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MAC Newcastle upon Tyne - Historical Background
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During the construction of Hadrian's Wall in the second century AD the Tyne was bridged somewhere near the current site of the Swing Bridge. The bridge, and the fort at its northern end, were known as Pons Aelius. Next to this fort was a vicus, - a village that would have housed those people who were providing goods and services to the garrison. This was the beginning of the settlement that would become Newcastle. Roman occupation ceased with the collapse of the Empire early in the fifth century AD. Few Roman remains have been found in central Newcastle, because subsequent development of the city has destroyed them. Further out of the city, however, the sites of Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum, and Segedunum have yielded a wealth of information, and both of these places aree worth visiting. Relics of this period can also be seen in the Museum of Antiquities at Newcastle University.

The Dark Ages

Some time after the departure of the Romans, the settlement on the north bank of the Tyne became known as Munecacaestre or Monkchester. This name suggests the presence of a monastery, but no firm evidence exists to prove it. In fact very little is known of the town during this turbulent period of raids and invasions from the Scots, the Angles, the Saxons, and the Vikings. Monkchester appears to have been less important than the nearby monastic settlements of Jarrow (a recreation of which can be seen at Bede's World), and Monkwearmouth, but by the tenth century it had developed into a port and trading centre.

The New Castle

In 1080 construction of the New Castle that would give the city its modern name was begun by Robert Curthose. The first castle was built of earth and timber, and it was not until 1168, under the orders of Henry II, that work on a stone structure commenced. The keep, (see picture) which can still be seen today, standing next to the main east coast railway line, dates from this time, although it has been added to and altered since. The Black Gate, which stands close to the keep, was built around 1250.

The Middle Ages

In 1400 the population of Newcastle was about 4000. Many of the inhabitants grew crops, and kept cattle which they would daily drive out to the common lands of the Town Moor for grazing. Industry had begun, however. Fulling and tanning were carried out in the Pandon area, and shipbuilding probably started in the thirteenth century. But what really brought prosperity to the area was coal mining, which had been practised on a small scale since pre-Roman times. The phrase “like taking coals to Newcastle” which has entered the language to describe a futile exercise, shows just how closely the commodity and the area have always been linked.

Victorian Newcastle

The prosperity of Victorian times is still evident in the city. During the early years of Victoria's reign much of the city centre we can see today was designed and built by three visionary local men, Richard Grainger, John Clayton, and John Dobson, all of whom have streets named after them. The magnificence of Grainger Street, the curving grandeur of Grey Street, the splendour of the Theatre Royal, and the imposing Central Station were all built in the 1830s and 40s. In the 1890s Tynesider Charles Parsons invented the steam turbine, which (with only minor modifications to the original design) is still used in ships and power stations today.

Modern Times

Today Newcastle is a thriving city of a quarter of a million people, at the heart of the social, cultural, sporting, economic, and political life of the north-eastern region. It has undergone many upheavals in recent years. The loss of coal mining from the area, and of most shipbuilding from the river (between the wars an incredible one quarter of all merchant shipping launched in the world was built on the Tyne) were bitter blows. The city has not only survived, however, but has continued to prosper, attracting new jobs to replace some of those lost by the demise of the traditional industries. In spite of competition from the nearby Metro Centre, Newcastle still boasts bustling shops, particularly in the Eldon Square Shopping Centre and Northumberland Street, and is virtually unsurpassed for nightlife, having recently been voted the eighth best party city in the world by American travel experts Weissman Travel (it was the only UK city to make the top ten). In the sporting arena, Newcastle United continue to be one of the country's top football clubs, and the city is the starting point for the Great North Run, which annually attracts the world's top distance athletes, and tens of thousands of fun runners. All in all, Newcastle in the early years of the 21st century is a great place to live, and a great place to visit.







