We’re excited to announce a special BHBG Descendant Gathering on 19 February 2025. This event is designed for those with ancestral connections to the site to come together, share stories, and deepen understanding of the heritage of this remarkable burial ground.
đź“Ť Event Details
Date: 19 February
Time: 14:00
Location: 51 Lime Street
This gathering is part of our ongoing efforts to connect with descendants and learn more about the lives of those laid to rest at Ballast Hills. It’s a chance to meet others with similar ties to the site and share your own family’s history with the project.
👉 How to Register If you’d like to attend, please contact us at ballast.hills@newcastle.ac.uk for registration details.
We’d love to hear from you, whether you’re planning to attend or have stories and memories you’d like to share.
Let’s come together to celebrate and preserve the history of Ballast Hills Burial Ground. Spread the word to family and friends who may have ancestors buried at this unique site!
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, checkout the consultation website, which will be open until 17:00 on Monday, 29 January2025.
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.
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 ÂŁ6.00 | 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.
