EXPLORINGEXPLORING YOUR YOUR LOCAL LOCAL HISTORY HISTORY EXPLORINGA HeritageA HeritageYOUR Guide LOCAL Guide HISTORY EXPLORING YOUR LOCAL HISTORY A Heritage Guide A Heritage Guide EXPLORINGEXPLORING YOUR YOUR LOCAL LOCAL HISTORY HISTORY This heritage guide is an introduction to the history of Newcastle’s This heritage guide is an introduction to the history of Newcastle’s EXPLORING YOUR LOCAL HISTORY outer west villagesThis heritage of , guide is an , introduction Sugley to the andhistory Bell’s of Newcastle’s EXPLORING YOUR LOCAL HISTORY outer westThis heritage villages guide of Newburn, is an introduction Lemington, to theSugley history and of Bell’s Newcastle’s outer west villages of Newburn, Lemington, Sugley and Bell’s Close. It includesClose. outer It three includes west illustrated villages three illustratedof walkNewburn, trails walk Lemington, offering trails offering insights Sugley insightsand into Bell’s into Close. It includes three illustrated walk trails offering insights into the heritagethe of heritage thisClose. area. Itof includes this area. three illustrated walk trails offering insights into The Outer West The Outer West the heritage of this area. EXPLORING YOUR LOCAL HISTORY the heritage of this area. When this area became part of the City of Newcastle in 1974, it TheThe OuterOuter WestWest When this area became part of the City of Newcastle in 1974, it When this area became part of the City of Newcastle in 1974, it NEWBURNNEWBURN LEMINGTON LEMINGTON SUGLEY SUGLEY brought withbrought it aWhen long with this and it a area longfascinating became and fascinating part history. of the history. ItsCity strategic of Newcastle Its strategic in 1974, it NEWBURN LEMINGTON SUGLEY brought with it a long and fascinating history. Its strategic THENEWBURN OUTER LEMINGTON WEST SUGLEY location aslocation the lowestbrought as the crossing with lowest it a longcrossingpoint and on fascinatingpoint the River on the history. Tyne River meant ItsTyne strategic meant BELL’SBELL’S CLOSE CLOSE location as the lowest crossing point on the meant NEWBURNBELL’S BELL’SLEMINGTON CLOSE CLOSE SUGLEY that, beforethat, the beforelocation Norman the as Conquest,Normanthe lowest Conquest, crossingit was regarded point it was on regarded the as Rivermore asTyne more meant that,that, before before the Normanthe Norman Conquest, Conquest, it was it wasth regarded regarded as moreas more BELL’S CLOSE important than Newcastle. Duringth the 17th century, it was the site important thanimportant Newcastle. than Newcastle. During the During 17 thecentury, 17 century, thit was theit was site the site of a decisiveimportant battle than of Newcastle. the Civil War. During Later, the 17the century,Industrial it was the site A Heritage Guide of a decisiveof battle a decisive of the battle Civil of War. the Civil Later, War. the Later, Industrial the Industrial AA HERITAGEAHeritageA Heritage Heritage GUIDEGuide Guide Guide Revolutionof a decisive transformed battle ofthe the area, Civil giving War. Later,Newburn the Industrial the name of Revolution transformedRevolution transformed the area, thegiving area, Newburn giving Newburn the name the ofname of “New RevolutionSheffield”, transformedwhile glass-making the area, and giving other Newburn industries the name of “New ”,“New“New whileSheffield”, Sheffield”, glass-making while while glass-making glass-making and other and industries and other other industries industries flourished further east in Lemington. – both mining and flourished furtherflourishedflourished east further in furtherLemington. east east in Lemington. in CoalLemington. – both Coal – both – both mining and mining and and exportexport – –played played a a major major role role in in thethe locallocal economy. export – played exporta major – played role in a themajor local role economy. in the local economy.

JoinJoin us us on on a ajourney journey to to explore explore thethe historyhistory of thethe outerouter west. west. Join us on a journeyJoin us to on explore a journey the to history explore of the the history outer of west.the outer west.

St James’ Heritage & Environment Group St James’St James’ Heritage Heritage & Environment & Environment Group Group St James’ StHeritage StJames’ James’St James’Heritage Heritage& Environment Heritage & & Environment Environment & Environment Group Group Group Group isis anan is independent an independent St James’ Heritagevolunteer-runvolunteer-runvolunteer-run & Environment organisation organisation organisation Group and and isregistered registeredand an registeredindependent charitycharity charity providing providing volunteer-runactivitiesactivities organisationactivities and and resources resources and and resources registered for for people people for peoplecharity of of allall of agesprovidingages all ages to explore to explore andand and activities andcelebrate celebrateresourcescelebrate the the for history history thepeople history of of the ofthe of allwest west the ages westend end to ofendof explore Newcastle.Newcastle. of Newcastle. and celebrate the Email:historyEmail: [email protected] of [email protected] west end of Newcastle. Website: Website: https://stjamesheritage.com https://stjamesheritage.com Email: [email protected] Website: https://stjamesheritage.com Write:Write: St James’ St James’ Heritage Heritage & Environment & Environment Group, Group, c/o Sunnybankc/o Sunnybank Centre, Centre, Email: [email protected]: St James’ Heritage & EnvironmentWebsite: https://stjamesheritage.com Group, c/o Sunnybank Centre, 12/1412/14 Sunnybank12/14 Sunnybank Sunnybank Avenue, Avenue, Avenue, Newcastle Newcastle Newcastle uponupon upon Tyne,Tyne, Tyne, NE15 NE15 6SD6SD 6SD Write: St James’ Heritage & Environment Group, c/o Sunnybank Centre,

