Person Buried at BHBG – Ballast Hills Burial Ground

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.

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.

During a project to uncover Newcastle Gaol’s history, Dr Patrick Low discovered that of the 15 recorded burials of executed prisoners, two bodies were missing. With public assistance, one of the missing bodies was identified during demolition works, leaving only one unaccounted: Jane Jamieson, the last woman executed in Newcastle. Despite exhaustive research, Jane’s burial location remained elusive until Dr Low stumbled upon a note in John Bell’s ephemera collection at Newcastle University. The note revealed that Jane’s remains were interred in Ballast Hills Burial Ground.

Particulars of The Trial and Execution of Jane Jamieson, for Murder at Newcastle Upon Tyne. John Bell Collection, Newcastle University. Image from Newcastle Goal (15 January 2024) see link in text.

Jane Jamieson’s execution in 1829 captivated public attention, but reports never mentioned her burial. Post-mortem punishments often excluded Christian burials, leading to speculation about her final resting place. Bell’s collection, however, detailed Jane’s burial in Ballast Hills Burial Ground, a crowded Dissenters’ burial ground. Despite its poor condition, the burial site was significant as Jane was the only capitally convicted felon from Newcastle Gaol buried outside its walls. This discovery offers closure and underscores the ongoing public fascination with Jane’s tragic story. For more details, read the full article on the Newcastle Gaol blog.

Category: Person Buried at BHBG

In the Footsteps of a Tyneside Poet, Robert Gilchrist

A Long-Buried Secret: The Search for Jane Jamieson’s Resting Place