Category: Event

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Share Your Views: Consultation Event on Ford Street Development

Igloo is hosting a consultation event on Wednesday, 22 January, to gather community input on plans for developing the site between Maling Street and Ford Street in the Lower Ouseburn Valley. Known locally as the “Candleflame” site, the location lies downslope of Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG), adding a layer of historical significance to the proposed development.

The drop-in session will take place at 51 Lime Street from 12:00 to 20:00 and is open to all—residents, business owners, and anyone with an interest in Ouseburn’s future. No booking is required, so you can stop by at a time that works for you.

It’s unclear whether the burial ground extended as far as the Candleflame site, but burials are known to extend toward Ford Street. During the 1978/79 realignment of Ford Street, graves were disturbed, and human remains were removed and relocated elsewhere (Newcastle Journal, 24 November 1978, p. 10; 1 December 1978, p. 7).

The geophysical surveys conducted at BHBG in late 2024 may help identify the most effective tools for detecting burials by revealing patterns within the known site. These patterns could then be used as a reference to predict the burial ground’s boundaries when applied to areas extending beyond the currently understood site. We are still in the process of analysing the results.

This consultation session is a vital opportunity to share your perspective and help shape the plans for the future of the Lower Ouseburn Valley. Your participation is essential, as this development has the potential to significantly impact the area’s character and sense of place.

For those unable to attend, the consultation website will go live after the event and remain open until 17:00 on Monday, 29 January 2025.

Event Details:
📍 Location: 51 Lime Street
🗓 Date: Wednesday, 22 January 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 20:00
No booking required – drop in at any time!

Whether you attend in person or contribute online, your input will help ensure that decisions about this development reflect the diverse views of the community, including the descendants of those buried at BHBG. Don’t miss this chance to have your say.

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Heritage Open Days: Music, Poetry, and History

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.

Book your free spot for 8 September 2024 here.

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.

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In the Footsteps of a Tyneside Poet, Robert Gilchrist

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.