Category: Project News

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BHBG: Unlocking the Past, Enjoying the Present, & Planning for the Future

Official Launch Event

Date: Saturday, 22 March 2025
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM GMT
Location: Bewick Hall, Level 2, Newcastle City Library, 33 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AX
Book: here

The Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG) Project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Curioisty Award, has been up and running since July 2024. We are now in a position to hold a launch event that will highlight all the work completed so far and outline what is planned for the future.

This event will bring together descendants, researchers, historians, musicians, and community members to explore BHBG’s past and its ongoing relevance today. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Uncover History: Gain insights into the historical and social context of BHBG and its importance in Newcastle’s past.
  • Learn About the Project: Hear from project leads Dr Myra Giesen and Dr Shane McCorristine from Newcastle University about key findings and next steps.
  • Engage with Research in Action: Discover how community collaboration, archival work, and on-site investigations are shaping a deeper understanding of the burial ground.
  • Experience History Through Music and Poetry: Enjoy performances by Phoenix Folk and poet Harry Gallagher, bringing BHBG’s stories to life.
  • Hear About Some of the People Buried There: Learn from Mike Greatbatch about individuals interred at BHBG and their connections to Newcastle’s history.
  • Get Involved: Ask questions, share knowledge, and learn how to contribute to the project.
  • Enjoy Refreshments: Take a break with tea, coffee, and biscuits while chatting with fellow attendees.

This event is made possible through AHRC funding and partnerships with Newcastle City Council (Planning), Newcastle City Library (History & Heritage), Ouseburn Trust, and North East Museums (Tyne & Wear Archives). By working together, we aim to raise awareness of BHBG’s historical significance and foster a greater appreciation for its role in Newcastle’s heritage.

To learn more about the BHBG Project, visit the About section of our blog.

Join Us!

The event is free, but spaces are limited. Secure your place by registering today!

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Gravestone Cleaning at BHBG: A Team Effort

The gravestones at Ballast Hills Burial Ground have witnessed centuries of history, but time and the elements have taken their toll. Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, including business groups through the Ouseburn Trust’s Corporate Volunteering Scheme, these important historical markers are getting much-needed care and attention.

Wednesday’s gravestone cleaning session made a real difference. The work has helped prepare the stones for upcoming 3D scanning and condition assessments, crucial steps in documenting and preserving this historic site. We are now almost halfway through the cleaning, and the progress so far is remarkable. However, to complete the task before March, we need more volunteers to help see it through.

The Ouseburn Trust’s Environment Volunteer Team and, more recently the Corporate Volunteering Scheme have been a valuable part of this effort. By offering businesses and organisations the opportunity to contribute to local projects, the scheme enables employees to make a tangible impact while developing teamwork and practical skills. The group from the Department for Work and Pensions who joined us Wednesday worked incredibly hard, and their efforts are visible across the site. Their contribution exemplifies how businesses can engage with the community while supporting important conservation work.

For companies looking to take part, the Ouseburn Trust provides structured volunteering opportunities that align with corporate social responsibility goals. Sessions can be tailored to suit group sizes and availability, ensuring a rewarding and productive experience for all involved. Whether it is gravestone cleaning, habitat restoration, or other hands-on projects, corporate teams can play a significant role in preserving the Ouseburn Valley’s rich heritage.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the project will focus on completing the gravestone cleaning and moving forward with 3D scanning and condition assessments. With continued volunteer support, we can ensure these historical markers are documented and preserved for future generations.

Information about volunteering for more cleaning opportunities will be posted here along with the March recording days. Feel free to reach out to be placed on the call-out list by emailing ballast.hills@newcastle.ac.uk.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who have contributed so far—your hard work is making a lasting difference!

Photo credit for the first four photos goes to John Hipkins, while the last two were taken by Myra Giesen.

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Discover and Engage with Ballast Hills Burial Ground on Social Media

Are you passionate about local history, genealogy, or heritage preservation? Do you have family connections to Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG) or a curiosity about its past? If so, we invite you to connect with our project on Facebook and Instagram!

