Everyday Histories at Ballast Hills: Archives, Activities, and Stories
Brinkburn St. Brewery Bar & Kitchen, Unit 1A, Ford Street, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE6 1NW
This drop-in event invites visitors to explore Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG) through activities, storytelling, learning resources, and informal conversations. It is designed for visitors of all ages, including families, local residents, people interested in family history, and anyone curious about the site.
BHBG is an unconsecrated burial ground in the Ouseburn Valley, used from about 1640 to 1853 by people from varied religious and social backgrounds. More than 40,000 people are thought to have been buried there.
Visitors can take part in simple activities linked to family trees, burial records, gravestone inscriptions, maps, and local stories. Project team members and volunteers will be available to share stories, answer questions, and introduce some of the people and places connected with Ballast Hills.
This event can be enjoyed on its own, but also forms part of a wider BHBG Heritage Open Days programme taking place throughout Saturday 19 September. Other events in the programme include the Brinkburn Brewery Tours, 11:00–11:45, 12:00–12:45, and 13:00–13:45 (must book); Explore Ballast Hills, 14:30–16:00; Beneath This Ground, 16:00–17:00; and Twilight at Ballast Hills, 18:30–19:30. Please check the Heritage Open Days schedule for full details and booking information.
Timings
- Saturday 19 September:
- 10:30-14:00
Location & directions
Brinkburn St. Brewery Bar & Kitchen, Unit 1A, Ford Street, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE6 1NW
- Contact on day:
- Myra Giesen
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Visitors requiring accessibility support can enter the Taproom via our Beer Garden on Hume Street. There is an accessible toilet in the Taproom. Maling Hall is accessible via Ford Street and has an accessible toilet.
