Newcastle History 

On the opposite bank of the Tyne stands Newcastle, capital of the northeast and successful mix of ancient and modern. The Romans had fort to protect the Tyne and after the Norman Conquest when the ‘new castle’ was built on the same site the modern day name came into being.

Newcastle has been an important coalmining centre since medieval times because the local coalfields lay close to the surface and the port opened up a number of trade links. The ready availability of coal meant that come the Industrial Revolution the town was well placed to step up and play its part and at one time a quarter of the world’s ships were built in Newcastle. Like many other industrialised places the majority of building work was carried out in the first half of the 19th century but the local architects eschewed the contemporary passion for Gothic revival and the town was built on more Classical lines.

In a familiar story the 19th century boom times were followed by early 20th century depression with industrial regions being most badly affected. In 1936 200 Jarrow men marched from their hometown to London with a petition bearing 11,000 signatures, to protest against unemployment and hunger.

Newcastle & Gateshead Travel Guide