The Story of Joe the Quilter's Cottage

The Tynedale cottage of murdered Joseph Hedley, better known as “Joe the Quilter”, is set to be replicated at Beamish Museum as part of the £17million Remaking Beamish project. Beamish and members of the community carried out an exciting archaeological dig at the site of Joe’s home that revealed some interesting finds, including a silver groat, an engraved metal plate and animal bone buttons. The museum and members of the community found the remains of Joe’s cottage, which was demolished in 1872, using old maps and descriptions of the crime. John Castling, Remaking Beamish Project Officer (Research & Design), said: “As archaeologists it’s extremely rare to be working on a site inhabited by a named individual about whom we know so much. “It’s even more unusual that the individual isn’t a royal or a wealthy landowner - in fact records suggest that before he was brutally murdered, Joe was a recipient of poor relief. “It gives us a poignant and tangible link to the day-to-day life of an ordinary working person in the early 19th century.” The museum plans to recreate Joe’s cottage in its Georgian area as part of Remaking Beamish developments. The expansion of the area will also include a coaching inn where visitors can stay the night. There are also plans to build a 1950s Town featuring a cinema, houses, a cafe and aged miners’ homes which will provide a centre for people living with dementia, their families and carers. Beamish has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a £10.75million grant for the project.