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St James’ Heritage & Environment Group © St James’ Heritage & Environment Group, 2020 West End Heritage Guides ©© St St James’ James’ Heritage Heritage && EnvironmentEnvironment Group,Group, 20202020 StSt James’ James’ Heritage Heritage & & Environment Environment Group Group St James’ Heritage & Environment Group WestWest End End Heritage Heritage Guides Guides © St James’ Heritage & Environment Group, 2020 St James’ WestHeritage End & Heritage Environment Guides Group West End Heritage Guides TheThe Outer Outer West West Newburn:Newburn: an introductionan introduction A HeritageA Heritage Guide Guide NewburnNewburn today today is on is the on peripherythe periphery of the of Citythe Cityof Newcastle of Newcastle uponupon Tyne, Tyne, bypassed bypassed by its by major its major transport transport routes, routes, but thebut the ContentsContents areaarea has anhas important an important history history long longpredating predating its incorporation its incorporation into theinto citythe incity 1974. in 1974. Although Although it remained it remained a small a small settlement, settlement, it occupiedit occupied a strategic a strategic location location that thatgave gave it a significant it a significant role rolein in PagePage 1 1 Newburn:Newburn: an introduction an introduction a widera wider economic economic and andpolitical political context. context. In fact, In fact,before before the the NormanNorman Conquest, Conquest, Newburn Newburn was wasconsidered considered more more important important PagePage 4 4 NewburnNewburn Village Village Heritage Heritage Trail Trail thanthan Newcastle. Newcastle. A circularA circular walk walk taking taking you aroundyou around the the historichistoric heart heart of the of villagethe village of Newburn, of Newburn, The Theancient ancient manor manor of Newburn of Newburn was wasimportant important strategically strategically for for startingstarting and andending ending at the at Warthe WarMemorial Memorial in in manymany centuries centuries because because it was it wasthe lowestthe lowest crossing crossing point point on on the mainthe main street street the Riverthe River Tyne. Tyne. Consequently Consequently many many marauding marauding armies armies have have headedheaded for Newburn for Newburn on their on their way wayto attack to attack other other places. places. PerhapsPerhaps the mostthe most famous famous was wasthe Battlethe Battle of Newburn of Newburn in 1640 in 1640 PagePage 16 16 TyneTyne Riverside Riverside Country Country Park Park and andbeyond beyond wherewhere a Scottish a Scottish army army defeated defeated an English an English one, one, leaving leaving the the A circularA circular walk walk starting starting and andending ending at at way wayopen open to seize to seize Newcastle Newcastle and andproving proving a decisive a decisive turning turning NewburnNewburn Leisure Leisure Centre Centre at the at easternthe eastern end end pointpoint in the in Civilthe CivilWar. War. of theof Tynethe Tyne Riverside Riverside Park, Park, Newburn, Newburn, and and visitingvisiting Blayney Blayney Row Row and andthe cokethe coke ovens. ovens. LaterLater on, Newburnon, Newburn was wason the on routethe route of the of Wylamthe Waggonway,Waggonway, along along which which coal coalwas wascarried carried from from the pitthe at pit at PagePage 22 22 Bell’sBell’s Close, Close, Sugley Sugley and andLemington: Lemington: WylamWylam to the to staithesthe at Lemington at Lemington via Newburn. via Newburn. This This An introductionAn introduction waggonwaywaggonway was wasone oneof the of the oldestoldest in , in England, and andone oneof the of the PagePage 24 24 Bell’sBell’s Close: Close: Sugley Sugley and andLemington Lemington Trail Trail mostmost important. important. It was It wasthe scenethe scene A circularA circular walk walk starting starting and andending ending at Bell’s at Bell’s of earlyof early experiments experiments in steam in steam Close,Close, visiting visiting the villagesthe villages of Bells of Bells Close, Close, locomotionlocomotion in the in earlythe early 19th 19th SugleySugley and andLemington, Lemington, and andformer former industrial industrial century.century. Among Among these these early early sitessites to the to souththe south steamsteam engines engines was wasthe Puffingthe Puffing Billy.Billy.

In 1871In 1871 a railway a railway line wasline wasbuilt built(the (theScotswood, Scotswood, Newburn Newburn and and Acknowledgments:Acknowledgments: Images Images courtesy courtesy of: West of: Newcastle West Newcastle Picture Picture History History Collection Collection and and NewcastleNewcastle Libraries Libraries and Information and Information Service. Service. Permission Permission to use tomap use extracts map extracts courtesy courtesy of of WylamWylam Railway) Railway) which which connected connected the villagethe village to the to mainthe main copyrightcopyright holders: holders: Ordnance Ordnance Survey Survey and www.old-maps.co.uk. and www.old-maps.co.uk. NewcastleNewcastle and andCarlisle line vialine a via loop a loopfrom from Scotswood Bridge 1 to Wylam.to Wylam. A station A station was wasbuilt built just justto the to souththe south of the of villagethe village in in As aAs consequence a consequence of this of thisgrowth growth in industrial in industrial activity, activity, the the 1875,1875, receiving receiving passengers passengers until until 1958. 1958. In 1893 In 1893 villagevillage of Newburn of Newburn had hadexpanded expanded to the to westthe west and andnorth. north. By By communicationscommunications were were further further improved improved by the by buildingthe building of a of a the endthe endof the of 19theth 19century,th century, rows rows of terraced of terraced housing housing had had bridgebridge across across the riverthe river near near to the to station.the station. beenbeen built. built. The Thenew new houses houses to the to westthe west of the of villagethe village were were

th th namednamed after after Directors Directors of Spencer’s of Spencer’s Steel Steel Works Works - - The The19 19century century also also saw sawa rapid a rapid growth growth in industry in industry around around Westmacott,Westmacott, Davison Davison and andBoyd. Boyd. Meanwhile Meanwhile one oneof the of mostthe most the smallthe small village. village. importantimportant relics relics of the of area’sthe area’s past past – Newburn – Newburn Hall Hallwith withits 15 itsth 15th ThereThere were were already already several several centurycentury pele pele tower tower – was – wasswallowed swallowed up by up the by expandingthe expanding pits pitsin the in area,the area, but thebut the steelsteel works. works. Another Another historic historic building, building, the 16theth 16centuryth century impactimpact of coalmining of coalmining grew grew NewburnNewburn Manor Manor House, House, had haddisappeared disappeared by the by timethe time of the of the with withthe openingthe opening of the of the FirstFirst World World War. War. IsabellaIsabella Pit in Pit 1867 in 1867 to the to the westwest of the of village.the village. Coke Coke ovensovens and andbrickworks brickworks were were alsoalso developed developed on the on site.the site.

On theOn otherthe other side side of the of village,the village, a steel a steel works works had hadstarted started up up in 1822in 1822 in the in denethe dene between between Newburn Newburn and andWalbottle. . DemandDemand for its for products its products soon soon soared, soared, as a as result a result of the of rapidthe rapid developmentdevelopment of industry of industry across across , Tyneside, and andespecially especially with with the expansionthe expansion of the of railways.the railways. By the By endthe endof the of 19theth 19centuryth century Spencer’sSpencer’s steel steel works works had hadworkshops workshops all the all waythe waydown down from from the denethe dene to the to river.the river. After After the closurethe closure of Wylam of Wylam Pit in Pit 1867, in 1867, the sectionthe section of the of waggonwaythe waggonway through through Newburn Newburn was wasturned turned into intoa mineral a mineral line lineconnecting connecting Isabella Isabella Pit to Pit Spencer’s to Spencer’s works. works.

So importantSo important was wasthe steelthe steel industryindustry that thatNewburn Newburn was was knownknown locally locally at this at thistime time as “Newas “New Sheffield”. Sheffield”. This This photographphotograph of workers of workers at at Spencer’sSpencer’s was wastaken taken c1912.c1912.

ThisThis map map shows shows how how Newburn Newburn looked looked in 1921 in 1921 2 3 built builtin 1895 in 1895 to provide to provide accommodation accommodation for rail for passengers rail passengers NewburnNewburn Village Village Heritage Heritage Trail Trail and andstabling stabling facilities facilities for horses. for horses.

TurnTurn left at left the at bottomthe bottom and andwalk walk along along the road.the road. The Thestation station StartStart your your walk walk usedused to be to here, be here, but therebut there is nothing is nothing remaining remaining of its of wooden its wooden buildings.buildings. The Thewalk walk starts starts at the at Warthe WarMemorial Memorial on the on norththe north side sideof the of the mainmain street. street. This Thisis quite is quite a distinctive a distinctive feature feature so you so youshould should havehave no difficulty no difficulty finding finding it. it.

WarWar Memorial Memorial

The warThe memorial war memorial is a Grade is a Grade 2 listed 2 listed structure.structure. It was It paidwas forpaid by for public by public donation donation to to honourhonour the dead the deadof Newburn of Newburn & District & District in the in the First FirstWorld World War. War.

