Ballast Hills Burial Ground Poetry and Music Performance: Beneath This Ground
Albion Row, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE6 1LL
Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG), in the Ouseburn Valley within the Byker Ward, is one of Newcastle’s oldest surviving nonconformist (dissenters’) burial spaces. Known for its affordable burial fees, it became the final resting place for many of the city’s working poor, including people of different faiths. In 1929, the gravestones were removed and re-laid to form the circular path seen today, while the bodies remain undisturbed, along with most of their stories. From about 1640 to 1853, an estimated 40,000 people were buried here, many from working-class, migrant, and dissenting communities. Together, their lives offer a vivid insight into the social history of the region.
Beneath This Ground is a powerful, site-specific performance of original poetry and fiddle music created by Marina Dodgson, Maurice Condie, and Harry Gallagher. Inspired by the lives of those buried here, the work blends words and music to bring their stories to life. Staged outdoors at the burial ground, the performance allows the space itself to become part of the storytelling, offering a rare chance to connect emotionally and creatively with this historic site.
It stands alone as an engaging experience, but also complements the earlier BHBG activities Paths Through the Past: Discovering Ballast Hills Burial Ground (13:00 to 15:30) at 51 Lime Street and Onsite Exploration of Ballast Hills Burial Ground (16:00 to 17:00).
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 17:30–18:30
Location & directions
Albion Row, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE6 1LL
- Directions:
- Currently, three designated entrance points exist to BHBG: 1) on Albion Row, 2) at the junction of Cross Street and Ford Street, and 3) on Quality Row, all of which provide level access.
- Contact on day:
- Myra Giesen
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
All under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees are advised to wear suitable footwear and avoid uneven pathways where possible. As the event takes place outdoors, please bring appropriate clothing. You may wish to bring a blanket or chairs if you would prefer not to stand for the full hour. The event may be paused or cancelled in unsafe weather conditions.
