Jesmond Old Cemetery, on Jesmond Road near its junction with Sandyford Road, has been shortlisted for a national award celebrating the “everyday people who shaped” England. The cemetery is one of 24 sites shortlisted for the Everyday History Heroes award, which celebrates “grassroots histories that often go untold”.

The award was launched by historian and broadcaster David Olusoga OBE through a partnership between Heritage Open Days and Findmypast, the UK family history website.

Jesmond Old Cemetery was nominated by Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery (FOJOC), the volunteer organisation which helps conserve and promote the historic burial site. Ray Hayes, secretary of FOJOC, told JesmondLocal the cemetery had been nominated because of its “contribution to the local community” through its tours and celebration of local people.

If the cemetery wins, Hayes said the £1,000 prize money would be used to improve its interpretation resources. FOJOC hopes to produce more leaflets “aimed at adults”, offering walks through Jesmond Old Cemetery based around “prominent names” buried there.

Founded in 1836, Jesmond Old Cemetery was originally established as a private cemetery away from Newcastle city centre. Almost 25,000 people from a wide range of backgrounds are now buried there, from solicitors and builders to songwriters. They include some well-known names from Newcastle’s history, such as architect John Dobson, who designed Newcastle Central Station, and Joe Wilson, a 19th-century songwriter and performer known for writing in the Geordie dialect.

Voting for the award closes on 31 August, with the national winner and seven regional winners due to be announced on 10 September. You can cast your vote here.