The memorialThe memorial was unveiledwas unveiled in 1922 in 1922 by the by the majormajor local locallandowner, landowner, the Duke the Duke of of .Northumberland. It features It features a stone a stone figure figure of of a soldiera soldier in battledress in battledress on top on of top a rectangular of a rectangular Portland Portland stone stone pillar. pillar. NewburnNewburn Station, Station, date unknown.date unknown.

WhenWhen you youreach reach the trafficthe traffic lights, lights, turn turnright right and andwalk walk a few a few yardsyards to the to startthe start of Newburn of . Bridge. Take Take a look a lookaround around here,here, but dobut not do crossnot cross the bridge.the bridge. LeavingLeaving the Warthe WarMemorial, Memorial, cross cross the roadthe road and andwalk walk down down StationStation Road. Road. To yourTo your west west you canyou seecan thesee Boathousethe Boathouse Pubon the on the riverside.riverside. This Thisis Water is Water Row, Row, notable notable as the as sitethe ofsite the of formerthe former As youAs walkyou walk down, down, you canyou seecan onsee your on your left a left building a building that that WaterWater Row Row pit where pit where George Stephenson worked worked for a for time, a time, formerlyformerly housed housed the Imperialthe Imperial Cinema. Cinema. It opened It opened in 1911 in 1911 with with lookinglooking after after a newly a newly installed installed engine engine built builtby Robert by Robert seatingseating for 550 for 550people. people. Hawthorn.Hawthorn. There There is a plaqueis a plaque on the on frontthe front wall wallof the of the

At theAt bottomthe bottom of the of road,the road, on the on rightthe right hand hand corner, corner, there there is a is a BoathouseBoathouse commemorating commemorating Stephenson, Stephenson, and andalso alsomarks marks largelarge building building which which used used to be to the be Newburnthe Newburn Hotel. Hotel. This Thiswas was carvedcarved into theinto wallthe wallshowing showing how howhigh highthe waterthe water rose rose during during the frequentthe frequent floods floods to which to which this areathis area was wasprone. prone.

4 5 NewburnNewburn Bridge Bridge LeavingLeaving the bridge,the bridge, turn turnright right at the at trafficthe traffic lights lights and andwalk walk up up StationStation Road Road to rejoin to rejoin the mainthe main street street of Newburn of Newburn village. village. In 1893In 1893 a bridge a bridge was was This Thisroute route curves curves gently gently as it asgoes it goes uphill uphill – less – lesssteeply steeply than than openedopened across across the the the waythe wayyou walkedyou walked down. down. river,river, connecting connecting NewburnNewburn to the to south. the south. ThereThere is not is anot lot ato lot see to anysee more,any more, but youbut canyou imaginecan imagine that that It is picturedIt is pictured here here on youron your right right is the is sitethe ofsite the of ancientthe ancient Manor Manor House. House. Sadly Sadly c1920.c1920. The bridgeThe bridge nothingnothing remains remains of this of buildingthis building today. today. supportssupports go down go down nearlynearly 30 metres, 30 metres, WhenWhen you youreach reach the junctionthe junction with withthe mainthe main street, street, take takea look a look restingresting on solid on solidrock. rock. at theat buildingthe building on the on left.the left.This Thisused used to be to the be Workingthe Working Men’s Men’s The needThe need for a forbridge a bridge was largelywas largely prompted prompted by the by major the major dredging Institute.Institute. operationsoperations carried carried out by out the by Tyne the Tyne Improvement Improvement Commission Commission which which meantmeant that thethat ford the couldford could no longer no longer be used. be used. The bridgeThe bridge also enabledalso enabled local localpeople people to cross to cross the river the easilyriver easily to reach to reach Ryton Ryton Station Station which which was was WorkingWorking Men’s Men’s Institute Institute on theon main the mainNewcastle-Carlisle Newcastle-Carlisle railway railway line. line.Newburn Newburn Bridge Bridge operated operated as a tollas abridge toll bridge until 1947.until 1947. The WorkingThe Working Men’s Men’s Club Cluband Instituteand Institute datesdates from from1884. 1884. . .

The InstituteThe Institute was was built forbuilt the for workers the workers at Spencerat Spencer and and SonsSons steel steelworks. works. The InstituteThe Institute was was equippedequipped with with baths,baths, a library, a library, readingreading rooms, rooms, recreationrecreation rooms, rooms, and otherand other facilities. facilities. WorkersWorkers from fromthe the steel steelworks works could could use theuse club the forclub a forpenny a penny a week. a week. No alcohol No alcohol was served.was served.

DuringDuring the economic the economic slump slump of the of 1920s, the 1920s, when when the steel the steelworks works closed closed downdown for a forperiod, a period, the building the building was usedwas usedas a doleas a office.dole office.

TakeTake a moment a moment to imagine to imagine the scenethe scene more more than than a century a century MoreMore recently recently it was it awas care a carehome home but this but has this closed. has closed. ago.ago. This Thisphotograph photograph of the of riversidethe riverside at Newburn at Newburn dates dates from from 1899.1899. 6 7 TurnTurn right rightat the at top the of top the of road, the road, noting noting the old the vicarage old vicarage as as The tramwayThe tramway was wasreplaced replaced you pass.you pass. by a bybus a servicebus service in 1946. in 1946.

Old OldVicarage Vicarage

The buildingThe building you can you see can with see the with the sign sayingsign saying it is the it is Old the Vicarage Old Vicarage datesdates from 1868.from 1868. Pictured Pictured right, right, it is noit islonger no longer the residence the residence of of the localthe vicar,local vicar, who nowwho occupiesnow occupies a moderna modern building building behind behind the the As youAs walkyou walkalong, along, note notethe row the ofrow Almshouses of Almshouses on the on the older oldervicarage. vicarage. oppositeopposite side sideof the of street. the street. When When you haveyou have almost almost passed passed

these,these, you willyou see will onsee your on yourside sideof the of street the street the former the former CottageCottage Hospital Hospital building. building. It is nowIt is nowa private a private house, house, but see but ifsee if you canyou spotcan spotthe carving the carving above above the door the doorwhich which identifies identifies it as it as The OldThe Vicarage Old Vicarage itself itselfis not is in not in a hospital.a hospital. fact thefact oldest the oldest vicarage vicarage in the in the village.village. It replaced It replaced the previous the previous 16th century16th century building building known known as the as the ManorManor House, House, which which stood stood just to just to CottageCottage Hospital Hospital the souththe south and is and pictured is pictured here onhere on the leftthe c1900. left c1900.. This buildingThis building began began as a Methodistas a Methodist SundaySunday School. School. WhenWhen this was this was replacedreplaced by a biggerby a bigger NextNext door door to the to old the vicarage old vicarage is a largeis a large white white house house named named school,school, the building the building NewburnNewburn House. House. This Thiswas wasbuilt builtin the in 18 theth century18th century and isand is was offeredwas offered to the to the th th LocalLocal Board Board of of GradeGrade 2 listed. 2 listed. During During the 19 the century,19 century, it was it wasa doctor’s a doctor’s Health.Health. In 1909, In 1909, the the house,house, and isand still is known still known locally locally as “Dr as Scott’s “Dr Scott’s house”. house”. SpencerSpencer family family paid paid

to extendto extend the the WalkWalk east eastalong along the main the main street, street, noting noting that tramsthat trams used used to run to run buildingbuilding and convert and convert alongalong here, here, connecting connecting the village the village with withLemington Lemington to the to east the east it intoit a into hospital. a hospital. and Throckleyand to the to west. the west. The Cottage The Cottage Hospital Hospital is pictured is pictured here inhere 1910 in 1910

