CLOTH / FLESH MARKET

Centrefor Life

Castle Keep

GatesheadHeritage Centre

VaneContemporaryArt

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The Tyne Theatre

St Andrew’s Church

GatesheadMillennium Bridge

The SageGatesheadHillgate

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Grey Street

Theatre Royal

Newcastle Central Station

Tyneside Cinema

Black Gate

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Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas

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Moot HallBessie Surtees

Castle Stairs

Church of St. John the Baptist

Statue of Queen Victoria

Vermont Hotel

Old General Post Office

Bridge Hotel

High Level Bridge

The Gate

CoachParking

Swing Bridge

Blackfriars& Chinatown

Grainger Town

Literary & Philosophical Society

MARKET STREET

Quayside

Discovery& Stephenson Town Wall

Central Arcade

Guildhall

North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers

George Stephenson Monument

RutherfordFountain

St. Mary’sCathedral

Church of St. John the Baptist

North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers

Literary & Philosophical Society

Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas

Statue of Queen Victoria

Old General Post Office

Castle Keep

Black GateVermont Hotel

Moot Hall

Castle StairsBridge Hotel

Side Gallery

The Cluny & 36 Lime Street

NorthernStage

Centrefor Life

GatesheadHeritage Centre

WorkplaceGallery

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Ouseburn Farm

The Star & Shadow The Art WorksGalleries

The Tyne Theatre

St Andrew’s Church

St Anne’s Church

Mill Road

Hawks Road

Baltic Square

Sandgate Mariners Wharf

St Ann’s

Lime StreetBallast Hills

The SageGatesheadHillgate

Quay

Quayside

Grey Street

Theatre Royal

John Dobson StreetHaymarketBus Station

Newcastle Central Station

GatesheadInterchange

High Street

Great North Museum

StepneyBankStables

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Bessie Surtees

Cumberland Arms

Ballast HillsPark

Spillers QuayWalker Road

High Level Bridge

BALTICMushroomWorks

CoachParking

NewcastleUniversityLibrary

NewcastleUniversity

Northumbria University

CityLibrary

Swing Bridge

Blackfriars& Chinatown

NewcastleCity Centre

GatesheadTown Centre

BrandlingVillage

Jesmond Vale

Ouseburn

Battle Field

Haymarket

Grainger Town

Gateshead Quays

EastGateshead

Nocturne

Eldon GardenShopping Centre

St LawrencePark

MedicalSchool

Entrance to Victoria Tunnel

Ouseburn Barrage

Quayside

Discovery& Stephenson

Town Wall

Central Arcade

Guildhall

Old Newcastle

Quayside

St James’& Leazes

Quayside

One squarerepresentsapproximately4 minutes walk

St. Mary’sCathedral

TrinityHouse

TyneBridge

River Tyne

Explore

HeritageOld Newcastle

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Free heritage guide and map

Old Newcastle

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Where the story begins

Visitor Information Centres can help you plan your visit before you arrive and offer excellent advice while you are here - as well as selling tickets and souvenirs to take home with you.

Newcastle Visitor Information Centres are located at Market Street next to Central Arcade and at Guildhall, Quayside.

Newcastle Visitor Information 0191 277 8000

Newcastle City Walking Tours 0191 277 8000www.newcastlegateshead.com

For all local travel information, call Traveline on 0871 200 2233, or visit a Nexus Travelshop located within Metro Stations at Newcastle Central Station, Haymarket, Monument or Gateshead Interchange.

There are many more subtle layers and social histories to explore. The Side is one of Newcastle’s remaining medieval streets. Charles Avison once graced the area with his tuneful concertos, in London style, whilst the workshop of Ralph Beilby and Thomas Bewick was at Amen Corner just behind St. Nicholas Cathedral. Admiral Lord Collingwood, who took over command at the Battle of Trafalgar (21st Oct 1805) after the death of Admiral Lord Nelson, was baptised and married in St. Nicholas Cathedral and Mosley Street was the first street to be lit by the incandescent light bulb.

FindOld NewcastleAmen Corner D3

Bigg Market C2

Black Gate D3

Bridge Hotel D4

Castle Keep D3

Castle Stairs D4

Cloth / Flesh Market C2

Cathedral Church of D2St. Nicholas

Church of St. John the Baptist B3

George Stephenson Monument B3

Literary & Philosophical Society C3

North of England C3Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers

Old General Post Office C3

Statue of Queen Victoria D2

Vermont Hotel D3

QuaysideAll Saints’ Church

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

Bessie Surtees House

The Sage

Trinity House

Discovery & StephensonDiscovery Museum

Grainger Memorial Fountain

Newcastle Central Station

St. Mary’s Cathedral

Grainger TownAlderman Fenwick’s House

Assembly Rooms

Bank of England Building

Central Exchange & Arcade

City War Memorial

Clayton Street

Cross House & Joseph Cowen Statue

Emerson Chambers

Grainger Market

Grainger Street

Grey’s Monument

Old Newcastle showcases some of Newcastle’s finest history and architecture…

On St. Nicholas Street, between the Cathedral and the Black Gate, you will find an excellent spot for viewing the Cathedral, Black Gate and Castle Keep.