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Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum


Roman fort with fully reconstructed gateway
Baring Street
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE33 2BB
United Kingdom
+44 191 456 1369
The continuing excavations at Arbeia have revealed the remains of an important Roman fort and supply base near the eastern extremity of Hadrian's Wall. The Romans had a fort on the site from the first to the fourth century AD. Archaeologists have also found the remains of an Iron Age settlement that was there before the Romans and of two people who died violently during the Dark Ages. The life-size replica of the West gate was built on the site of the original gate and is an ideal introduction to what a fort's wall and defences were like. Plans are being made to rebuild the entire fort in something close to its original condition.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Bede's World


Living history from the golden age of Northumbria
Church Bank
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE32 3DY
United Kingdom
+44 191 489 2106
http://www.bedesworld.co.uk
Bede (AD673-735) was one of Europe's greatest scholars and the first person to record the history of the English nation. He lived and worked as a monk at Jarrow, just over the river from Newcastle. But don't think that Bede's World will be as dry as old books. It's a rich and varied exploration of the golden age of Northumbria which will keep you occupied for many hours. You can visit the 1300 year old St Paul's church and monastic site, Gyrwe, a working Anglo Saxon farm with its timber buildings and rare animal breeds, Jarrow Hall, a late Georgian house, and a museum that reveals the world in which Bede lived.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Bede's World photo by Mark Hume
Photo: Mark Hume
Bede's World photo by Matt Jones
Photo: Matt Jones
 

 
Black Gate


Part of the New Castle
Castle Garth
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 1RQ
United Kingdom
+44 191 261 5390
The Black Gate was originally built (at a cost of GBP500) between 1247 and 1250, under the orders of Henry III, to strengthen the entrance to the castle. Once the castle ceased to have any strategic importance in the middle ages, the gatehouse was put to a number of uses. In the 17th century two new stories were added, and it was converted into tenements. Until recently it housed a bagpipe museum (now moved a few miles up the A1 to become the Morpeth Bagpipe Museum), and it is currently the headquarters of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Non-members may be allowed to visit by permission of the society's chief librarian.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Black Gate photo by Andrew MacKay
Photo: Andrew MacKay
Black Gate photo by Les Bessant
Photo: Les Bessant
Black Gate photo by karin L
Photo: karin L
Black Gate photo by whooba
Photo: whooba
Black Gate photo by Jackson Smith
Photo: Jackson Smith
Black Gate photo by gd swift
Photo: gd swift
Black Gate photo by Margaret Grace Love
Photo: Margaret Grace Love
Black Gate photo by Mike Guess
Photo: Mike Guess
Black Gate photo by Ahsan Mansoor
Photo: Ahsan Mansoor
 

 
Castle


11th-century castle
The Society of Antiquaries
Castle Keep, Castle Garth
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 8QN
United Kingdom
+44 191 232 7938
The 'New Castle' from which the city derives its name was founded in 1080 by Robert Curthose, son of William the Conqueror, on the site of a Roman fort. It was originally a fortified enclosure of clay and wood, but was rebuilt in stone in the late 12th/early 13th century. Added to the site at this time were the keep, a gatehouse, and an enclosing wall. Visitors will see the keep's two Royal accommodation suites, a public hall, a private room, the garrison room, and a Norman chapel. The castle roof offers a spectacular - and once privileged - view of Newcastle, particularly the nearby river Tyne and its bridges. Because the castle retains the steep steps from years gone by, there is no disabled access.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Castle photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
City Centre


Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom
Newcastle's city centre is certainly not behind the times. The city centre has many shopping areas, including Eldon Square, where the largest Fenwick department store in the country is located. Northumberland Street was ranked as the most expensive shopping road in the U.K., outside of London, for sellers to rent out. The district also contains the largest music venue in the city, Metro Radio Arena, which seats 11,000. In addition to all the entertaining aspects of the city centre, it also plays host to the country's first Biotechnology Village, called the "Centre for Life." The city council considers it the first big step to making Newcastle the "science city."