8 9 FurtherFurther along, along, you willyou see will onsee the on opposite the opposite side sideof the of street the street a a NextNext you comeyou come to the to Almshouses. the Almshouses. largelarge brick brick building building which which used used to be to the be offices the offices of Spencer’s of Spencer’s steelsteel works. works. You Youcan identifycan identify it by itthe by semi-circular the semi-circular porch porch hoodhood over overthe entrance the entrance door. door. AlmshousesAlmshouses

This rowThis of row twelve of twelve Alms AlmsHouses Houses was built was inbuilt 1870, in 1870, funded funded by a by a charitablecharitable donation donation from Hughfrom Hugh Taylor Taylor of nearby of nearby Earsdon in memory in memory of of Spencer’sSpencer’s Steel Steel Works Works office office his parents.his parents.

th th The homesThe homes were werefor for Spencer’sSpencer’s steel steelworks works grew grewduring during the 19 the century 19 century from itsfrom original its original residentsresidents aged agedover over grindinggrinding mill in mill Millers in Millers Dene Dene (to the (to north the northeast ofeast Newburn of Newburn village) village) into a into a 60 from60 Newburnfrom Newburn huge hugeoperation operation spreading spreading down down to the to river, the river,including including a large a largerolling rolling mill mill and theand adjacent the adjacent coveringcovering most mostof the of land the southland south of the of railway the railway line. line.By the By start the ofstart the of the th th villages,villages, and and 20 century20 century the works the works covered covered 60 acres 60 acres and employed and employed almost almost 2,000 2,000 providedprovided free free workers.workers. accommodation.accommodation. ResidentsResidents were werealso also The officeThe office building building on on givengiven a weekly a weekly the mainthe mainstreet street is is allowance,allowance, which which picturedpictured on the on left the of left of was higherwas higher for men for men this photograph.this photograph. than forthan women. for women. This wasThis not was the not the company’scompany’s head head This photographThis photograph of of officeoffice which which was on was on the Highthe StreetHigh Street with with WestgateWestgate Road Road and and the Almshousesthe Almshouses on on later onlater Collingwood on Collingwood the leftthe dates left dates from from Street.Street. 1909.1909.

ContinueContinue to walk to walkwest west until untilyou reachyou reach the the laneoff to off your to yourright right CrossCross the road the roadand walkand walkback back towards towards the Almshouses. the Almshouses. Just Just leadingleading to the to Church the Church of St of Michael St Michael and Alland Angels All Angels which which is is beforebefore you reachyou reach them, them, you willyou see will ansee older an older stone stone house. house. set backset back from fromthe main the main street. street. This Thiswas wasbuilt builtfor the for Duke the Duke of Northumberland, of Northumberland, Newburn’s Newburn’s mainmain landowner, landowner, in 1822. in 1822. It was It wasthe residence the residence of the of County the County The churchThe church dates dates from fromthe 12 theth century12th century or earlier, or earlier, and isand is Bailiff.Bailiff. There There is a signis a signcarved carved into theinto stonework the stonework saying saying GradeGrade 1 listed. 1 listed. It is worthIt is worth walking walking up to up look to lookat the at building the building “Erected“Erected by High by High Duke Duke of Northumberland of Northumberland Lord Lordof the of Manor the Manor from fromthe outside the outside even even if you if areyou unable are unable to go to in. go The in. The 1822”.1822”. churchyardchurchyard can becan visited be visited at any at time.any time.

10 11 St MichaelSt Michael and and All AngelsAll Angels Church Church AmongAmong the features the features worth worth seeing seeing inside inside the church the church are the are stained the stained glassglass windows, windows, notably notably that commemoratingthat commemorating William , Hedley, the the ThereThere used usedto be to a bewooden a wooden church church on this on site, this priorsite, priorto the to stone the stone pioneerpioneer of steam of steam locomotive engineering. engineering. The DelavalThe Delaval family, family, believed believed buildingbuilding you see you today. see today. This wasThis burnedwas burned down down in 1067 in 1067 AD. AD. to beto early be earlypatrons patrons of the of church, the church, are commemorated are commemorated by a gravestoneby a gravestone in thein floor the floorof the of chancel. the chancel. There There is also is aalso war a memorial war memorial inside, inside, created created in 1921,in 1921, and someand some fine wood fine wood carving carving by the by notable the notable woodworker woodworker and and painterpainter Ralph Ralph Hedley. Hedley.

As wellAs aswell serving as serving the local the localparish, parish, the church the church has experienced has experienced the the impactimpact of wider of wider events events in its inlong its history.long history. Just afterJust afterthe Norman the Norman Conquest,Conquest, the Earl the ofEarl Northumberland of Northumberland was murderedwas murdered in the in entrance the entrance to to the church.the church. He had He recentlyhad recently been been appointed appointed as governor as governor by the by new the new king, king,William , the Conqueror, and isand believed is believed to have to havebeen beenthe victim the victim of of the displeasurethe displeasure of the of local the locallords lordswhom whom he had he displaced.had displaced. During During the the BattleBattle of Newburn of Newburn Ford Fordin 1642 in 1642 the Scottish the Scottish army army used usedthe tower the tower as a as a platformplatform for their for guns,their guns, using using this commanding this commanding position position to fire to at fire the at the EnglishEnglish who werewho werecamped camped across across the river the atriver Ryton at Ryton In 1832 In 1832 the vicar the vicar was onewas ofone 66 oflocal 66 localpeople people who diedwho duringdied during an outbreak an outbreak of cholera. of cholera.

ChurchyardChurchyard

The churchyardThe churchyard is well is worthwell worth exploring, exploring, although although the higher the higher part ispart quite is quite overgrownovergrown and notand easily not easily accessible. accessible. Among Among the notable the notable people people buried buried here hereare Robert are Robert Hawthorn, Hawthorn, chief chiefengineer engineer at Walbottle at Walbottle Colliery, Colliery, whose whose sons sonsstarted started the engineering the engineering firm offirm R &of W R Hawthorn& W Hawthorn at Forth at Forth Banks Banks in in Newcastle;Newcastle; William William Hedley, Hedley, the mining the mining engineer engineer and railwayand railway pioneer; pioneer; and members and members of the of the SpencerSpencer family, family, owners owners of Newburn’s of Newburn’s huge huge The oldestThe oldest part ofpart the of present the present church church building building is the is tower the tower which which dates dates local localsteel steelworks; works; and Samueland Samuel Davison, Davison, an an back backto 1100 to 1100 AD, or AD, even or evenearlier. earlier. Additions Additions were weremade made during during the 12 theth 12th inventorinventor and engineerand engineer who workedwho worked for R for& WR & W and 13andth centuries,13th centuries, including including the north the north aisle aislewith itswith Norman its Norman arches arches and and Hawthorn’sHawthorn’s Leith Leithengine engine works works in , in Edinburgh, the chancelthe chancel which which is one is ofone the of longest the longest in Northumberland. in Northumberland. Many Many and whoseand whose designs designs were wereused usedin the in first the first changeschanges were weremade made in the in Victorian the Victorian era. Theera. SpencerThe Spencer family family who who railwaysrailways in South in South Africa. Africa. The gravesThe graves of of ownedowned the steel the steelworks works were weremajor major benefactors, benefactors, contributing contributing the original the original HawthornHawthorn and Hedleyand Hedley are to are be to found be found on the on the peal ofpeal six of bells, six bells, the chancel the chancel screen screen and pulpit.and pulpit. The lychgateThe lychgate is also is also southsouth side ofside the of church, the church, and thatand of that Davison of Davison on on part ofpart their of theirlegacy. legacy. The buildingThe building was severelywas severely damaged damaged in a fire in a in fire in the norththe north side. side.

