Cemetery Sports People Guided Walk
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Discover the fascinating stories behind York's sporting heritage on this free guided walk through York Cemetery on Sunday 26 July 2026 at 2pm.
As York celebrates a remarkable period of sporting success, this unique tour looks beyond today's achievements to explore the lives of the sporting pioneers, champions and local heroes whose passion helped shape the city's proud sporting traditions.
Led by Friends of York Cemetery volunteer and sports enthusiast Jenifer Hawkins, the walk visits around 14 graves linked to figures from the worlds of cricket, football, rugby, boxing, horse racing, golf and bowls. Visitors will hear the stories of York Cricket Club stalwart Richard Letby, the first captain of Yorkshire cricket, champion boxers, rugby and football players, horse-racing personalities, and the family of Joseph Hulme, who played football for Arsenal while also representing Middlesex at cricket.
The tour offers a unique insight into York's social and sporting history, revealing lesser-known stories and celebrating the people whose achievements continue to inspire today. It also reflects on the challenges women faced in sport and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.
The event is free to attend, although donations to support the work of the Friends of York Cemetery are welcome. Whether you're interested in local history, sport or discovering York from a different perspective, this engaging guided walk promises an enjoyable and informative afternoon.
