On Sunday, 8 September 2024, an Heritage Open Days event will occur at Ballast Hills Burial Ground! Join us for an inspiring musical performance by Miggins Fiddle, featuring folksinger Maurice Condie and fiddle player Marina Dodgson, along with poetry by Harry Gallagher.
This tribute to those who are buried or memorialised at BHBG is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the history and some of the people connect to this important site.
We have been working with the artists to inform their pieces. This event was organised by Ouseburn Trust and co-sponsored by the BHBG Project @newcastleuni.
Join an immersive exploration of Newcastle’s vibrant past by exploring the life and legacy of Robert Gilchrist, a figure whose influence has faded from public memory but whose contributions to local culture are profound and enduring.
Ouseburn Trust | Summer Walk | 9th July, 2024 | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm | cost £6.00 | book.
Robert Gilchrist (1797-1844) may not be a household name today, but in the bustling streets of mid-nineteenth century Newcastle, he was a revered local celebrity. Known for his captivating poetic compositions and lively performances of comic songs, Gilchrist left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of his time.
Image from a short biography of Robert Gilchrist in The Monthly Chronicle of North-Country Lore and Legend, May 1888, p.234.
Ouseburn Trust’s Summer Walks offers a unique opportunity to retrace Gilchrist’s footsteps, from his humble beginnings in Shieldfield to the bustling Quayside and the tranquil Ouseburn valley. Along the way, you’ll visit key locations associated with Gilchrist, immersing yourselves in the sights and sounds that inspired his creativity.
The journey goes beyond mere exploration. Led by Gilchrist’s 3x great-grandson, you’ll uncover fascinating insights into Gilchrist’s connections to Victorian heroine Grace Darling, his pivotal role in the ‘Barge Day’ river processions, and his contributions to the development of cricket in Northumberland. Moreover, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Gilchrist’s influence on the shaping of Grainger Town and the redevelopment of Newcastle itself.
The walk commences outside the historic Big River Bakery in Shieldfield, a fitting starting point for our voyage into Newcastle’s past. As walker traverse the city’s streets, the journey culminates at the tranquil Ballast Hills Burial Ground, providing a moment of reflection on Gilchrist’s enduring legacy.
Dr Paul Gilchrist, Principal Lecturer in Human Geography at the University of Brighton, has dedicated over a decade to researching the life and times of his poetic ancestor. He offers invaluable insights into Gilchrist’s multifaceted legacy, making this journey a truly enriching experience.
Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover some hidden gems of Newcastle’s history and rediscover the remarkable story of Robert Gilchrist. Book your ticket today and embark on a journey through time that will leave you enriched and inspired. If you are not able to join the walk, then check out Paul’s website dedicated to Robert Gilchrist – but spoiler alert don’t visit it until after the walk if you plan to attend.
