freemenTHE NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 9 NOVEMBER 2010 The Coat of Arms of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne

THE NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE freemenMAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2010 ISSUE 9

Front Cover photograph: Town Moor Cattle looking at an unexpected arrival, taken by Kevin Batey. Swearing in photographs taken by Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne, Official Photographer Steve Brock Photography: www.stevebrock.co.uk Tel: 0191 2863430 Foreword Contents

Editorial 4 Town Moor Working Group 4 Making use of the Town Moors 5 Town Moor Environment Program 6 News 7 Superintendents Report 8-9 News 10 As the next decade beckons, the Freemen of the City of Newcastle Michaelmas Guild 11 upon Tyne can with some measure of pride, reflect upon what we have Company Membership 12 achieved to ensure the Newcastle News 13 Town Moors continue to feature as the environmental jewel in our city Special Swearing in landscape. Ceremonies 14-18 In everything that we do, the protection and presentation of the Moors is the Social Event 19 overriding consideration. In essence this very distinct responsibility is the raison Sheriff Rode with Death 20-21 detre’ which binds the Freemen into the Richard Grainger 22-24 very future and wellbeing of the city. The Freemen may well be viewed Diary Dates 25 by the less than well informed as an anachronistic curiosity but in reality Notice Board 26 no other organisation can give such assurance of constancy, free of the prevailing political influence of any given era. 2010 was a year that did of course demonstrate the Freemen can rise to challenge, modernise and with gusto when called upon! We shall be doing all that we can to match expectations in 2011 and look Magazine Editor: Jim Johnson forward to hearing of your thoughts Tanners Company, Stewards Committee. and opinions, so do not hesitate to get in touch. The Newcastle upon Tyne Freemen Magazine, Moor Bank Lodge, Claremont Sir Leonard Fenwick Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4NL Chairman E-mail [email protected]

FreemenMagazine 03 Editorial

Welcome to the ninth publication at Moor Bank Lodge or by emailing of our magazine which as you [email protected]. would expect has a high volume of Even though the distribution list photographs as a result of the extra continues its growth to near 1400 we swearing in ceremonies giving so still have in excess of 130 Freemen not many memories for our new and receiving the magazine due to not existing readers. having their current address details, We continue to strive and offer a we remove double figures from the good mix of news and information distribution list every issue because on our organisation, while including a magazines are returned undelivered sprinkling of the historical events and due to Freemen not informing of their characters of the City and Freemen of change of circumstance, please keep Newcastle upon Tyne. us up to date with any change. Always conscious of the content becoming stale or predictable and May you all have a merry Christmas with this in mind we would seek your and a prosperous New Year. opinion or suggestions on how best to refresh the content. Please let us know your thoughts by dropping us a line

The Town Moor Joint Working Group. ‘Working in Partnership’

The Town Moor Joint Working Group consists of members of the Stewards Committee and representatives from various departments of the City Council together with Councillors to address matters of policy and actions arising there from as part of partnership working. Meetings are held two or three times a year and are very effective in resolving issues in a timely and constructive manner. All of this serves to reinforce the common purpose of doing what is best for the environment.

04 FreemenMagazine Making use of the Town Moors

The Town Moors are known as the lungs Act, which legislates 100 acres only of of the City, a place where the ‘Right of the 1200 may be let by the Freemen Air and Exercise’ can be freely taken and the City. The most prominent by all, visitors and residents alike. Apart enclosure is St James Park football from the grazing of up to 700 head of ground and of particular note too is cattle, many events are staged, such Little Benton sports ground (NUFC) as many high profile charity runs, the and some 12 allotment sites, also Great North Run, Newcastle Hoppings, the Newcastle Dog & Cat shelter on mini fairs, and a Circus. Claremont Road, in addition there are The air ambulance helicopter lands playing fields at the Great North Road. on Castle Leazes Moor to deliver The Town Moor as the City lung critically injured patients to the Royal requires thoughtful management on Victoria Infirmary, a helicopter recently behalf of the Freemen by the Stewards landed on Castle Leazes bringing the Committee and the dedicated day FIFA delegation to visit St James Park to day management by the Town football ground on their inspection tour Moor Superintendent Kevin Batey for the 2018 World Cup. All require an and our two full time agricultural staff, input to various degrees by our staff. Davy Holland and Billy Harland, all There are sections of the Moors leased of this being in close partnership with in accordance with the Town Moor Newcastle City Council.