Visitor information Transport

Visitor Information Centre

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Travel Information CentreToiletsFootpathCyclewayMulti-storey car parksQuaylinkMetro stationRailway stationBusesTaxis

Visit Old Newcastle to explore nearly 2000 years of history all packed into half a square mile. Whether you want to explore, take in the fine architecture or discover the rich heritage of the historic heart of Newcastle, there's something here for everyone.

Explore the site of the Roman Fort of Pons Aelius or visit one of the UK’s finest examples of a Norman stone keep or donjon. Stop in at The Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, with its fine 15th century Lantern Tower which for centuries guided ships up the Tyne or take a leisurely stroll around The Black Gate, a Barbican built to the north entrance of the Castle during the reign of King Henry III.

Further information about Old Newcastle and the work being carried out to revitalise the area can be found at:

www.oldnewcastle.org.uk

Walking tours of Old Newcastle can be found at:

www.oldnewcastle.org.uk/walking-tours

Welcome to Old Newcastle, Where the Story Begins

Blackfriars & Chinatown

Grainger Town

Quayside

Gateshead Quays

Discovery & Stephenson

Surrounding quarters

To the best of our knowledge the information provided here was accurate at the time of going to print © 2010.

Where the story beginsDiscover Old Newcastle

Stairs and StreetsThe Close and Side are two of Newcastle’s surviving medieval streets.

Amen Corner is where clergy came to the end of prayer taken in procession around the outside of the Cathedral. The workshop of Ralph Beilby and his apprentice and eventual business partner Thomas Bewick were at Amen Corner.

Dog Leap Stairs lead from the Castle Garth to Side. In 1772 Baron Eldon, later Lord Chancellor of England, eloped with Bessie Surtees, the daughter of a local merchant. Local folklore suggests they made their escape on horseback up Dog Leap Stairs however there is no solid evidence to support this. Dog Leap Stairs is also mentioned in the 1978 song ‘Down to the Waterline’ by Dire Straits.

A group of businessmen known as ‘Hostmen’ held a monopoly over the export of coal from the River Tyne. They welcomed visiting merchants, brought them up from the Quayside through the streets and chares and provided them with accommodation as well as introducing them to local traders. ’Hostmen’ acted as middlemen between coal producers and shipping merchants.

Nearby Mosley Street was the first street in the world to be lit by the incandescent light bulb, invented by Sir Joseph Swan and first demonstrated at the Literary & Philosophical Society on Westgate Road in 1880. The street facilitated east-west communication between the Flesh Market and Pilgrim Street. The street was named after Mr Alderman Mosley who was instrumental in promoting the material improvement of Newcastle.

Collingwood Street, named after Admiral Lord Collingwood, was opened in 1810 in the year of his death and provided better through access between Pilgrim Street and Westgate.

Neville Street takes its name from Neville Tower.

Welcome to Old Newcastle, where the story begins. Whether you want to explore, take in the fine architecture or discover the rich heritage of the historic heart of Newcastle, this guide will help you start and make the most of your visit.

Cathedral Church of St. NicholasIts 15th century lantern tower dominates the skyline of the area. Formerly Newcastle’s major parish church, it was given Cathedral status in 1882, the same year that Newcastle was made a City. It is the mother church of the most northerly diocese in England. There has been a Christian church on this site for about 900 years.

Dating mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries with additions such as the 18th century library, the Grade I Listed Cathedral retains many important features. Key among these are the early 15th century font, 16th century lectern and the organ that was built in 1676 and is still played today.

With strong links to the sea and the Tyne the Cathedral’s spire, built in 1448, served as a navigation point for ships in the Tyne for over 500 years. There is a memorial in the Cathedral to Danish seamen who died in the Second World War.

One of the most important English concerto composers of the 18th century Charles Avison was born, worked and died in Newcastle. In 1736 he was appointed organist at St. Nicholas Cathedral (then church), giving him both a regular income and musical status.

Inside the Cathedral a monument celebrates Admiral Lord Collingwood, who played a central role in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and successfully concluded the battle after Nelson was mortally wounded. He was baptised and married in St. Nicholas and each year a wreath is laid in his memory in front of the monument on 21st October, the date of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The Cathedral plays a focal role in the lives of many of Newcastle’s residents and holds many special services, events and exhibitions.

The Black GateBuilt between 1247 and 1250 during the reign of King Henry III, The Black Gate was the gatehouse to the barbican, and the last major addition to the Castle defences. It strengthened the defences for the north gate of the Castle. The Black Gate is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is Grade I Listed.