2006,2006, but has but since has since been been sensitively sensitively restored. restored. Right: Right: St Michael’s St Michael’s Clergy Clergy (undated) (undated)

12 13 AfterAfter leaving leaving the church,the church, continue continue along along the lanethe lane to the to west.the west. If youIf youcontinue continue along along the road,the road, you youwill arrivewill arrive at Newburn at Newburn ThisThis will takewill take you youpast past the librarythe library and anddown down to the to mainthe main street street MemorialMemorial Park. Park. Note Note the stonethe stone monument monument with witha plaque a plaque again.again. The TheWar War Memorial Memorial is a isshort a short distance distance further further along along explainingexplaining who who is commemorated is commemorated here. here. the street.the street.

You Youcan canfinish finish your your walk walk here here where where you youbegan began or continue or continue a a NewburnNewburn Memorial Memorial Park Park little littlefurther further along along the roadthe road in the in samethe same direction direction to take to take in in somesome of the of village’sthe village’s oldest oldest houses, houses, the Gradethe Grade 2 listed 2 listed Town Town This Thispark parkis in memoryis in memory of Henry of Henry George George Alan, Alan, Ninth Ninth Duke Duke of of Hall,Hall, and andthe Memorialthe Memorial Park. Park. Northumberland.Northumberland. He was He killedwas killed in action in action in the in Second the Second World World War War duringduring the retreat the retreat to Dunkirk to Dunkirk while while serving serving as a aslieutenant a lieutenant in the in the A shortA short distance distance beyond beyond the Warthe War Memorial Memorial you youwill comewill come to to GrenadierGrenadier Guards. Guards. DukesDukes Cottages Cottages and andPercy Percy Street. Street. They They were were built built by the by the DukeDuke of Northumberland. of Northumberland. The DukeThe Duke of Northumberland of Northumberland (pictured (pictured here) here) was was describeddescribed in a contemporaryin a contemporary newspaper newspaper report report as “aas sandy-haired “a sandy-haired unmarried unmarried man manof 26, of who 26, who FurtherFurther along, along, on the on oppositethe opposite side side of the of road,the road, you youcan cansee see travelledtravelled round round the world the world and whoseand whose principal principal the formerthe former Town Town Hall. Hall. Prior Prior to its to incorporation its incorporation into into recreationsrecreations are fox-hunting are fox-hunting and chess”.and chess”. He was He was NewcastleNewcastle in 1974, in 1974, Newburn Newburn had hadits own its own district district council. council. one ofone the of largest the largest landowners landowners in England. in England. The The familyfamily owned owned most most of the of land the landin Newburn, in Newburn, and and The TheTown Town Hall Hallis pictured is pictured here here in 1911, in 1911, the yearthe year it was it was their theirname name crops crops up around up around the village the village as as opened.opened. ownersowners and benefactors.and benefactors.

The DukeThe Duke of Northumberland of Northumberland is an is ancient an ancient title withtitle connectionswith connections to the to the title oftitle Earl of ofEarl Northumberland of Northumberland whose whose first holderfirst holder came came over overto England to England with Williamwith William the Conqueror. the Conqueror. The familyThe family seat seatis Alnwick is Alnwick . Castle.

ThisThis is the is endthe endof the of walk.the walk. Retrace Retrace your your steps steps to return to return to to the Warthe War Memorial. Memorial.

14 15 TyneTyne Riverside Riverside Country Country Park Park Heritage Heritage Trail Trail StartStart your your walk walk BlayneyBlayney Row Row and and the theCoke Coke Ovens Ovens The Thewalk walk starts starts and andends ends at Newburn at Newburn Leisure Leisure Centre, Centre, at the at the

easterneastern end endof the of Tynethe Tyne Riverside Riverside Country Country Park. Park. ThisThis is a pleasantis a pleasant country country walk walk which which introduces introduces you youto the to the heritageheritage of the of areathe area west west of Newburn. of Newburn. Allow Allow about about an hour. an hour. If youIf areyou coming are coming by car, by therecar, there is a convenient is a convenient car park car parkon the on opposite the opposite ThisThis extract extract from from the 1921the 1921 Ordnance Ordnance Survey Survey map map shows shows side ofside the of road the roadfrom fromthe leisure the leisure centre. centre. There There is also is aalso car a park car park on the on the whatwhat this areathis area looked looked like alike century a century ago. ago. riversideriverside where where the next the sectionnext section of the of walk the walkbegins, begins, but this but can this be can busy be busy

ContinuingContinuing past past the leisurethe leisure centre, centre, you youcome come to the to Bigthe LampBig Lamp

BreweryBrewery and andKeelman Keelman Pub Pubon your on your right. right. Turn Turn left hereleft here and and walkwalk down down the roadthe road towards towards the river.the river. This This takes takes you youto the to the site ofsite the of Battlethe Battle of Newburn of Newburn Ford. Ford. There There are helpfulare helpful informationinformation boards boards here here telling telling you youabout about this importantthis important battle.battle.

BattleBattle of Newburn of Newburn

It is hardIt is hardto imagine to imagine as you as sityou in sitthis in pleasant this pleasant spot spot overlookingoverlooking the river the riverthat thisthat was this oncewas oncethe site the of site a of a bloodybloody battle battle which which played played a decisive a decisive role inrole the in 17 theth 17th centurycentury Civil War,Civil War,and ultimatelyand ultimately led to led the to execution the execution of Charlesof Charles the First. the First.

NewburnNewburn was situatedwas situated at the at lowest the lowest point pointof the of Tyne the Tyne wherewhere it was it possiblewas possible to cross to cross by ford. by ford. Before Before there there was awas bridge, a bridge, this meant this meant that itthat was it ofwas great of great strategic strategic importance.importance. It was It herewas herein 1640 in 1640 that athat Scottish a Scottish army army chosechose to cross to cross the river the riverin order in order to attack to attack Newcastle. Newcastle. The higherThe higher ground ground on the on north the north side providedside provided a much a much betterbetter position position overlooking overlooking the English the English army army who werewho werecamped camped over overthe the river riveron Ryton on Ryton Willows Willows. The. EnglishThe English were wereoutnumbered outnumbered and easilyand easily defeated.defeated. Newcastle Newcastle was leftwas undefended, left undefended, and theand king the wasking forcedwas forced to to makemake peace. peace.