FreemenMagazine 05 Town Moors – Our ongoing environmental improvement programme Drainage/Flooding Ongoing poor drainage/flooding issues in a range of locations are being addressed in partnership with the City Council, we have identified failings with the main drains on the periphery of the Moors which the City engineers are investigating. Elizabethan Fence Line The Stewards Committee had called a halt to the installation of the Elizabethan metal fence line in 2009 as we took a cautious approach with regard to finances during the economic The initial cost of the Elizabethan metal downturn. Early fence is high yet it is proving to be this year Honorary very cost affective in terms of ongoing Treasurer Michael Grey, advised our maintenance, and is anticipated to finances had improved sufficient to continue to benefit in this regard for restart our improvement programme. generations. Estimates obtained from local Gateways businesses has enabled us to secure an Many of the access gates to the acceptable quotation for the metal Moors have been subject to damage work and installation of the fence line by vandalism and ‘rough usage’ by along with two access gates, and we cyclists, engineers are investigating have recommenced the replacement solutions to reduce the impact of of the wooden fence line beginning at rough usage. Grandstand Road from the Blue House to the Hoppings car park entrance Grazing Season a stretch of some 212 metres and a spend of £40,000. Averages of 550 head of cattle were depastured over the season on a Commitment to the next phase is very high standard of herbage which scheduled for Grandstand Road from contributed to a very successful year. Kenton Road junction to the Cow Hill Our staff are to be commended for the junction, work is set to commence presentation, standard of the herbage in November 2010 with a budget of and overall partnership working with £161,000 being set aside. the graziers.

06 FreemenMagazine Hoppings

The 2010 Hoppings was opened by Councillor Brenda Hindmarsh Lord Mayor on Friday 18th June, following the customary speeches the Lord Mayor toured some of the attractions accompanied by members of the Showmen’s Guild, City Officials and members of the Stewards Committee. this year being the best for several Many of the Showmen families have years highlighted by the increased attended the Hoppings for generations attendances. and have become good friends to the There was a good selection of Freemen, names from rides which you attractions although with some will all remember from your youth, ie repetition and some areas looking Noble, Murphy, Crow, Clark, there are sparse indicating a decline in the attractions you will recall with some attendance of showmen. Highlighting consigned to history due to modern the need for change which is required legislation or simple lack of popularity. to preserve and regenerate the No more boxing, dancing girls, fair, change may be initially resisted bearded lady, or novelty shows. by some but we and the City are The weather always plays a major determined to remain focused and part to the success of the event with forward looking August Bank Holiday Fair

Fair on Nuns Moor South at the time. Following completion of the relevant checks with regard to safety and permits, permission was granted and the event ran from Wednesday 25th to Tuesday 31st August. Despite the mixed weather it was a successful event with a good mix of machine rides with many other attractions for young and old alike. Nuns Moor South is grazed by The MELA which is held annually on cattle belonging to Ricky Alder of the Exhibition Park during the August the Butchers Company, who gave Bank Holiday weekend was cancelled agreement for part of the grazing area because of the timing of Ramadan. This to be occupied thereby enabling left fairground organiser Jamie Clark with the event to proceed, many people a free Bank Holiday weekend. Jamie enjoyed all the fun of the fair and subsequently approached the Stewards which is set up within a secure safety Committee with a request to hold a Fun fence line.

FreemenMagazine 07 Superintendent’s Report

As the grazing season has come the grass so rapidly recovered you to a close I can reflect a highly would never know that such an event successful year. Unfortunately had been staged. we lost the first week or so at the beginning of the season due to With ground conditions holding up well, extreme inclement weather and the we welcomed the Chinese State Circus Moors being saturated, the Stewards for its annual two week slot at the end Committee decided to extend the of August and first week in September. season into November the weather Attendances in the first week looked and grass conditions did reflect such to be down on previous years which an opportunity. Feedback from the may have been a knock on from the Graziers has been good and early economic downturn, but the event indications are that all will be returning organisers remained sceptical and to graze their cattle next spring. hoped for improvement in the second half of their stay. The sun shone in June providing ideal ground conditions for the annual Town Moor staff spent the remainder of Hoppings. Record car park receipts the summer month’s pasture topping proving that the fair is still a very all our moors which removed a lot of popular date in everyone’s diaries. the older dead grass and encourages The fair came and went with minimal a second growth of fresher greener reinstatement works needing to be grass that usually carries the cattle carried out by the Town Moor staff, and into the last weeks of our season. This once the site was ‘pasture topped’ and benefits the sward in the long term,

