This Life Register serves as a cornerstone of the Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG) project, aiming to catalogue the live records of over 37,000 individuals buried or memorialised at BHBG. Volunteers, equipped with a brief induction, are starting to input information gleaned from burial registers, grave inscriptions, and other sources into this web-based database. Eventually, segments of the Life Register will be searchable by the public. If you're passionate about preserving history and wish to contribute as a volunteer, please reach out to us at ballast.hills@newcastle.uc.uk.

Ballast BHBG, situated in the Byker Ward of Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England, is a hidden gem of historical significance and a cherished open green space. For over two centuries, BHBG served as Newcastle's primary non-conformist burial ground, potentially tracing its origins back to the early 1600s until its closure in 1853. Despite its profound historical importance, BHBG has remained relatively unknown, lacking the level of engagement and research it truly merits. Our mission is to unveil and honour the legacy of this special place, offering fitting interpretation and commemoration to those interred within its hallowed grounds.

With urban changes, BHBG's identity as a burial site has faded, impacting social ties and historical memory. Our project, led by Newcastle University and partners (Ouseburn Trust, Newcastle City Council, Tyne and Wear Archives, Newcastle City Libraries, and the Northumberland and Durham Family History Society), aims to restore BHBG's significance through research and community engagement. Join us to safeguard and celebrate its legacy. Whether you're local, a history buff, or tracing your roots, there are ways to get involved. Volunteer to preserve its heritage or join our "Friends" group to shape BHBG's future.

Discover more about the full BHBG project at blogs.ncl.ac.uk/ballast-hills/.