, Guest Speaker, Historian, Writer, Goth.
Secretary & Tour manager for Friends of Layton Cemetery, Blackpool, UK
Mistress of the Macabre at Blackpool Ghost Walks
Secretary & Tour manager for Friends of Layton Cemetery, Blackpool, UK
Mistress of the Macabre at Blackpool Ghost Walks
A beautiful wander around the ancient graveyard of St Helen’s, Sefton today.
Tucked beside the Victorian headstones I found humble markers from the 1700s — and even the 1600s.
Weathered, plain, and quietly stunning
youtu.be/jUkMk6LobiM?...
Tucked beside the Victorian headstones I found humble markers from the 1700s — and even the 1600s.
Weathered, plain, and quietly stunning
youtu.be/jUkMk6LobiM?...
St Helen’s Churchyard, Sefton, Liverpool +with Deborah Contessa
YouTube video by Deborah Contessa
youtu.be
December 7, 2025 at 8:53 PM
A beautiful wander around the ancient graveyard of St Helen’s, Sefton today.
Tucked beside the Victorian headstones I found humble markers from the 1700s — and even the 1600s.
Weathered, plain, and quietly stunning
youtu.be/jUkMk6LobiM?...
Tucked beside the Victorian headstones I found humble markers from the 1700s — and even the 1600s.
Weathered, plain, and quietly stunning
youtu.be/jUkMk6LobiM?...
Join me on the 19th or 20th December for a darkly delicious walk around the haunted streets of Blackpool.
Meet at Tourist Information, Promenade Blackpool at 7pm . . . If you dare!!
Meet at Tourist Information, Promenade Blackpool at 7pm . . . If you dare!!
November 30, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Join me on the 19th or 20th December for a darkly delicious walk around the haunted streets of Blackpool.
Meet at Tourist Information, Promenade Blackpool at 7pm . . . If you dare!!
Meet at Tourist Information, Promenade Blackpool at 7pm . . . If you dare!!
A twilight wander through St Chad’s Churchyard, Kirkby…
Victorian stones, plain 18th-century graves, a (false but fabulous) witch legend, and whispers of secret tunnels beneath the church. #folklore #legend #graves #history
youtu.be/hpq-L2-eYMI?...
Victorian stones, plain 18th-century graves, a (false but fabulous) witch legend, and whispers of secret tunnels beneath the church. #folklore #legend #graves #history
youtu.be/hpq-L2-eYMI?...
Deborah Contessa explores the stones & legends of St Chads Churchyard, Kirkby
YouTube video by Deborah Contessa
youtu.be
November 30, 2025 at 8:44 PM
A twilight wander through St Chad’s Churchyard, Kirkby…
Victorian stones, plain 18th-century graves, a (false but fabulous) witch legend, and whispers of secret tunnels beneath the church. #folklore #legend #graves #history
youtu.be/hpq-L2-eYMI?...
Victorian stones, plain 18th-century graves, a (false but fabulous) witch legend, and whispers of secret tunnels beneath the church. #folklore #legend #graves #history
youtu.be/hpq-L2-eYMI?...
My heartfelt thanks to all who joined today’s Military Graves Tour.
You braved the biting cold amongst the stones and stood steadfast as any sentinel — and what a splendid, spirited crowd you were.
It was an honour to wander the ranks of our fallen with you.#graves #cemetery
You braved the biting cold amongst the stones and stood steadfast as any sentinel — and what a splendid, spirited crowd you were.
It was an honour to wander the ranks of our fallen with you.#graves #cemetery
November 16, 2025 at 9:10 PM
My heartfelt thanks to all who joined today’s Military Graves Tour.
You braved the biting cold amongst the stones and stood steadfast as any sentinel — and what a splendid, spirited crowd you were.
It was an honour to wander the ranks of our fallen with you.#graves #cemetery
You braved the biting cold amongst the stones and stood steadfast as any sentinel — and what a splendid, spirited crowd you were.