08 FreemenMagazine as the cattle leave the moor grass much better entrance to the moor. very short which allows the frost in to We are now entering the end of eradicate any infestation and it also October and the illegal bottle digging encourages better spring growth. has once again raised its ugly head. A small part of our continuing A total of eight pits have been dug on environmental programme was Nuns Moor Central, our staff reinstated under taken with the installation of these very quickly but we did have Elizabethan fencing being installed one pit collapse and a Belgian Blue on the Town Moor at the bottom of heifer found itself trapped. With a little Grandstand Road to the Blue House gentle persuasion she was reunited roundabout, a total of 221 metres thus with the herd. The Police have a high completing the full length of the Town profile with the dog section deployed. Moor. Until the next issue, may After a few heavy downpours the I take this Committee received one or two opportunity letters of suggestions for improving to wish you the access onto Nuns Moor North, as all a very the cattle had been seeking shelter happy under the trees adjacent to Kenton Christmas Road and turning the area into an and a almost impassable quagmire. As prosperous concerns grew over health and safety New Year we requested the help of Debmat a specialist surfacing contractor to install Kevin Batey a tarmac footpath which provides a Town Moor Superintendent

Bottle Diggers

The scourge of the Moors has returned with incursions by illegal bottle diggers decimating large areas of Moor. Following extensive work in 2008 by a specialist contractor who effectively cleared the site of the Victorian glass and related items these vandals seek, the onset of the dark nights yet again saw the gangs return to dig the perimeter no doubt in the belief staff with extra patrols and the filling in there is still some booty to be had. As of these dangerous pits. the photograph shows the pits left by the diggers pose a significant hazard We are liaising with the local police not only for the cattle but the public who are stepping up their patrols at large who walk this area during the assisted by the dog handling unit, this day and at dusk. All of this disturbance at the very least serves to discourage serves to increase the workload for our this troublesome crime.

FreemenMagazine 09 Church Parade

The Annual Church Parade held at 9:45am, during the on May 16th 2010 saw a significant service the reading increase in attendance in contrast was read by Keith to previous years with members from Hall a member many Companies attending. Transport of the Stewards was provided between the Cathedral Committee. and Moor Bank Lodge where parking This occasion is was available. It was particularly open to all Freemen. pleasing to see newly sworn in ladies We do hope the support will taking part in their first Civic Occasion. go from strength to strength. Our goal Robing took place at 9:30am in the is to have representation from all of the Cathedral refectory prior to joining Companies. The 2011 Parade will take the Lord Mayor Mike Cookson in place on Sunday 15th May 2011, when procession into St Nicholas Cathedral we hope to see you there.

Swearing in Ceremony

A change to the swearing in ceremony to include Company Stewards, this being initiated by Lord Mayors Office has been very well received. Applicants are seated and stand individually to be sworn, following taking the Oath whilst holding the Musket, a company Steward steps forward and escorts the new Freemen to the Lord Mayor for the signing of their Oath paper, once the formalities are completed the Steward escorts After the ceremony the Lord Mayor the newly sworn Freemen back to the addresses those assembled prior to the their seat. taking of official photographs.

10 FreemenMagazine Michaelmas Guild 11th October, 2010 At the beginning of the Michaelmas Close Guild meeting the Stewards the Committee were elected for the ensuing year by the Stewards of the Incorporated Companies.

Frederick H. Alder, Christopher G. Atkinson, Richard M. Grey, Keith Hall, Jim Johnson, Sir Leonard Fenwick (Chairman), Alan R. Bainbridge, David Wilson (Vice Chairman), Paul Anderson, Ian F. Miller. Harry Alder, William G. Frizzle.

Ian Humphries the Lord Mayors Principal Secretary read the callings for 184 new Freemen. Following the Open Guild the Swearing in Ceremony of 7 new Freemen took place, presided over by Lord Mayor Councillor Brenda Hindmarsh.