Review © 2007, Wcities
City Centre photo by A Burney
Photo: A Burney
City Centre photo by thierry1498
Photo: thierry1498
City Centre photo by Mick Donnelly
Photo: Mick Donnelly
 

 
Eldon Square Shopping Centre


The retail centre of Newcastle
21, Whitecross Way
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 7JB
United Kingdom
+44 191 261 1891
http://www.eldon-square.co.uk
Regarded as the centre of Newcastle, Eldon Square offers a superb selection of retail outlets under one roof. The choice of shops is excellent, ranging from top national names like Boots, and Argos to lesser known local and specialist outlets. Information points are available and there are plenty of seating areas when a rest is required, and a variety of cafes and pubs to provide refreshment. Or if you prefer a more energetic option, Eldon Leisure is a fully equipped leisure and fitness facility. The malls can be exceptionally busy at weekends, but the crowds aren't a problem provided you relax and concentrate on browsing and buying from any of the 140 stores around the centre.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Eldon Square Shopping Centre photo by Mick Donnelly
Photo: Mick Donnelly
 

 
Great North Run


The world's biggest half marathon
Central Motorway
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
United Kingdom
+44 191 277 8000 (Tourist Information Centre)
http://www.onrunning.com/
Devised by former Olympic athlete Brendan Foster, and first staged in 1981, the annual Great North Run is now the world's biggest half marathon. The race always attracts the world's top distance runners, including World champions and Olympic medalists, but over 50,000 people of all running standards pound the 13.1 mile course from Newcastle, through Gateshead, to South Shields, in pursuit of personal achievement, or to raise money for charity.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Great North Run photo by tentwo.teneight
Photo: tentwo.teneight
Great North Run photo by John Doran-Armstrong
Photo: John Doran-Armstrong
Great North Run photo by Louise Milburn
Photo: Louise Milburn
Great North Run photo by Timothy Omer
Photo: Timothy Omer
Great North Run photo by Zoe Armstrong
Photo: Zoe Armstrong
Great North Run photo by Mark Walton
Photo: Mark Walton
Great North Run photo by Rick Heath
Photo: Rick Heath
Great North Run photo by craig leaper
Photo: craig leaper
 

 
Grey Street


Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom
From its towering column, the statue of Earl Grey (who instituted major electoral reforms in the nineteenth century, but is probably best remembered for the tea that bears his name) gazes along what former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman once called the finest curved street in England. Although generally quieter than the bustling streets around it, it does have pubs, restaurants, cafes, and a few shops. It also boasts the Victorian splendour of the Theatre Royal, which is regularly visited by prestigious touring companies, most notably the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Grey Street photo by Steve Crawford
Photo: Steve Crawford
Grey Street photo by moaksey
Photo: moaksey
Grey Street photo by Richard Gillespie
Photo: Richard Gillespie
Grey Street photo by Alex Mayer
Photo: Alex Mayer
Grey Street photo by Ricco Scheepers
Photo: Ricco Scheepers
Grey Street photo by Chris Chambers
Photo: Chris Chambers
 

 
Hadrian's Wall


World Heritage Site
The A69 between Newcastle and Carlisle runs parallel to Hadrian's Wall
Newcastle upon Tyne, NBL NE99 1DX
United Kingdom
http://www.hadrians-wall.org
The Romans built Hadrian's Wall in about AD122, defining the northernmost limit of the Roman Empire in Britain at that time. It ran 73 miles, coast to coast, and consisted of a stone built wall around seven metres high with a ditch to the north and a bigger bank and ditch earthwork (the Vallum) to the south. Turrets, milecastles, and forts were built at regular intervals. The course of the wall ran from Segedunum at Wallsend on the East Coast through Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Hadrian's Wall photo by Esther Millea
Photo: Esther Millea
Hadrian's Wall photo by Adam Waldron
Photo: Adam Waldron
Hadrian's Wall photo by Kyle Williams
Photo: Kyle Williams
Hadrian's Wall photo by Justin Short
Photo: Justin Short
 

