Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Day 1
Tuesday 7th July, 2026
We set off down the road to find the closest Metro and travelled into the city centre. We followed the suggestions of our hosts and spent hours in the Discovery Centre. It covers off on the history of Newcastle through the Ages – Roman, Norman, Medieval, Stuart, Georgian, Victorian to the Twentieth Century.
In Roman Times Emperor Hadrian visited Britain and ordered a wall to be built across northern England to guard against the Scots.
In Norman Times Newcastle was ruled by Scotland.
In 1095 Newcastle was taken under Royal control.
Town Hutch – this large wooden chest was used by the town government for the safe-keeping of money, books and important documents. Every year 8 men were elected to hold a key to one of the 9 locks.on the Hutch. The 9th key was held by the Mayor and only when all 9 men were present could the Hutch be opened.
Medical instruments including an amputation knife, a bone saw and a bullet extractor.
In Medieval Times defensive walls were built around Newcastle. Henry IV grants Newcastle the right to self-government.
In Georgian Times Earl Grey of Newcastle becomes Prime Minister of England.
Exotic animals on show
In Victorian Times the Great Fire of Newcastle destroys most of Quayside and kills 53 people. In 1882 Newcastle becomes a city.
The Temperance Society is a force to be reckoned with
In 1876 the Swing Bridge opens. The Italian Navy’s transport steamer ‘Europa’ collects what was then the largest gun in the world (100 tonnes) from Armstrong Ordinance Works.
By 1860 the Tyne was the 2nd busiest river in Britain.
This is a replica of a Tyne Foyboat. Foyboats helped ships moor in the river. They had a crew of 2. They sailed out to sea to meet the incoming ships and agreed on a foy (mooring fee) with the captain. The foyboat was then towed by the ship into the river and the foyboatmen would fastened the ship to mooring buoys. It was very dangerous work and often foymen drowned. By the 1960’s the sailing foyboats were replaced by motor launches.
A display of some of the model ships and boats built at the Newcastle ship yards
Sculpture in the city centre
We visited the Lit & Phil or more precisely the The Literary and Philosophical Society. It’s a library.
The Library is on the 1st floor
Once inside the upper story of the Library is revealed
We continued to wander.
Remnants of the Town Wall that was built in the 14th century
Three of the bridges crossing the Tyne – the High Level Bridge, the Swing Bridge and the Tyne Bridge.
The Tyne Bridge. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was modeled on the Tyne Bridge
Buildings down by the bridges
Steps down by the river
Walking uptown
Pleased To Meet You and a very cheeky monkey
Grey Street
Monument to Earl Grey
Leave a Reply