FreemenMagazine 11 Admission into your Company

The rise in Company numbers as a consequence of more than 200 daughters being sworn in and a further 180 called to enable admission at Michaelmas Guild is something many Companies have warmly welcomed. Companies have different methods of admitting newly sworn Freemen, these being in accordance with Company rules. It is important on being sworn as a Freemen to make the effort and seek admittance to the Company from which you hail. The majority of Companies perform the admittance ceremony during the Head Meeting, consequently many will have to wait as many Head meetings are held around Corpus Christi, although dates do vary so do not hesitate to check with the Senior Steward. There are various ways of being admitted, some by the signing of an admittance book some by giving a certificate signifying admittance or as in the case of the their contact details can be found in Tanners the signing of a 400 year the Company section of our web site old scroll on the day being sworn in. www.freemenofnewcastle.org or from Whatever the method your Company Moor Bank Lodge, email follows the Senior Steward will advise, [email protected].

Easter Guild 2011 a break from tradition

Easter Guild is traditionally held on the the May Bank Holiday. Resulting from first Monday following Easter Monday, discussions with the Lord Mayor Office but with Easter 2011 being at the end it was decided the Easter Guild is to be of April, consequently the first Monday called the following week and will be following Easter Monday will fall on held on Monday 9th May 2011.

12 FreemenMagazine Lord John Shipley OBE

The Queen has conferred a life Disappointedly the Peerage of the United Kingdom rules of the House to Newcastle City Council leader Carpenters have Councilor John Shipley. prevented John and other Shipley John had served as a councillor for family members the City for 35 years, the last four as from entering the Leader. He stood down at the end Company and he of the summer as group and council remains a Non Company Keeper. The leader to take up his duties in London House Carpenters is the only Company as a working peer. still applying the antiquated rule and John a Freeman of Newcastle was goes to show “You can become a sworn in as a House Carpenter in Freeman, serve your community for 35 1981, his ancestral line can be traced years, and have the Queen bestow to Robson Shipley who in July 17th a peerage on you, yet as with many 1839 was sworn in as a Freemen of others, when you knock on the door Newcastle upon Tyne after serving an of the Company of your hereditary apprenticeship to Richard Grainger. family; it remains closed”.

Office & IT upgrade Albert’s View

We continue to improve the functionality of our organisation not just within the environmental agricultural components but also the administration office. Since reorganisation there has been significant improvement, tasks from organising and archiving the filing system, reviewing procurement and Ian Miller & David Wilson enjoy the view. dealing with matters involving general purchase have been addressed. The day following the Civic opening of the 2010 Hoppings, members of the At over 10 years old our IT equipment Stewards Committee along with City although outdated has served us well. Councillors and Officers, Showmen’s A new computer system has been Guild representatives and friends installed to bring the office into the gathered with Albert’s wife Maureen, 21st century. It is interesting to note the to commemorate a seat in memory of old system was installed at a cost of Albert who had been involved with the £12,000, the new system specification is Hoppings since 1958, longer than many could remember. The seat is positioned far advanced than that of the original at the north east corner of the Town Moor yet at a fraction of the cost at £2,500, facing south. The ceremony of dedication which was funded by the substantial was performed by David Wilson, Vice- savings identified that accrued via the Chairman of the Stewards Committee, reorganisation. the seat bears a plaque ‘Alberts View’

FreemenMagazine 13 Special Swearing in Ceremonies 2010

To ensure the majority of applicants served following the ceremonies at the called at Easter Guild were given Guildhall. the opportunity to be sworn prior the The first ceremony was held on 24th Michaelmas Guild, Ian Humphries May 2010 when 16 daughters were the Lord Mayors Principal Secretary sworn in by Councillor Mike Cookson arranged for ceremonies to be held at Lord Mayor, this being his final the Guildhall throughout the summer. engagement in his term of office which The Stewards Committee provided ended on the 27th May. for a buffet and refreshments to be

Swearing in Ceremony held at the Civic Centre, Monday 14th June Presided over by the newly elected Lord Mayor Councillor Brenda Hindmarsh.

14 FreemenMagazine Swearing in Ceremony held at the Guildhall on Friday 9th July a.m. Presided over by Lord Mayor Councillor Brenda Hindmarsh.

FreemenMagazine 15 Swearing in Ceremony held at the Guildhall on Monday 19th July a.m. Presided over by Lord Mayor Councillor Brenda Hindmarsh.

16 FreemenMagazine Swearing in Ceremony held at the Guildhall on Monday 19th July p.m. Presided over by the Sheriff of Newcastle upon Tyne Councillor Geoff O’Brien.