It was an honour to wander the ranks of our fallen with you.#graves #cemetery
Every stone tells a story, even the ones whose inscriptions are almost gone. #churchyard #grave
November 12, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Every stone tells a story, even the ones whose inscriptions are almost gone. #churchyard #grave
youtu.be/lHk0XdFgT0c?... click the link & join me on a wander through St Elphin’s churchyard
St Elphin’s Churchyard, Warrington, with Deborah Contessa - The Cemetery Lady
YouTube video by Deborah Contessa
youtu.be
November 11, 2025 at 9:28 PM
youtu.be/lHk0XdFgT0c?... click the link & join me on a wander through St Elphin’s churchyard
Beneath brooding November skies, our Blue Plaque was unveiled — a tribute to time, memory, and the eternal hush of stone. Grateful to all who walk with us among the shadows #thecemeterylady #blackpool #history #heritage
November 8, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Beneath brooding November skies, our Blue Plaque was unveiled — a tribute to time, memory, and the eternal hush of stone. Grateful to all who walk with us among the shadows #thecemeterylady #blackpool #history #heritage
A stroll through the ancient churchyard of St Oswald’s, Winwick — where legend, faith & folklore linger. Discover the tale of the Winwick Pig and gravestones reaching back to the 1600s. 🕯️🐖 #Folklore #Churchyards #History
youtu.be/54giUf8Sl5E?...
youtu.be/54giUf8Sl5E?...
The Churchyard of St Oswald, Winwick & the legend of the Winwick Pig
YouTube video by Deborah Contessa
youtu.be
November 5, 2025 at 9:38 PM
A stroll through the ancient churchyard of St Oswald’s, Winwick — where legend, faith & folklore linger. Discover the tale of the Winwick Pig and gravestones reaching back to the 1600s. 🕯️🐖 #Folklore #Churchyards #History
youtu.be/54giUf8Sl5E?...
youtu.be/54giUf8Sl5E?...
St Oswald’s Churchyard in Winwick, Warrington, beautiful stones from the 1600s #History #heritage #grave #graveyard #TheCemeteryLady
November 4, 2025 at 5:47 AM
St Oswald’s Churchyard in Winwick, Warrington, beautiful stones from the 1600s #History #heritage #grave #graveyard #TheCemeteryLady
youtu.be/RyoROB0aYtc?...
All Saints Churchyard, Orton - with The Cemetery Lady
#CemeteryLady #ChurchyardStories #Cumbria #Orton #EdenValley #Heritage #VictorianHistory
All Saints Churchyard, Orton - with The Cemetery Lady
#CemeteryLady #ChurchyardStories #Cumbria #Orton #EdenValley #Heritage #VictorianHistory
The Churchyard of All Saints, Orton, Cumbria-with Deborah Contessa
YouTube video by Deborah Contessa
youtu.be
November 2, 2025 at 7:57 AM
youtu.be/RyoROB0aYtc?...
All Saints Churchyard, Orton - with The Cemetery Lady
#CemeteryLady #ChurchyardStories #Cumbria #Orton #EdenValley #Heritage #VictorianHistory
All Saints Churchyard, Orton - with The Cemetery Lady
#CemeteryLady #ChurchyardStories #Cumbria #Orton #EdenValley #Heritage #VictorianHistory
The end of an era . . .
Stephen, our Victorian Ghost Hunter, takes his final bow — beloved by both the living and the dead 💀
But beware . . . the darkness never sleeps.
This festive season, Blackpool Ghost Walks will rise again 👻
#Blackpool #ghosts #haunting #walk #spooky
Stephen, our Victorian Ghost Hunter, takes his final bow — beloved by both the living and the dead 💀
But beware . . . the darkness never sleeps.
This festive season, Blackpool Ghost Walks will rise again 👻
#Blackpool #ghosts #haunting #walk #spooky
November 1, 2025 at 1:58 PM
The end of an era . . .
