Just like something out of a novel, William Mackenzie wasn’t buried in any old tomb. Instead, his burial site boasts a 4.57-metre pyramid-shaped tombstone, embellished with a turquoise placard and inscription. For history, mystery, and architecture fans headed to Liverpool, consider adding Mackenzie’s tomb to your itinerary.
A former weaver apprentice and engineer, MacKenzie’s ghost is said to still roam about the church graveyard and surrounding area. As far as the story behind the tomb, much of it is derived from local folklore. While some of it has been easily disproved, the fantastic stories persist.
William MacKenzie's Tomb - one of the highlights of 10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in Liverpool (Read all about Liverpool here)
foto por Paul Brooker (CC BY-SA 2.0) modificada
Highlights of William MacKenzie’s Tomb
Most popularly, rumours describe that MacKenzie was famously known as a gambler, and as such, requested to be buried not underground, but above ground in the pyramid structure. Additionally, legend has it that he was buried sitting upright at a card table with a winning hand of cards tucked between his fingers.
MacKenzie’s alleged burial requests were to “cheat” Satan from claiming his soul upon his death, since MacKenzie was buried above the earth, not below it. In reality, the pyramid structure was built about 16 years after his death. Either way, it still maintains an air of ghostliness.
Good to know when visiting William MacKenzie’s Tomb
While you may not spend very long at MacKenzie’s tomb alone, there are a variety of nearby spots to check out while you’re at it. Liverpool Cathedral is a 7-minute walk away, with magnificent design elements and a tower 110 metres tall.
If you’re in the market for additional spooky experiences, check out local ghost tours that will spin even taller tales of the spirits that are said to still inhabit the streets of Liverpool. Visitors can also choose from a variety of nearby popular culture tours on topics such as the Beatles, Peaky Blinders, and more.
William MacKenzie's Tomb
Ubicación: İngiltere, 5-7 Rodney St, Liverpool, UK
Horario: Daily from 7 am to 10 pm