The City Council has had Sheriffs legal status as since 1400, the first one being Vice-Chair of William Redmarshall. However the the Council, practice was discontinued upon local having been government reorganisation in 1974. appointed The title of Sheriff was reintroduced at the Annual in 1996 and added to that of Deputy Meeting by the full Council. The Deputy Lord Mayor. The more common form of Lord Mayor is given precedence address is simply “Sheriff”. immediately after the Lord Mayor and carries out all the functions of the Lord Since the Local Government Act Mayor in his or her absence. 1972, the Deputy Lord Mayor has full

Swearing in Ceremony held at the Civic Centre, Wednesday 28th July Presided over by Lord Mayor Councillor Brenda Hindmarsh.

The majority of the 213 callings at Easter Guild have been sworn in, although there was a quantity unable to attend on the date given. It should be noted in these cases it is up to the applicant to make contact with the Lord Mayors Office, Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, to rearrange a mutually agreed date to be sworn in.

FreemenMagazine 17 Swearing in Ceremonies held at the Guildhall on Monday 16th and 23rd August Presided over by Lord Mayor Councillor Brenda Hindmarsh.

18 Freemen FreemenMagazineMagazine Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne Social Event

We continue with our initiative to an all inclusive approach to the Freelage of Newcastle upon Tyne by organising events. The first social of 2011 will take place on Saturday January 15th in the Guildhall on the Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne and we look forward to seeing you there. Previous events have proved to be a very popular way for Freemen from different Companies to come together and socialise. Places To book your place please complete are limited so to avoid disappointment and return the form below to Alan you are encouraged to book your Bainbridge, Freemen of Newcastle, place as soon as possible. Claremont Road, Newcastle upon Programme Tyne NE2 4NL. or email giving the details requested on form to 12:45pm The Guildhall will be [email protected] opened for Freemen of Please respond by January 4th 2011 Newcastle upon Tyne. Please note we are unable to accept Hot and cold drinks will be telephone applications. provided on Reception.

1:10pm Welcome by the Name: Chairman of the Stewards Committee, Sir Leonard Company: Fenwick. Places requested: 1:30pm A talk by John Charlton, who will explain one of the Tel. Number: darker sides of Newcastle. Email: 2:15pm Entertainment by Ollie @ Burton, who will reminisce in song and verse? Due to the expected high demand 3:00pm Buffet will be served, places will be allocated on a first including drinks until 4 come basis, while every endeavour o’clock. will be made to accommodate, any unsuccessful applications will be Members of the Stewards informed by email or telephone. Committee will be within the Hall throughout and Why not visit the Freemen of will be available to answer Newcastle upon Tyne web site and queries or questions. find out what’s going on. 4:00pm Farewell www.freemenofnewcastle.org

FreemenMagazine 19 Sheriff Rode With Death Town Moor explosion killed ‘burial squad’

In December, 1867, the police learned have nothing to do with it, and it was that a quantity of explosive was decided to pour it into depressions on stored in a cellar in the White Hart the Town Moor caused by the workings Yard, and on examining it they found of the Spital Tongues Colliery. it to be nitro-glycerine which had On a grey day in 1867, a cart, driven been intended for blasting purposes by Thomas Appleby, laden with nine in mines and quarries. Following a canisters of deadly nitro-glycerine, left conference between the police the yard of the White Hart Inn in the superintendent and local authority Flesh Market (now the Cloth Market), representatives it was decided that Newcastle , bound for the Town Moor. the nitro-glycerine should either be removed from the town or destroyed. Behind it, in a cab, rode the Sheriff of The railway company however, would Newcastle John Mawson, the Town

