What was it like to be a woman behind bars in 19th-century Newcastle?
Join us ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March) for the launch of a powerful new exhibition, running from 5 March to 27 April, which uncovers the hidden histories of women in Newcastle Prison.
Drawing on Newcastle Prison: A History 1828–1925 (Tyne Bridge Publishing, 2025), the exhibition brings to light the stories of young girls, women affected by poverty and addiction, and suffragettes who challenged the boundaries of their time. Together, these voices reveal the realities of crime, punishment and resilience in a society shaped by inequality.
The exhibition incorporates the ‘Story Chair’, developed for Newcastle Cathedral in 2023 through a unique collaboration involving women with lived experience of the criminal justice system, bringing together Changing Lives, Northumbria University and the National Trust, with additional support from the North East Probation Service and the British Academy.
Launch event programme:
Short talks from all four authors of Newcastle Prison: A History 1828–1925 – Patrick Low, Shane McCorristine, Helen Rutherford and Clare Sandford-Couch – sharing insights into the research and stories behind the book. There will be time for questions, with copies of the book available to purchase and the opportunity to view the exhibition.
An update from Changing Lives on the legacy of the Story Chair, which has since toured several further venues, carrying profound meaning for the women who contributed to its creation and ensuring authentic representation.
Poetry, folk tunes and ballads from Harry Gallagher, Miggins Fiddle (Marina Dodgson & Maurice Condie) and Bridget Gallagher. Marina and Maurice lead the weekly folk tunes session at Café 16 in the Cathedral Refectory.
This event is ticketed on a 'Give As You Feel' basis, with a suggested donation of £5. Booking is encouraged to help us plan seating. Refreshments will be available from the Oswin Project, the charity that operates Café 16 in the Cathedral Refectory, which gives second chances to people with criminal records.
After the launch event, the exhibition will be open free of charge during standard Cathedral opening hours – no booking required. We look forward to welcoming you!
Join us ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March) for the launch of a powerful new exhibition, running from 5 March to 27 April, which uncovers the hidden histories of women in Newcastle Prison.
Drawing on Newcastle Prison: A History 1828–1925 (Tyne Bridge Publishing, 2025), the exhibition brings to light the stories of young girls, women affected by poverty and addiction, and suffragettes who challenged the boundaries of their time. Together, these voices reveal the realities of crime, punishment and resilience in a society shaped by inequality.
The exhibition incorporates the ‘Story Chair’, developed for Newcastle Cathedral in 2023 through a unique collaboration involving women with lived experience of the criminal justice system, bringing together Changing Lives, Northumbria University and the National Trust, with additional support from the North East Probation Service and the British Academy.
Launch event programme:
Short talks from all four authors of Newcastle Prison: A History 1828–1925 – Patrick Low, Shane McCorristine, Helen Rutherford and Clare Sandford-Couch – sharing insights into the research and stories behind the book. There will be time for questions, with copies of the book available to purchase and the opportunity to view the exhibition.
An update from Changing Lives on the legacy of the Story Chair, which has since toured several further venues, carrying profound meaning for the women who contributed to its creation and ensuring authentic representation.
Poetry, folk tunes and ballads from Harry Gallagher, Miggins Fiddle (Marina Dodgson & Maurice Condie) and Bridget Gallagher. Marina and Maurice lead the weekly folk tunes session at Café 16 in the Cathedral Refectory.
This event is ticketed on a 'Give As You Feel' basis, with a suggested donation of £5. Booking is encouraged to help us plan seating. Refreshments will be available from the Oswin Project, the charity that operates Café 16 in the Cathedral Refectory, which gives second chances to people with criminal records.
After the launch event, the exhibition will be open free of charge during standard Cathedral opening hours – no booking required. We look forward to welcoming you!
Event Dates
| Date | Available Ticket Types | Ticket Price | Book Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
|
4th March 2026, 6:30pm |
|
| Book Now |
