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All the United Kingdom Wales Cardiff Dead Man's Alley

Dead Man's Alley

This pedestrian walkway cuts through a cemetery and over several burial vaults.

Cardiff, Wales

Added By
SEANETTA ALLSASS
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Dead Man’s Alley.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Dead Man’s Alley.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Dead Man’s Alley.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  LeviEthan107 / Atlas Obscura User
  LeviEthan107 / Atlas Obscura User
Dead Man’s Alley.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Dead Man’s Alley.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Dead Man’s Alley.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Dead Man’s Alley.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  rbenn250 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

It's an old adage that you should occasionally look up when wandering to spot hidden treasures lurking above. The same can be said for looking down, especially if you happen to be passing through the walkway between Working Street and Trinity Street near the Cardiff Market. Here, between two cemeteries belonging to St John the Baptist Church, you'll spot a few metal numbers emboldened onto the pathway. 

These numbers indicate where bodies once laid in burial vaults that were thought to be their final resting place. The church itself was originally constructed in 1180, but was rebuilt during the 15th century after the church was sacked. When the Cardiff Market opened in 1891, patrons and workers had to trek around the graveyard to reach the market. Thus, an agreement was made between the Church and the Corporation Council to construct a pathway that would create a shortcut to the market.

It's uncertain whether the bodies were left undisturbed or whether they were removed to make way for the footpath. This shred of doubt has led to the walkway being dubbed "Dead Man's Alley." The church still owns the property and is responsible for its upkeep and maintenance. As part of their deal with the council, the path remains open throughout the year, although, the church is allowed to close it on Good Friday.

Related Tags

Alleyways Graves Hidden Plaques Burial Places

Know Before You Go

The alley is open to the public throughout the year, except on the aforementioned Friday before Easter.

Its up from the castle outside Queens Arcade. The area is level and pedestrianised.

Community Contributors

Added By

SEANETTA

Edited By

jooniur, rbenn250, LeviEthan107

  • jooniur
  • rbenn250
  • LeviEthan107

Published

October 18, 2019

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  • https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/macabre-reason-numbers-paving-slabs-15931739
Dead Man's Alley
Trinity St.
Cardiff, Wales, CF10 1GJ
United Kingdom
51.480426, -3.178006
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