WalkingWalking in this in area this areatoday today you can you still can find still souvenirs find souvenirs from fromthis battle, this battle, such suchas musket as musket balls, balls, cannon cannon balls ballsand fragmentsand fragments of bone. of bone.

16 17 FromFrom here herewalk walkwest west along along the riverside the riverside path, path, passing passing the the boathouseboathouse directly directly opposite opposite and theand spire the spire of Ryton of Ryton Church Church on on slipway.slipway. the skyline.the skyline. There There is a convenientis a convenient bench bench here. here.

As youAs reachyou reach the the TakeTake the path the pathwhich which leads leads away away from fromaway away from from the river, the river, children’schildren’s play playarea areayou you headingheading towards towards a terrace a terrace of brick-built of brick-built houses. houses. Pass Pass around around can lookcan lookback back and seeand see a gatea gateand alongand along the front the frontof the of houses. the houses. This Thisis Moore is Moore NewburnNewburn Bridge Bridge behind behind Court.Court. It is namedIt is named after after one ofone the of female the female members members of the of the you withyou withthe last the last BatesBates family family of Heddon of Heddon Hall whoHall whohad thehad houses the houses built builtfor for remainingremaining cone cone of the of old the old workersworkers in the in local the local brickmaking brickmaking and coalminingand coalmining industries. industries. LemingtonLemington Glassworks Glassworks in in the background.the background. WalkWalk in front in front of the of houses the houses and continueand continue straight straight on until on untilyou you reachreach a junction, a junction, with withanother another row ofrow houses of houses on your on yourright. right. LemingtonLemington Glassworks Glassworks is pictured is pictured here herein 1915. in 1915. HereHere a path a pathand cyclewayand cycleway goes goes left towards left towards Wylam, Wylam, following following The remainingThe remaining cone cone is over is over120 feet120 highfeet highand madeand made of more of more the routethe route of the of old the waggonway old waggonway which which brought brought coal coalfrom fromthe the than thana million a million bricks. bricks. WylamWylam pit to pit the to staithes the staithes at Lemington at Lemington from fromwhere where it was it was transportedtransported downriver. downriver. When When it opened it opened in in inthe in mid-18 the mid-18th th centurycentury the waggonway the waggonway had woodenhad wooden rails, rails, but these but these were were On theOn opposite the opposite later laterreplaced replaced by iron by rails.iron rails. This Thisfive-mile five-mile long longwaggonway waggonway side sideof the of river the riveris is was wasthe site the ofsite early of early experiments experiments in the in developmentthe development of of RytonRyton Willows. Willows. In In steamsteam . locomotives. The PuffingThe Puffing Billy Billyand Wylamand Wylam Dilly Dillyworked worked yearsyears gone gone by this by this on thison line.this line. It was It wasclosed closed when when the Wylam the Wylam pit shut pit shutin 1869 in 1869 was wasa favourite a favourite but partsbut parts of it wereof it were used used by other by other local local pits andpits industries.and industries. spot spotfor a forcountry a country outingouting for people for people TurnTurn right rightto walk to walkalong along the front the front of the of houses. the houses. This Thisis is from fromthe urbanised the urbanised BlayneyBlayney Row. Row. neighbourhoodsneighbourhoods of of the innerthe inner west. west. This Thisphotograph photograph shows shows a group a group from from St St TheseThese houses houses were were built builtin 1889, in 1889, as the as sign the signin the in middle the middle of of James’James’ Church Church enjoying enjoying a picnic a picnic in 1919. in 1919. the Rowthe Rowtells tellsyou. you. They They were were built builtfor the for employees the employees of the of the HeddonHeddon Brickworks, Brickworks, and soldand soldto the to Throckley the Throckley Coal Coal Company Company AfterAfter a while a while you willyou reach will reach a junction. a junction. One Onepath pathcontinues continues in 1895.in 1895. The BatesThe Bates family family of Heddon of Heddon Hall ownedHall owned Heddon Heddon alongalong the riverside the riverside towards towards Wylam. Wylam. The otherThe other is marked is marked by a by a BrickworksBrickworks and Colliery.and Colliery. They They had ahad family a family connection connection with with brownbrown sign signwith withan acorn an acorn which which identifies identifies it as itHadrian’s as Hadrian’s Wall Wall the Blayneysthe Blayneys of Montgomeryshire of Montgomeryshire in Wales in Wales – thus – thusthe name. the name. Path.Path. This Thisis the is path the pathyou willyou take, will take, but before but before you doyou it dois it is worthworth stopping stopping briefly briefly a few a yardsfew yards further further along along the riverside. the riverside. At theAt end the ofend Blayney of Blayney Row Rowthere there is a caris a park car parkwith withan an HereHere you canyou seecan thesee view the viewacross across to Ryton, to Ryton, with withthe the unmadeunmade lane laneheading heading off it offsignposted it signposted “Public “Public Restricted Restricted 18 19 BywayByway Throckley”. Throckley”. Follow Follow this, this,keeping keeping an eye an outeye for out the for the smallsmall wooden wooden sign signon your on yourleft saying left saying “Coke “Coke Ovens” Ovens” a short a short Spencer’sSpencer’s steelworks steelworks distancedistance along along the path. the path. This Thisnarrow narrow path pathwill take will takeyou toyou the to the is picturedis pictured here inhere in 1910.1910. By this By time this time remainsremains of the of old the coke old coke ovens. ovens. Have Have a look a lookaround around but take but take the sitethe extended site extended for for care careon the on uneven the uneven ground. ground. There There is a plinthis a plinth on the on site the site 60 acres60 acres across across whichwhich once once held heldan interpretation an interpretation board. board. Sadly Sadly the board the board has has Newburn.Newburn. It was It was gone,gone, but the but plinth the plinth is interesting is interesting in itself in itself as it asis madeit is made of old of old connectedconnected by rail by to rail to bricksbricks from from many many former former collieries. collieries. Afterwards Afterwards retrace retrace your your IsabellaIsabella Pit. Pit. stepssteps back back to the to sign the signon the on main the main path. path.

CokeCoke Ovens Ovens

The Theovens ovens were were used used to make to make coke coke using using coal coalfrom from the the nearbynearby Isabella Isabella Colliery Colliery which which lay north lay north of this of site.this site. The The collierycolliery was wasopened opened in 1867 in 1867 and closedand closed in the in 1950s. the 1950s. OptionsOptions for returnfor return route route

