North East heritage projects lock in funding
The boat has come in for programmes aimed at highlighting working class histories. Tony Henderson reports.
New funding will highlight the importance of a Northumberland town in prison history.
The Grade I listed Hexham Old Gaol and Moot Hall is England’s oldest prison and with the town’s House of Correction, forms England’s oldest prison system.
Historic England has given an £18,000 grant to back a project led by Museums Northumberland, supported by partners, to raise awareness of these significant buildings.
“Despite their historical significance, these buildings are often overlooked locally and beyond,” said a Historic England spokesperson.
A Scheduled Ancient Monument (that is, an archaeological site which has been classified as being nationally important), the Old Gaol was built in 1333 using stone from Corbridge Roman site located three miles away. The House of Correction was added in the early 1800s.
The project seeks to bring these buildings to the forefront, and reveal the stories of working class people who encountered the local judicial system.
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Jo Raw, chief operating officer at Museums Northumberland said: "We are delighted to receive the support from Historic England and the opportunity to work with our communities to discover and bring to life the untold stories of our historic buildings.
“It is an exciting project that aims to reimagine Hexham's heritage for new audiences and people of all ages and abilities can learn about the history of the buildings, their impact on the local area, and the how they continue to play a part in the story of Northumberland today.”
An award of £23,000 has also been made to the When the Boat Comes In project, involving the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle.
This venture will explore stories of working class life on North Shields Fish Quay, uncovering the heritage of the town’s fishing community.
Through the stories and experiences of those whose lives are shaped by the quay and its industries, the project will focus on the fishing industry set against a changing industrial landscape.
The outcomes, curated by the fishing community and facilitated by Tyneside Cinema and partners, will form part of the celebrations marking 800th anniversary of the town,
Tyneside Cinema’s Ellen Wiltshire said: “Tyneside Cinema are delighted to have Historic England’s support to explore the heritage of the fishing industry in North Shields.
“This is important to our community because it will showcase working class stories and bring them to the foreground as part of a wider celebration of culture and creativity in North Shields.”
The awards are part of the Everyday Heritage grants programme which celebrates working class histories.
“Heritage is all around us and can be a valued source of pride to local people,” said a spokesperson for Historic England, which runs the programme.
“Every one of the projects is community-led, linking people to sometimes overlooked historic places on their doorstep and the stories behind them. ”
Duncan Wilson, chief executive, Historic England, said: “We are all surrounded by inspiring historic buildings, landscapes and streets, rural and coastal heritage. These projects will shine a light on the stories of local, working class people and their extraordinary contributions to our shared history.
“Connecting with our heritage helps us to feel that we belong and to feel pride in our local area.”