20 FreemenMagazine surveyor Thomas Bryson and James Shotton labourer, Police constable Donald Bain and Sub-Inspector Wallis. Their purpose was to see the material safely buried. They did not know it, but they were riding to their deaths… Nor did two small boys and a man, whose identity was never discovered, know when they tagged on to the procession out of curiosity, that they were walking to their doom. At the Town Moor the party converged on a spot near where a wooden building had been erected to serve as from the White Hart Yard. Nearby also a temporary hospital in the event of an was found the body of the unknown outbreak of cholera. man, apparently about 40 who had also followed the cart to the moor. It was then found that a portion of the nitro-glycerine had crystallised, on Lying on the side of the bank was Mr the side of three of the canisters, Mr Bryson and on the top was Mr Mawson. Mawson asked for a sample to take Both alive but fearfully injured. away for examination, which he put Wallace rushed for help into the town, in his pocket. He then said to Bryson, and Drs Fife and Heath set out for Bain, Appleby and Shotton we will the scene, but were preceded by a take three tins and bury them under young surgeon named Walpole, who the other hill, referring to a part of the had been walking on the moor when moor some little distance away leaving the explosion occurred, dust, stones, Wallace to bury more of the lethal fragments of clothing etc had fell all material. Just as Wallace had finished around him, 30 yards away he found his task and was about to join the a human foot believed to belong to others a violent explosion occurred. Constable Bain. Fragments of clothing and human remains were sent flying in the air. Walpole administered stimulants to Bryson and placed him, Mawson and Wallace was uninjured having been the boy Waddley in the cart which had sheltered by a bank which lay brought the explosives to the moor, between him and his companion, and sent it to the Infirmary. Two hours but on hurrying to the scene of the after being admitted Waddley died, explosion he found the mutilated and and in the early hours of the following shattered remains of Bain, portions day, Bryson and Mawson succumbed. of his body having been blown away. He next came to the body The Tragedy caused great excitement of the cartman, Appleby, fearfully and consternation in the town, with a disfigured and lifeless, and near him great amount of indignation against the mutilated body of the labourer those who had stored the lethal Shotton, also dead. weapon in the centre of a large town. In a hole he found the body of a boy, A Mr Burrell had prevailed upon the later identified as Stanley Waddley, who ostler of the White Hart Inn to allow him with another lad James Stonehouse to store the explosives in the cellar of (who also died) had followed the cart the Inn.

FreemenMagazine 21 Richard Grainger House Carpenter, Freeman of Newcastle

22 FreemenMagazine Richard Grainger was born in 1797 in contract. He married in 1821 to Rachel High Friar Lane the son of a Quayside Arundale the eldest daughter of Joseph porter, his school years were spent at Arundale a wealthy business man in one St Andrew’s Parish Charity School, on of Tyneside’s burgeoning industries, the leaving at the age of 14 years pupils tanning and leather trade (Tanners). were given a Bible, and 40 shillings “to In 1824 he worked on houses in the put them out to Apprentice or Equip newly widened Blackett Street, this them for Services”. Richard put his 40s to development was designed by Thomas good use and served an apprenticeship Oliver. In 1825 Grainger started work to a local master carpenter John Brown. on Eldon Square using John Dobson’s In 1816 he set up a building business with designs by 1829 he had begun another his eldest brother George a bricklayer development, Leazes Terrace. and Freeman of Newcastle, George died leaving Richard to carry on the In May 1834, supported by John business during their first substantial job, Clayton, the Town Clerk, Grainger the reconstruction of their neighbour’s presented his plan for the wholesale house in High Friar Lane. Numbers 3, redevelopment of the town centre to 4, 5,and 6 Strawberry Place were the the town council. It offered new streets first houses Richard built on his own in particular Grey Street to connect account. In 1819-20 his first major the Quayside with the town centre. contract was Higham Place. He is said The first building completed was the to have worked daily from 3 a.m. to 9 Grainger Market opened in October p.m. to guarantee the success of this 1835. The Classical elevations of Grey

FreemenMagazine 23 Street were mostly created by two architects, John Wardle and George Walker. Dobson designed the stretch on the east side between Shakespeare Street and Mosley Street, while John and Benjamin Green were responsible for the Shakespeare Street to Market Street section, which included their main contribution to the Great Plan, the Theatre Royal, opened in February 1837. At the intersection of Grey Street, Blackett Street and Grainger Street Benjamin Green was commissioned to design a column. The 134 foot coarse grit stone Roman Doric column supports a 13 foot Portland Stone statue of Earl Grey in robes, sculpted by Edward Hodges Baily, The statue stands on a pedestal above a balcony reached by 164 steps within the column, the column itself was built by Joseph Welch, the foundation stone was laid in September 1837 and the statue placed in position in August 1838. By 1839, Grainger had built the Markets, Greys Monument, the Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Grainger Street and several cross streets. His wide ranging plan was never completed. But, his aims of improving access and providing a new centre for Newcastle had been achieved. Richard Grainger died suddenly of “disease of the heart” in 1861 aged 64 and was buried in St. James’ Church, Benwell. It can be said of him that he found Newcastle of bricks and timber and left it in stone, ‘Grainger Town’ as it is known still stands today.