Consisting of an arched passage flanked by two towers it was approached by a turning bridge at both the front and rear. The bridges could be closed quickly using counterweights and the front of the Black Gate could be sealed by a portcullis.

Castle KeepThe Castle Keep is one of the finest Norman stone keeps or donjons surviving in Britain today. It sits upon a steep-sided promontory guarding a vital crossing point over the River Tyne on the site previously occupied by the Roman fort Pons Aelius, an Anglo-Saxon cemetery (serving a nearby settlement probably called Monkchester) and the Norman castle from which the City takes its name. The Roman bridge was somewhere near the modern Swing Bridge.

Robert Curthose, eldest son of William the Conqueror, built the motte and bailey castle in 1080. Maurice the engineer rebuilt the Castle in stone between 1168 and 1178 for the King, Henry II and went on to design and build Dover Castle. King John added to it in the early 13th century.

After the completion of the town wall in the mid 14th century the Castle was isolated within these new defences, and became militarily redundant, but was refortified during the Civil War (1642-1648). During the siege of the town in 1644 the Castle became the last stronghold of the Royalist defenders. 40,000 Scottish troops successfully besieged Newcastle for three months.

Moot HallThe Grade I Listed Moot Hall was built in 1811 to replace the medieval Moot Hall as the County Court. Traditionally a moot hall is a meeting place or assembly building, particularly for deciding local issues.

The Moot Hall, along with the Castle Keep and the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, played a key role in the keeping of justice in Newcastle through the ages. The Cathedral was used as the County Assizes court for two years when the Old Moot Hall was demolished in 1810. The Castle Keep was used as the county gaol for many years.

The entrance is up a broad flight of sandstone steps and Grecian portico to the entry hall and magnificent staircase beyond, leading to a balcony on the first floor. The chandelier lit Grand Jury Room has splendid views over the River Tyne and its bridges. Two traditional oak courtrooms dating from 1875 have trapdoors in the docks leading down to the cell area with original studded doors and shackle rings. Both courts have Judges benches with oak canopies and extensive public galleries.

Cultural LifeAround the Church of St. Nicholas a variety of market activities developed and this area became the main market district of Newcastle. These activities are commemorated in the surrounding street names, including Cloth Market, Groat Market, and Bigg Market (‘bigg’ was a variety of barley grown in the North East of England).

Charles Avison (1709 – 1770) was one of the finest English concerto composers of the 18th century and music director of the Newcastle Music Society. He wrote more than 40 concertos and was organist at St. Nicholas Church from 1736 until his death.

Church of St. John the BaptistThis 12th century Grade I Listed parish church is one of the oldest in Newcastle, erected around 1130. The Church was extended several times before about 1450. Some evidence of the original building remains, but most of what can be seen is 14th century. In the chancel north window is the earliest known representation of Newcastle’s coat of arms, in glass, dating from 1375. Newcastle University’s Society of Bell Ringers continues the 500 year tradition of bells being rung in the Church.

Inside the Church is a monument to Richard Grainger, a prominent figure in the urban redevelopment of Newcastle who also worked with John Dobson and Thomas Oliver. Grainger’s work can be seen throughout the City centre.

High Level BridgeCompleted in 1849 and designed by Robert Stephenson the High Level Bridge was the solution to a complex problem, that of spanning 400 metres of river valley, 156 metres of which is across water. Officially opened by Queen Victoria in September 1849 it was the world’s first dual-decked rail and road bridge.

The High Level Bridge, along with the Royal Border Bridge at Berwick upon Tweed, completed the London-Edinburgh railway that is now known as the East Coast Main Line.

The Grade I Listed High Level Bridge soon became a favourite landmark in Newcastle and even inspired James Hill, a local fiddler, to write the High Level Hornpipe in 1849.

The height of the medieval building is unknown; the present top two floors, roof and additional arch over the passage were added in the early 17th century when the gatehouse was turned into a house by Alexander Stephenson who leased the Black Gate from King James I. Other houses were gradually built within the area enclosed by the Castle walls and around the Black Gate.

The Castle Keep has many important features, including the late Norman chapel, with its carved chevrons and chains of beads, and the well, which is nearly 100 feet deep, allowing fresh water to be provided to the Castle during a siege. For security, access to the Keep was via an external stair to the great hall on the second floor. The climb to the roof, where guns were mounted in the 19th century and fired on ceremonial occasions, is well worth it for the views of the River Tyne and its famous bridges. Seven of the ten bridges between Newcastle and Gateshead can be seen.

Call 0191 232 7938 for current opening hours and admission charges.

Ralph Beilby (1743-1817) was a founder member of Newcastle’s Literary & Philosophical Society. Proficient in many skills, Beilby took over the family business and in 1767 he took on Thomas Bewick (1753-1828) as an apprentice engraver.

