‘The Forgotten Famine’ a short film on the Newtownards workhouse burial ground

I am thrilled to share this short film on the hidden history of an unassuming green space in my hometown of Newtownards. A community group looking into aspects of forgotten heritage of the local area put together an idea to tell the story of this forgotten burial ground and the awful circumstances which brought it into being.

I was employed as historical consultant for the resulting production. While I am always interested in anything workhouse-related (and especially about workhouse burial grounds), I was particularly pleased to be involved due to the fact that I am from Newtownards. I was born in the workhouse (although by that time, it was the Ards Hospital). I have visited this green space and marvelled at how such a tragic place was tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac where people walked their dogs.

The community group has now formed Hearts of Down and will hold an official launch event later this summer. Until then, please watch and share this beautiful short film which tells an important story about life, death, hunger and wealth.

Credits of the team behind the film