Appeal for relatives to unlock graveyard's secrets

Descendants of those buried in an ancient graveyard are being sought in a bid to help shine a light on its history.

Newcastle's Ballast Hills Burial Ground, where about 40,000 people are buried, was used from the 1600s until 1853.

Newcastle University academics are exploring its history and are appealing for any relatives of those buried there to come forward.

Project lead Dr Myra Giesen said: "Every story deserves to be remembered, and every voice has a role in shaping history."

The burial ground, located between Albion Street and Ford Street, provided a resting place for people from all walks of life and was also the target of body-snatchers, researchers believe.

Notable people buried there include Jane Jamieson, the last woman to be hung in Newcastle after killing her mother with a poker in 1829.

Poet Robert Gilchrist, who was a celebrity in mid-19th century Newcastle, is also interred there.

The team of researchers is developing an online register of those who are memorialised or buried there.

They are urging those with old photographs or records of the site to contact them.

Dr Giesen said: "Beyond researching the site's history and archives, the project focuses on engaging with people, particularly identifying and reaching descendants of those buried at Ballast Hills."

She said the team, which is also appealing for volunteers, is eager to ensure the site reflects the "diverse voices and stories of those connected to it".

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