Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG), in the Ouseburn Valley within the Byker Ward, is one of Newcastle’s oldest surviving unconsecrated burial spaces for dissenters. Known for its modest fees, it became the final resting place for many of the city’s working poor, including people from different faiths and backgrounds.
From around 1640 until its closure in 1853, an estimated 40,000 individuals were buried here, many from working-class, migrant, and nonconformist communities. In 1929, the gravestones were removed and re-laid to form the circular path still visible today. The bodies remain undisturbed, along with most of their stories. Together, their lives provide a vivid insight into the social history of the region.
Our Mission
The project seeks to rediscover, honour, and curate the heritage of BHBG by recording both tangible and intangible evidence and making it publicly available. Our current funding through the AHRC Curiosity Award is guided by three aims:
Archives – uncovering and making accessible documentary evidence relating to BHBG.
Engagement – connecting diverse communities to the site’s history through creative and collaborative activities.
Significance – evaluating the site’s heritage value and exploring its meaning for the past, present, and future.
A Growing Community Project
What began as a research initiative is now evolving into a community-driven effort. Volunteers play a central role in recording, researching, and interpreting the site. Their contributions are helping to build a shared understanding of BHBG and to safeguard its legacy for future generations.
If you are interested in joining in, please visit our Get Involved page.
Explore More
To learn more about the people, places, and stories linked to BHBG, explore the other sections of this blog:
Home – a mix of research highlights, volunteer stories, reflections, and project updates.
Meet the Team – the people behind the research and engagement.
Funders – supporting the project’s development.
Newsletters – regular updates on discoveries, events, and opportunities.
You can also follow the project on social media: Facebook and Instagram.
By working together, we can uncover, preserve, and share the stories of Ballast Hills Burial Ground, giving recognition to those buried here and ensuring this heritage matters today.