Join Our Facebook Community

The Ballast Hills Burial Ground Facebook Group (Join Here) is a private group designed for descendants, local residents, and history enthusiasts. It is a space where members can share stories, photos, and knowledge about this significant site. Whether you’re researching family history, exploring burial inscriptions, or interested in Newcastle’s heritage, we welcome you to be part of the conversation.

We are actively sharing gravestone inscriptions from the 1904 publication Inscriptions in Ballast Hills Burial Ground, Newcastle upon Tyne by Chadwick J & Dodds E. These posts highlight individual memorials, and we encourage members to engage—whether by sharing historical insights, discussing family connections, or reflecting on the stories these stones reveal.

Follow us on Instagram

Our Instagram account (@ballasthillsburialground) offers a visual journey through BHBG’s history. We share photographs, updates from the project, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our research and discoveries. Through posts and stories, we highlight the site’s historical significance and ongoing efforts to document and preserve it.

Exciting News!

We are particularly excited to announce that we have a new social media and communications intern joining the team! Expect even more opportunities to hear about the project through fresh content and engagement across our platforms. Additionally, we are working towards releasing our first newsletter by the end of the month, which will provide updates on our latest findings, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. If you would like to receive the newsletter, please email us at ballast.hills@newcastle.ac.uk to be added to the distribution list. Please reach out to us if you have specific content you would like to share or suggest for the newsletter!

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Press Release: calling all descendants

We are excited to share that Newcastle University has issued a press release showcasing the latest developments in the Ballast Hills Burial Ground project. Dr Myra Giesen, the project lead, invites descendants of those buried at Ballast Hills to connect with the team and share their stories. Contributions will help shape an online Life Register and preserve this heritage for future generations. Archaeological surveys and archival research are ongoing, and the team welcomes volunteers to assist with various aspects of the project.

Read the full press release here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/latest/2025/01/ballasthills/.

Join us in uncovering the hidden stories of Ballast Hills and ensuring that every voice is remembered.

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Preparing for Gravestone Pathway for Recording

The BHBG project, led by Newcastle University, continues to focus on Ballast Hills Burial Ground’s historical significance and cultural heritage. As part of this effort, it aims to record and understand the site’s gravestones through comprehensive 3D scanning and condition assessments in early 2025.

A 1929 report provides information from 946 in situ gravestones before the site transitioned into a park. A quick summary compiled in 2023 noted the presence of 71 whole gravestones with legible text, 32 half gravestones with partially legible text, 196 whole gravestones without text, and 261 broken gravestones, bringing the total to 660 gravestones. These data are guiding current preparations.

To prepare for the upcoming recordings, on 14 December, a team of four volunteers from the Ouseburn Trust (OT) Green Team, along with Dr Myra Giesen (the project’s Principal Investigator), worked for two hours to begin clearing the gravestone pathway. Care was taken to remove encroaching turf slowly, to limit soil disturbance, and to avoid damage to the gravestones. Although progress remains slow, the approach ensures each gravestone retains its integrity. Members of the OT Green Team, and possibly some of its cooperate volunteers, will be returning in January.

We welcome volunteers to assist in the recording of the gravestones, likely to be in March 2025, over multiple days, including at least one weekend. If you are interested in joining the recording effort, please register your interest here. Registering will ensure you are notified once days are confirmed and you receive any necessary training in advance of the workday(s).

Note, we are slowly posting BHBG gravestone inscriptions on our Facebook page. It is a private group so you will need to join to see them.

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Call for Descendants: Join the Ballast Hills Burial Ground Story

Are you a descendant of someone interred or memorialised at Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG)? We invite you to connect with others who share this unique heritage and join a new BHBG Descendants Group. This initiative aims to amplify the voices of your ancestors, enrich the narrative of BHBG, and foster a deeper connection to this historic site.

The BHBG Descendants Group will provide a space for descendants to share stories, contribute insights, and help shape the ongoing work of the project. Whether your relatives are buried here or simply remembered on a gravestone, your participation is invaluable in bringing this history to life.