Stephen, our Victorian Ghost Hunter, takes his final bow — beloved by both the living and the dead 💀
But beware . . . the darkness never sleeps.
This festive season, Blackpool Ghost Walks will rise again 👻
#Blackpool #ghosts #haunting #walk #spooky
Stephen, our Victorian Ghost Hunter, takes his final bow — beloved by both the living and the dead 💀
But beware . . . the darkness never sleeps.
This festive season, Blackpool Ghost Walks will rise again 👻
#Blackpool #ghosts #haunting #walk #spooky
Step into the ancient mystery of Gamelands Stone Circle — a windswept place of legend, ritual and whispers from four thousand years ago
youtu.be/Q1bAyRRmvKk?...
youtu.be/Q1bAyRRmvKk?...
Gamelands Stone Circle, Orton, Cumbria
YouTube video by Deborah Contessa
youtu.be
October 29, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Step into the ancient mystery of Gamelands Stone Circle — a windswept place of legend, ritual and whispers from four thousand years ago
youtu.be/Q1bAyRRmvKk?...
youtu.be/Q1bAyRRmvKk?...
By his mid-twenties, Alfred Tysoe was one of the finest middle-distance runners in the world. He broke records, won championships, and became known across Britain for his grace and power on the track.Layton Cemetery, Blackpool #history #sportsman #runner #grave #cemetery
October 26, 2025 at 8:59 AM
By his mid-twenties, Alfred Tysoe was one of the finest middle-distance runners in the world. He broke records, won championships, and became known across Britain for his grace and power on the track.Layton Cemetery, Blackpool #history #sportsman #runner #grave #cemetery
Congratulations to all who survived last night’s Ghost Walk with myself and The Victorian Ghost Hunter…
It was a dark delight to make your acquaintance — your courage did not go unnoticed.
Perhaps we shall meet again … don’t be strangers.
#Blackpool #ghosts #history #hauntings
It was a dark delight to make your acquaintance — your courage did not go unnoticed.
Perhaps we shall meet again … don’t be strangers.
#Blackpool #ghosts #history #hauntings
October 19, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Congratulations to all who survived last night’s Ghost Walk with myself and The Victorian Ghost Hunter…
It was a dark delight to make your acquaintance — your courage did not go unnoticed.
Perhaps we shall meet again … don’t be strangers.
#Blackpool #ghosts #history #hauntings
It was a dark delight to make your acquaintance — your courage did not go unnoticed.
Perhaps we shall meet again … don’t be strangers.
#Blackpool #ghosts #history #hauntings
A moment of calm in St James’ Churchyard, Burton in Kendal — where weathered 18th-century stones rest on ground sacred for centuries. 🖤
#TheCemeteryLady #BurtonInKendal #CemeteryStories #WhispersOfThePast #HistoricChurchyards
#TheCemeteryLady #BurtonInKendal #CemeteryStories #WhispersOfThePast #HistoricChurchyards
October 12, 2025 at 7:45 PM
A moment of calm in St James’ Churchyard, Burton in Kendal — where weathered 18th-century stones rest on ground sacred for centuries. 🖤
#TheCemeteryLady #BurtonInKendal #CemeteryStories #WhispersOfThePast #HistoricChurchyards
#TheCemeteryLady #BurtonInKendal #CemeteryStories #WhispersOfThePast #HistoricChurchyards
Beneath the quiet skies of Burton in Kendal lies St James’ Churchyard — where time lingers and the past whispers through the weathered stones. 🖤
#TheCemeteryLady #BurtonInKendal #CemeteryTales #VictorianGothic #WhispersOfThePast
youtu.be/smoUW3Yt6WY?...
#TheCemeteryLady #BurtonInKendal #CemeteryTales #VictorianGothic #WhispersOfThePast
youtu.be/smoUW3Yt6WY?...