 
Metro Centre


Europe's largest shopping and leisure complex
Centre Management Offices
The Metro Centre
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE11 9YG
United Kingdom
+44 191 493 0219
http://www.metrocentre-gateshe...
The Metro Centre is the largest shopping and leisure complex in Europe. Attractions include Metroland, Europe's largest indoor theme park, a bowling alley Megabowl, a multi screen cinema, more than 50 restaurants, bars, and cafes and over 330 shops. It also boasts 12,000 free parking spaces, a bus station, a railway station and a coach park. With something for everyone it is not difficult to see why 'The Metro Centre' has become the North's number one attraction with visitors from all corners of the globe.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Metro Centre photo by Annie Bedford
Photo: Annie Bedford
Metro Centre photo by Keith Lawler
Photo: Keith Lawler
Metro Centre photo by Kristine Jenssen
Photo: Kristine Jenssen
 

 
Museum of Antiquities


The Region's main museum of archaeology
The Quadrangle
University Of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 7RU
United Kingdom
+44 191 222 7849
http://museums.ncl.ac.uk/archive/
The museum's collection covers the period from 6000BC to 1600AD. Its specialism, however, is the Roman period - with finds from all along Hadrian's Wall. The Director, Lindsay Allason-Jones, is often seen on TV with Channel Four's Time Team as their Roman finds expert. The museum's displays are well presented and easily understood. A group of altars to the mysterious Roman god, Mithras, which were found on Hadrian's Wall, are central to the museum. A reconstruction of what a Mithraic temple was like can be seen at the museum. Admission: free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Segedunum


Roman bath house fort and museum
Buddle Street
Wallsend
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE28 6HR
United Kingdom
+44 191 236 9347
http://www.hadrians-wall.org/
This visitor attraction charts the history of a fort abandoned by the Romans over a millennium and a half ago. Segedunum features a reconstruction of a Roman Bath House, an interactive museum (with lots of audio and visual stimulation to keep adults and children interested), and on-going excavations of the fort and surrounding area. There is also an exhibition that traces the history of the area from the Roman occupation to the present day. Visitors can ascend the NASA-like viewing tower for a spectacular view of the site and wider Tyneside. Other visitor facilities include: cafe, giftshop, auditorium, and conference facilities. Admission: adults £2.95, children £1.95, family ticket £8.50.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Segedunum photo by Erron
Photo: Erron
Segedunum photo by P. Moore
Photo: P. Moore
Segedunum photo by den yil
Photo: den yil
Segedunum photo by Kyle Williams
Photo: Kyle Williams
Segedunum photo by Jeremy Ingham
Photo: Jeremy Ingham
Segedunum photo by Simon Wyn Jones
Photo: Simon Wyn Jones
 

 
Theatre Royal


Great Victorian theatre
100 Grey Street
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 6BR
United Kingdom
+44 87 0905 5060
http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/
One of the best provincial theatres in the UK, the Theatre Royal is situated on Grey Street, the most architecturally striking street in the city. Designed by Richard Grainger in 1837, the current building was refurbished in the late eighties. Its importance can be seen in the yearly residency of the Royal Shakespeare Company and in the breadth of star-name touring productions (drama, musicals, ballet, contemporary dance and opera) that it attracts. The theatre runs a programme of extra events: talks, master class recitals, workshops, lunches, and pre-performance suppers. Guided tours of the building can be arranged. The Matchams restaurant offers decent quality food at reasonable prices in elegant surroundings.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Theatre Royal photo by Nia Katranouschkova
Photo: Nia Katranouschkova
Theatre Royal photo by malcolm
Photo: malcolm
Theatre Royal photo by Carmen's Year
Photo: Carmen's Year
Theatre Royal photo by Steve Rosson
Photo: Steve Rosson
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Newcastle upon Tyne - Historical Background"
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne - Neighborhood Guide
Newcastle upon Tyne - Where to Stay
Newcastle upon Tyne - Dining & Drinking
Newcastle upon Tyne - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
York (119 miles)
Leeds (130 miles)
Edinburgh (149 miles)
Manchester (174 miles)
Sheffield (179 miles)
Glasgow (192 miles)
Liverpool (199 miles)
Birmingham (277 miles)
Belfast (280 miles)
Cambridge (325 miles)

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