From a speech at the opening of the Grainger Market 1835; “Under the magic hand of a Grainger a City of Palaces had suddenly sprung up”

“You walk into what has long been termed the ‘Coal Hole of the North’ and find yourself at once in ‘A City of Palaces’; a fairyland of newness, brightness and modern elegance. And who has brought this change? – It is Mr Grainger”. (W.Howitt,1842)

24 FreemenMagazine Diary Dates Monday 17th January 2011 Close Court of Guild (for Company Stewards only) begins at 10am CHRISTMAS GUILD upstairs in the Newcastle Guildhall Open Court of Guild (for all Freemen of (on Quayside, bottom of Dean Street) Newcastle upon Tyne) commences at 12 noon prompt Close Court of Guild (for Company Stewards only) begins at 10am You must be seated by 12 noon for the Open Guild in readiness to receive the Open Court of Guild (for all Freemen of Lord Mayor. Newcastle upon Tyne) commences at 12 noon prompt The meeting concludes with new Freemen being called, and if present You must be seated by 12 Noon for the sworn in by the Lord Mayor. Open Guild in readiness to receive the Lord Mayor. Following the proceedings a buffet lunch is served in the Merchant The meeting concludes with new Adventurers Court. Freemen being called, and if present sworn in by the Lord Mayor. Sunday 15th May 2011 Following the proceedings a buffet lunch is served in the Merchant FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE Adventurers Court. UPON TYNE ANNUAL CHURCH PARADE Saturday 15th January 2011 Held in the Cathedral Church of St. FREEMEN’S SOCIAL Nicholas. upstairs in the Newcastle Guildhall Robing in the Cathedral Refectory (on Quayside, bottom of Dean Street) at 9.30a.m. for commencement of Reception at 12:45pm. parade into the Cathedral at 9.45 a.m. with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle Monday 9th May 2011 upon Tyne. All Newcastle Freemen are welcome, and to assist on the day, EASTER GUILD parking be available at Moor Bank upstairs in the Newcastle Guildhall Lodge and transport at 9:00am to and (on Quayside, bottom of Dean Street) from the Cathedral will be provided. The date of the 2011 Easter Guild is 1 Should you need to borrow a robe week late due to the Bank Holiday. there will be a small quantity available on the day.

Annual Guild Days

Christmas Guild - the first Monday after 13th January Easter Guild - the first Monday after Easter Monday Michaelmas Guild - the first Monday after Michaelmas Monday

FreemenMagazine 25 Notice Board Christmas gifts New Stewards

Alan Hall Raymond Douglas Nelson Masters & Mariners Company (Freemen of Trinity House)

T.M.M.C Trustee Appointment

Sherod W.D. Walker Plumbers Company

Bereavements

Peter Lawrence Brian Hudson Cato Plumbers Company

Joe Petty If you are looking for a small Christmas Hostmens Company gift for someone close may we suggest you give a Freemen of Newcastle Edward Hall upon Tyne pin badge or cuff links Norman William Taylor which are available to order from Moor Masters & Mariners Company Bank Lodge. (Freemen of Trinity House) Badges: Pin £3:00. Stick Pin £4:00. Cuff Links £6.00. Prices inclusive of P&P. Ian Dodds Butchers Company Please include payment with your order, cheques made payable to ‘Freemen of Newcastle’ Christopher Edward Harle Story Tanners Company Administration Fee Following a review of administration costs the City Council of Newcastle Useful Web Sites have increased the administration fee for Freemen admittance applications www.freemenofnewcastle.org to £20. The new charge applies www.mmhjtrust.com. to all applications received after 10th October 2010. The fee has not increased in decades and at £1 was not a true reflection of the ‘Freemen of the City of administrative costs incurred by the Newcastle upon Tyne’ City Council.

26 FreemenMagazine Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne Superintendent and Office Mr Kevin Batey, Moor Bank Lodge, Claremont Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4NL Tel: 0191 2615970 Email: [email protected] Website: www.freemenofnewcastle.org

FreemenMagazine 27 COPYRIGHT: Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne.

PUBLISHER: Riney Publishing Limited, Sue Riney-Smith Tel: 01325 304360 Email: [email protected]