This This1909 1909 At thisAt pointthis point you haveyou have a choice a choice of routes of routes back back to the to leisure the leisure photographphotograph centre.centre. The Thefull circular full circular route route takes takes you alongyou along a narrow a narrow path path of theof pit the and pit and whichwhich gets getsvery verymuddy muddy in wet in weather.wet weather. If you If preferyou prefer not to not to associatedassociated take takethis route:this route: turn turnright rightwhen when you leaveyou leave the coke the coke ovens ovens and and cokecoke and and walkwalk back back towards towards Blayney Blayney Row. Row. When When you reachyou reach the the brickbrick works works “Restricted“Restricted Byway Byway “ signpost “ signpost (and (and a black a black litter litterbin) turnbin) turnleft left was wastaken taken onto ontothe walkway the walkway that runsthat runsalongside alongside the road. the road. This Thiswill take will take fromfrom across across you directlyyou directly back back to the to leisure the leisure centre. centre. the Tyne.the Tyne. If youIf preferyou prefer to take to takethe more the more scenic scenic but possibly but possibly muddy muddy route,route, turn turnleft when left when you leaveyou leave the coke the coke ovens. ovens. Keep Keep your your The Themain main customer customer for this for cokethis coke was wasSpencer’s Spencer’s steelworks steelworks in in eyeseyes open open for a for path a pathgoing going off to off the to right, the right, marked marked by a bysign a sign Newburn.Newburn. The Thefirm wasfirm wasfounded founded in 1810 in 1810 and grewand grew to be to a be a sayingsaying “No motorcycles”“No motorcycles” and twoand shorttwo short wooden wooden posts posts with withan an hugehuge concern. concern. It was It wasthe largest the largest local local employer employer by the by the arrowarrow saying saying “Public “Public Bridleway”. Bridleway”. The Thepath pathcrosses crosses a wooden a wooden th th beginningbeginning of the of 20 the century,20 century, with with1,800 1,800 workers. workers. Among Among its its bridgebridge and thenand thenruns runsalongside alongside a stream a stream on your on yourright rightand and productsproducts was wasthe steel the steel plate plate for the for Mauretania. the Mauretania. Its decline Its decline openopen fields fields on your on yourleft. left.Keep Keep going going on this on path,this path, ignoring ignoring afterafter the First the FirstWorld World War Warled to led the to demise the demise of the of coke the coke works works any pathsany paths going going off in off other in other directions. directions. The Thepath pathbrings brings you you also.also. out atout the at back the back of the of car the park car parkopposite opposite the leisure the leisure centre. centre.

20 21 Bells’sBells’s Close, Close, Sugley Sugley and andLemington Lemington Nor wereNor thesewere these isolated isolated rural settlements.rural settlements. By the By middle the middle of of th th the 19the century, 19 century, there therewas already was already a road a bridgeroad bridge at at An IntroductionAn Introduction ScotswoodScotswood enabling enabling access access to the to south the southof the of Tyne. the Tyne. There There was alsowas a also railway a railway bridge bridge there, there, although although the railway the railway line did line did The extractThe extract from thefrom 1857 the 1857Ordnance Ordnance Survey Survey map onmap the on the not asnot yet as reach yet reach further further west thanwest Scotswood.than Scotswood. Within Within a a oppositeopposite page pageshows shows what thiswhat area this lookedarea looked like by like the by middle the middle couplecouple of decades, of decades, a railway a railway line had line been had beenbuilt connecting built connecting of theof 19 theth century. 19th century. the areathe toarea the to main the mainNewcastle-Carlisle Newcastle-Carlisle line via line a loopvia a fromloop from ScotswoodScotswood Bridge Bridge to Wylam, to Wylam, and a and station a station was added. was added. The The You canYou see can a seestring a string of villages of villages clustered clustered along along the banks the banks of of final stagefinal stage of the of third the walkthird inwalk this in booklet this booklet takes takesyou along you along the the the Riverthe RiverTyne, Tyne, although although it is not it iseasy not toeasy pick to out pick the out details. the details. track-bedtrack-bed of this of former this former railway railway line, which line, which now forms now forms part of part of At theAt bottom the bottom right ofright the of map the ismap Scotswood, is Scotswood, at that at time that a time a the Hadrian’sthe Hadrian’s Way nationalWay national path. path. small smallsettlement settlement bounded bounded on the on west the bywest Denton by Denton Dene. Dene. The The DentonDenton Burn whichBurn which flowed flowed through through the Dene the Deneformed formed the the boundaryboundary between between the Townships the Townships of of Benwell to the to east the and east and NewburnNewburn to the to west. the west. Immediately Immediately west ofwest Scotswood of Scotswood lies lies the smallthe smallvillage village of Bells of Close,Bells Close, occupying occupying the area the ofarea of riversideriverside between between Denton Denton Dene Deneand the and next the Denenext Dene– Sugley – Sugley Dene.Dene. A short A shortdistance distance further further west againwest againis the isvillage the village of of Lemington.Lemington. Apart Apartfrom thesefrom these riverside riverside settlements, settlements, the the landscapelandscape is dominated is dominated by farmland. by farmland. This wasThis no was rural no idyll,rural however.idyll, however. Coalmines Coalmines were dottedwere dotted aroundaround the area, the area,as well as as well brickworks as brickworks and other and othersmall-scale small-scale manufacturingmanufacturing activities activities mainly mainly clustered clustered on the on land the nearland tonear to the river.the river. The greatest The greatest concentration concentration of industry of industry was to was be to be foundfound on the on area the ofarea flat of land flat justland south just south of Lemington of Lemington village, village, wherewhere there therewas an was iron an works, iron works, a glass a glassworks works and the and coal the coal staithesstaithes from whichfrom which coal from coal thefrom surrounding the surrounding pits was pits loaded was loaded onto bargesonto barges to be totransported be transported down downriver. river. Further Further to the to west the west lay thelay village the village of Newburn of Newburn which which boasted boasted several several pits and pits and associatedassociated industries industries as well as as well a burgeoningas a burgeoning steel workssteel works that that gave gaveit the itnickname the nickname locally locally of “New of “NewSheffield”. Sheffield”.

22 23 Bell’sBell’s Close, Close, Sugley Sugley and and Lemington Lemington StartStart your your walk walk A HeritageA Heritage Trail Trail YourYour walk walk starts starts at the at junctionthe junction of Scotswood of Scotswood Road Road and and ThisThis circular circular walk walk goes goes from from Bell’s Bell’s Close Close to Lemington to Lemington and and NeptuneNeptune Road. Road. backback again. again. You You will visitwill visitthe villagesthe villages of Bells of Bells Close, Close, Sugley Sugley and andLemington, Lemington, and andtake take a look a look at the at formerthe former industrial industrial sites sites YouYou are inare Bell’s in Bell’s Close. Close. To the To norththe north is the is Dumplingthe Dumpling Hall Hall to theto souththe south of Lemington of Lemington Road. Road. Estate,Estate, built built in the in 1960sthe 1960s and and1970s 1970s on farmland. on farmland. If you If youlook look

