Three local heritage sites have been shortlisted for a national award that seeks to celebrate places telling the stories of ordinary people. The Everyday History Heroes competition, backed by broadcaster and historian David Olusoga, has placed Jesmond Old Cemetery on the shortlist alongside Cragend Farm in Rothbury and Berwick Record Office.
What the shortlist recognises
The competition, organised by Heritage Open Days in partnership with family-history site Findmypast and supported by Mr Olusoga, aims to spotlight locations that preserve and share the lives and labours of local communities rather than the better-known national figures. Voting is open to the public until 31 August, and winners will be announced on 10 September.
“History isn't just about the famous names we learn in school. It's about millions of ordinary people whose actions shaped the world we live in today,”
Olusoga urged people to explore the shortlist and cast their votes, describing the scheme as a way to connect communities with the everyday past.
What each site is being recognised for
The three north-eastern sites were cited for different focuses:
- Cragend Farm, Rothbury — recognised for sharing the stories of agricultural labourers, tenant farmers and local families.
- Jesmond Old Cemetery, Newcastle — noted for illustrating the human stories behind headstones and memorials.
- Berwick Record Office, Berwick-upon-Tweed — highlighted for material that charts those who shaped the town.
Across England a total of 24 sites are competing in the scheme, each selected for their role in preserving and interpreting everyday history.
Why this matters locally
Jesmond Old Cemetery's inclusion places a Newcastle site into the national spotlight and could boost local engagement with heritage. Recognition from a scheme linked to a high-profile historian can increase visitor interest, encourage community volunteers and strengthen arguments for funding or conservation work. The award is decided by public vote, meaning local residents can directly influence which local stories receive wider recognition.
| Site | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Cragend Farm | Rothbury | Agricultural labourers, tenant farmers, local families |
| Jesmond Old Cemetery | Newcastle | Stories behind headstones and memorials |
| Berwick Record Office | Berwick-upon-Tweed | Lives of town-shaping figures |
Voting details are published as part of the Everyday History Heroes competition materials; members of the public wishing to support any of the shortlisted sites will need to cast their votes before the end of August. Winners will be revealed on 10 September.
For Newcastle residents, Jesmond Old Cemetery’s place on the shortlist offers a timely reminder of the richness of locally held history and the role community sites play in telling wider social stories.