The Cemetery Lady visits St James’ Churchyard, Burton-in-Kendal
YouTube video by Deborah Contessa
youtu.be
October 12, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Beneath the quiet skies of Burton in Kendal lies St James’ Churchyard — where time lingers and the past whispers through the weathered stones. 🖤
#TheCemeteryLady #BurtonInKendal #CemeteryTales #VictorianGothic #WhispersOfThePast
youtu.be/smoUW3Yt6WY?...
#TheCemeteryLady #BurtonInKendal #CemeteryTales #VictorianGothic #WhispersOfThePast
youtu.be/smoUW3Yt6WY?...
youtu.be/Jvz3hvAgsrA?...
The churchyard at Prescot Parish Church has a history predating the Norman Conquest, indicated by its circular shape, with written records of a church on the site dating to 1140. Amongst the stones laying beside the building are many fine examples from the 1700s.
The churchyard at Prescot Parish Church has a history predating the Norman Conquest, indicated by its circular shape, with written records of a church on the site dating to 1140. Amongst the stones laying beside the building are many fine examples from the 1700s.
Prescot, The Churchyard of St Mary the Blessed Virgin, with The Cemetery Lady
YouTube video by Deborah Contessa
youtu.be
October 5, 2025 at 9:35 PM
youtu.be/Jvz3hvAgsrA?...
The churchyard at Prescot Parish Church has a history predating the Norman Conquest, indicated by its circular shape, with written records of a church on the site dating to 1140. Amongst the stones laying beside the building are many fine examples from the 1700s.
The churchyard at Prescot Parish Church has a history predating the Norman Conquest, indicated by its circular shape, with written records of a church on the site dating to 1140. Amongst the stones laying beside the building are many fine examples from the 1700s.
🖤 Eternal thanks to Stephen Mercer, The Victorian Ghost Hunter – it’s with his blessing that I now carry the lantern of the Blackpool Ghost Walks into its next chapter. #blackpool #ghosts #hauntings #heritage
October 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM
🖤 Eternal thanks to Stephen Mercer, The Victorian Ghost Hunter – it’s with his blessing that I now carry the lantern of the Blackpool Ghost Walks into its next chapter. #blackpool #ghosts #hauntings #heritage
Heversham’s St Peter’s Churchyard, a Norse cross whispers of ages past, a sundial marks forgotten hours, and stone cherubs with hollow eyes keep their eternal watch… #churchyard #ancient #history #graves
youtu.be/nH-Rj7OGKuo?...
youtu.be/nH-Rj7OGKuo?...
Join Deborah Contessa at St Peter’s Churchyard, Heversham, Cumbria
YouTube video by Deborah Contessa
youtu.be
September 28, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Heversham’s St Peter’s Churchyard, a Norse cross whispers of ages past, a sundial marks forgotten hours, and stone cherubs with hollow eyes keep their eternal watch… #churchyard #ancient #history #graves
youtu.be/nH-Rj7OGKuo?...
youtu.be/nH-Rj7OGKuo?...
The Ruins of Windleshaw Chantry with Deborah Contessa
YouTube video by Deborah Contessa
youtu.be
September 14, 2025 at 7:37 PM
SUNDIAL & STOCKS
the endstones are most probably C17. An older pair of oak stocks is preserved in the church.
The sundial, dated 1714, on a turned shaft of stone has inscribed on the dial ‘Pulvis et umbra sumus’ which translates as ‘We are dust and shadow’ Grappenhall #History #stocks #sundial
the endstones are most probably C17. An older pair of oak stocks is preserved in the church.
The sundial, dated 1714, on a turned shaft of stone has inscribed on the dial ‘Pulvis et umbra sumus’ which translates as ‘We are dust and shadow’ Grappenhall #History #stocks #sundial
September 1, 2025 at 5:12 AM
Read it and weep fellow taphophiles . . . Memento Mori on a stone from 1674 🖤 #grave #gravestone #churchyard #17thCentury #mementomori
August 31, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Read it and weep fellow taphophiles . . . Memento Mori on a stone from 1674 🖤 #grave #gravestone #churchyard #17thCentury #mementomori