If you would like to join or learn more, please reach out to the project team at ballast.hills@newcastle.ac.uk.

We also also sharing gravestone inscriptions on our Facebook page, offering glimpses into the lives of those who rest at BHBG. Join us in honouring their legacy and building a community that celebrates this remarkable burial ground’s rich history.

Let’s ensure the voices of the past continue to resonate through the generations.

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Shedding Light on the Past: BHBG Project in the Spotlight

We’re excited to share that the Ballast Hills Burial Ground project has been featured in a recent BBC North East article! Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak with BBC NE about our upcoming survey work at the site, discussing our goals for unearthing the rich history and cultural significance of this unique burial ground.

The article highlights our commitment to exploring diverse burial practices and preserving the stories that make Ballast Hills such an important part of our local heritage. This coverage offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with an even wider audience, and we are grateful to BBC NE for helping to shine a light on the project

You can read the full article here: BBC North East Article.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far, and stay tuned for more updates on our survey work and findings in the coming weeks!

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Help Shape the Future of Ballast Hills Burial Ground

Do you have a connection to Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG) or an interest in its rich history within the Byker and Ouseburn area or are your ancestor's buried there?

Whether you’re linked to BHBG’s past, concerned for its future, or simply fascinated by its story, we’d love to hear from you. The BHBG Project, led by Newcastle University, is gathering input from those who care about this historic site and invite you to help shape its future.

If you’re interested, please take a moment to complete a short two-question survey here. Your input is vital in helping us connect with others who share an interest in BHBG, and the more voices we hear, the better!

Your feedback will play a key role in guiding our next steps, and we encourage you to share your ideas or get involved. This public engagement and research scoping project is funded by the AHRC’s Curiosity Award (July 2024–December 2025), supporting our work to connect with communities and explore new ways of understanding and preserving the site.

Let’s work together to make it happen!

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Your Opinions Count: Share Your Views on Burial Spaces

As part of the Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG) project, we are exploring how people perceive and use burial spaces, with a focus on BHBG. However, you don’t need to be familiar with BHBG or live nearby to contribute—your insights are invaluable in helping us understand the broader significance of burial spaces and inform future engagment activities.

How You Can Help:

  • Take the Survey: Scan the QR code or use this link to participate. It takes about 15 minutes. It closes on 21 September 2024.
  • Share It: Please share this post to anyone who might be interested. Feel free to post it on your communication channels or office bulletin board, too

Thank you for your time and input! If you have any questions or need further information, send us an email at ballast.hills@newcastle.ac.uk.

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Conference Report: The 10th Nordic Geographers Meeting

The 10th Nordic Geographers Meeting, held at the University of Copenhagen from 24 to 27 June 2024, focused on the theme “Transitioning Geographies,” addressing global changes and strategies for equitable transitions. This international conference, organized by the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, attracted approximately 430 attendees with six concurrent sessions over three days.

A presentation on the Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG) project made by Myra Giesen was featured in the session titled “The cultural renegotiation of urban cemeteries and graveyards: multi-functional spaces of death, sacredness, recreation, and ecosystem services.” Organized by Johanna Adolfsson (Stockholm University), Sara Borgström (Royal Institute of Technology), and Annika Dahlberg (Stockholm University), the session included a diverse lineup of speakers, including Julie Roussett (University Gustave Eiffel – Lab’URBA), Avril Maddrell (University of Reading), Helena Nordh (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences), Johanna Adolfsson and Myra. The discussions covered a broad spectrum of issues related to burial sites, offering rich opportunities for networking and collaboration relevant to the BHBG project.

This session facilitated discussions on a wide range of issues related to burial sites, providing an intimate and engaging environment for exchange. The presentation elevated the BHBG project’s profile, connected it with researchers in similar fields, and expanded its professional network.

As a result of this exposure, the BHBG project is now recognized as an active research initiative within The Cemetery Research Group, enhancing its visibility and collaboration opportunities.

Acknowledgment is extended to the School of Education, Communication, and Language Sciences Research Committee, Newcastle University, for partially funding this conference attendance.

10th Nordic Geographers Meeting Logo