Thomas Bewick was most famous for his ‘History of British Birds’, but he also illustrated ‘Aesop’s Fables’. He gave his name to the species Bewick’s Swan, and Bewick’s Wren. The Bewick Memorial and a commemorative plaque mark where his workshop was at Amen Corner from about 1790.

The choir stalls were made by Robert Thompson of Yorkshire, and his trademark mouse can be seen if you look closely.

Five of the windows were designed by William Wailes (1808 – 1881), who had one of England’s largest stained glass workshops in the 19th century. He also designed windows in Gloucester Cathedral, Chichester Cathedral, and the Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of St. Mary, in Newcastle.

Back towards the Cathedral in Amen Corner can be seen the so-called ‘Vampire Rabbit’. Mystery surrounds this sculpture but its long ears suggest it might in fact be a hare. Is it a reference to hares, a Christian symbol for the advent of spring, or a reference to engraver Thomas Bewick, whose workshop was nearby, and whose work included many representations of hares? What do you think? Whatever the explanation, it is certainly an entertaining addition to Newcastle’s architecture.

Neville Hall houses the Nicholas Wood memorial library, formed by the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers in 1852 and reputed to be the largest mining related library in the world. The present Grade II* Listed building dates from 1872. Many of the North East’s finest have been associated with, worked or lectured here including Nicholas Wood, Sir William Armstrong and Robert Stephenson.

Founded in 1793 as a ‘conversation club’ The Literary & Philosophical Society houses over 150,000 books. The Society held various groundbreaking demonstrations of new technology, such as George Stephenson’s miners’ safety lamp in 1815. The current building was opened in 1825 and is Grade II* Listed. The lecture theatre was the first public room to be lit by electric light, during a lecture by Sir Joseph Swan in 1880. Past members include Sir William Armstrong, Thomas Bewick, John Dobson, Richard Grainger, Charles 2nd Earl Grey, Robert Stephenson, Joseph Swan and Neil Tennant.

Created by sculptor Sir Albert Gilbert, the Grade II* Listed Queen Victoria Monument stands in front of St. Nicholas Cathedral. Unveiled in 1903, two years after Queen Victoria’s death, it was a gift from W.H. Stephenson, a politician and wealthy company director who was Mayor seven times. He was a generous benefactor of the City and also paid for the construction of three libraries and two Methodist chapels. The monument was built to commemorate 500 years of the office of Sheriff in Newcastle, first granted in 1400 by Henry IV.

The tower was named after the Neville family, Earls of Westmorland, who had a seat at Raby Castle, County Durham. The Nevilles had a town house, Westmorland Place, on the site of the present Literary & Philosophical Society and North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers.

Both Beilby and Bewick went on to great success and only ended their partnership in 1797 after 20 years at Amen Corner.

Ralph Hedley (1848-1913) designed the chancel furnishings for St. Nicholas Cathedral. He was a painter, woodcarver and illustrator best known for his paintings of everyday life in the North of England. Many of his works can be seen in the Laing Art Gallery.

The name by which the Black Gate is now known refers to Patrick Black, a London merchant who occupied the building later in the 17th century.

There were many families and a number of shops in the Castle and during the 19th century there was even a public house in the Black Gate.

By the early 19th century the Black Gate had become a slum tenement at one time housing 60 people. Only during the 1840s with the construction of the railway did the clearance of the area begin.

Described on completion as the most perfect specimen of Doric architecture in the North of England, the Moot Hall has columned porticos at the front and rear.

Still used as a court room from Monday to Friday it is not normally open to the public.Facing the Moot Hall is the12-storey, Manhattan style, Northumberland County Hall (now the Vermont Hotel), built in 1910. A Grade II Listed building it was, until 1974, a detached part of the County of Northumberland.

Nearby is the three-storey Bridge Hotel. It is an attractive, Grade II Listed, Art Nouveau public house, built around 1899 with spectacular views of Robert Stephenson’s High Level Bridge.

The High Level Bridge closed to traffic in 2005 for repairs and reopened in 2008, once again carrying trains on the higher level, and limited traffic and pedestrians below.

Robert Stephenson was a civil engineer. He was the only son of George Stephenson, the famed locomotive builder and railway engineer. Robert Stephenson & Co. started the world's first, purpose-built locomotive factory on South Street, here in Newcastle. It was in this factory that they designed 'The Rocket' which competed in and won the 'Rainhill Trials'. As a result Robert Stephenson & Co. were given the contract to produce locomotives for the new Liverpool & Manchester Railway.

Charles Avison (Courtesy St. Nicholas Cathedral)

Richard Grainger (Courtesy Newcastle Libraries)

Robert Stephenson

Admiral Lord Collingwood

Thomas Bewick