TheThe walk walk begins begins at Bell’s at Bell’s Close Close which which is just is justwest west of the of A1the closelyclosely at the at 1857the 1857 map map on page on page 23, you23, youcan cansee seea large a large motorway.motorway. Your Your starting starting point point is the is junctionthe junction of Scotswood of Scotswood househouse called called Dumpling Dumpling Hall, Hall, which which gave gave its name its name to the to the RoadRoad and andNeptune Neptune Road. Road. At the At entrancethe entrance to Neptune to Neptune Road Road housinghousing estate estate that thatoccupies occupies the sitethe sitenow. now. Just Just to the to westthe west of of therethere is a issign a sign saying saying “Welcome “Welcome to Dumpling to Dumpling Hall”. Hall”. the oldthe Dumplingold Dumpling Hall Hallwas was the Westthe West Denton Denton pit, andpit, andthere there werewere several several mine mine shafts shafts in this in thisarea. area. To the To eastthe east of Neptune of Neptune RoadRoad is the is formerthe former site siteof the of Bell’sthe Bell’s Close Close brick brick and andtile workstile works To reachTo reach the thestarting starting point point and,and, above above it, one it, oneof the of pitsthe pitsbelonging belonging to the to Montaguthe Montagu If youIf areyou coming are coming from fromthe direction the direction of Newcastle of Newcastle on the on A6085, the A6085, Colliery.Colliery. NeptuneNeptune Road Road is the is second the second turning turning on the on right the rightshortly shortly after afterthe the NewburnNewburn Haugh Haugh . roundabout. WalkWalk a short a short distance distance west west from from the junctionthe junction and andtake take the firstthe first If youIf areyou travelling are travelling by car, by takecar, takea left a turn left offturn Neptune off Neptune Road Road into into rightright turn. turn. Walk Walk up here up here until until you yousee seeon your on your right right OttringhamOttringham Close. Close. Here Here the Hadrian’s the Hadrian’s Way Waypath pathcrosses crosses Neptune Neptune St George’sSt George’s Field, Field, one oneof almost of almost 500 500public public open open spaces spaces Road.Road. This Thisis clearly is clearly signposted signposted on both on bothsides sides of the of road. the road. You Youcan can mademade available available throughout throughout the countrythe country as a as memorial a memorial to King to King park parkon Ottringham on Ottringham Close, Close, and walkand walkback back down down Neptune Neptune Road Road to the to the GeorgeGeorge V who V who died died in 1936. in 1936. The TheKing King George George Foundation Foundation junctionjunction with withScotswood Scotswood Road. Road. waswas responsible responsible for forlocal local fundraising fundraising to buy to buythe land.the land. The The If youIf areyou using are using public public transport, transport, several several buses buses run along run along the main the main playingplaying fields fields are arenow now overseen overseen by Fields by Fields in Trust in Trust in order in order to to A6085A6085 Scotswood Scotswood to Newburn to Newburn road. road. “preserve“preserve and andsafeguard safeguard the landthe land for the for publicthe public benefit”. benefit”. ThereThere is a iscommemorative a commemorative panel panel on a on brick a brick plinth plinth on the on the If youIf areyou travelling are travelling to Bell’s to Bell’s Close Close from fromthe the Bell’sBell’s Close Close field. field. directiondirection of Newcastle, of Newcastle, you mightyou might like tolike reflect to reflect on theon importance the importance of coalmining of coalmining to this to areathis areaas as WalkWalk west west along along St George’s St George’s Road. Road. When When you youreach reach the the you passyou pass the B&Q the B&Q store store on Scotswood on Scotswood Road Road schoolschool at the at end,the end, take take a left a turnleft turnto reach to reach the Gradethe Grade 2 listed 2 listed just beforejust before it is crossedit is crossed by the by A1. the A1.This Thisis the is the St George’sSt George’s R.C. R.C. Church. Church. The The stone stone building building which which you yousee see site ofsite the of Montagu the Montagu Pit. ThreePit. Three of the of victims the victims of of aboveabove the churchthe church is the is oldthe schoolold school house house which which is currently is currently the disasterthe disaster which which killed killed 28 men 28 menand boysand boys empty.empty. camecame from fromBell’s Bell’s Close. Close.

24 25 St George’sSt George’s Church Church LemingtonLemington Staithes Staithes

St George’sSt George’s RC Church, RC Church, Bell’s Bell’s Close, Close, LemingtonLemington Staithes Staithes were were was openedwas opened in 1869. in 1869. It is one It is ofone the of the locatedlocated on the on Gut. the Gut.A A oldestoldest buildings buildings in this in area. this area. The The waggonwaywaggonway ran to ran the to the churchchurch was paidwas forpaid by for the by local the local staithesstaithes bringing bringing coal fromcoal fromthe the landowner,landowner, Richard Richard Lamb, Lamb, and thereand there local localpits. pits. are memorialsare memorials to the to Lamb the Lamb family family insideinside the building. the building. The photographThe photograph shows shows one ofone of The earlyThe earlycongregation congregation included included many many Irish Irishfamilies families who camewho came into the into the the fewthe visible few visible remains remains of this of this area areain search in search of work. of work. Initially Initially many many worked worked as as keelmen on colliers on colliers onceonce busy busyquayside quayside area area transportingtransporting coal fromcoal fromthe local the localstaithes. staithes. Later Later they theyfound found employment employment today.today. in thein rapidly the rapidly growing growing local localindustries industries such suchas railways, as railways, iron, iron,glass glass and and brick brickmaking. making.

Bell’sBell’s Close Close also hadalso ahad Wesleyan a Wesleyan Methodist Methodist Church Church dating dating from from1837, 1837, locatedlocated in the in north the north west westof the of village. the village. This closedThis closed in 1975. in 1975. ContinuingContinuing west, west, you youcome come to another to another church. church. This This tells tellsyou you that thatyou youhave have reached reached Sugley. Sugley.

ContinueContinue down down the stepsthe steps to the to mainthe main road. road. Turn Turn right right in the in the TakeTake a moment a moment to admire to admire this finethis finebuilding. building. directiondirection of Newburn of Newburn and andwalk walk to the to endthe endof the of churchthe church grounds.grounds. Here Here you yousee seea large a large natural natural land land fault. fault. This This is is SugleySugley Dene. Dene. From From here here a small a small stream stream runs runs under under the mainthe main HolyHoly Saviour Saviour Church Church roadroad into intothe “Lemingtonthe “Lemington Gut”. Gut”. Holy HolySaviour Saviour Church, Church, Sugley, Sugley, LemingtonLemington Gut Gut was openedwas opened in 1837, in 1837, making making it theit oldest the oldest building building in this in this PicturedPictured here herec1930, c1930, area.area. It was It designedwas designed by the by the the Gutthe is Gut a small is a small well-knownwell-known architect architect expanseexpanse of water of water left left BenjaminBenjamin Green, Green, who waswho was behindbehind when when the River the River also responsiblealso responsible for the for the TyneTyne was re-routedwas re-routed TheatreTheatre Royal Royal in Newcastle. in Newcastle. The buildingThe building is oriented is oriented north-south north-south rather rather awayaway from fromLemington Lemington than thanthe usual the usual east-west east-west in order in order to avoid to avoid an old an pit old shaft. pit shaft. Originally Originally a a in thein 1880s. the 1880s. A new A new ChapelChapel of Ease of Ease for Sugley for Sugley from fromSt Michael St Michael and Alland Angels All Angels Church Church in in shortershorter channel channel was was Newburn,Newburn, this now this servesnow serves as the as Anglican the Anglican parish parish church church for the for whole the whole createdcreated through through LemingtonLemington area. area.

BlaydonBlaydon Haugh. Haugh.

26 27 ContinueContinue to walk to walkup the up road the roadwhich which curves curves upwards upwards by the by the RetraceRetrace your yoursteps steps past past(but not(but crossing) not crossing) the tubular the tubular bridge. bridge. side sideof the of church. the church. This Thisis the is furthest the furthest west west part ofpart of You Youhave have now nowreached reached Lemington. Lemington. ScotswoodScotswood Road. Road. The mainThe main road roadwhich which continues continues towards towards NewburnNewburn is called is called Lemington Lemington Road. Road. You Youare now are nowin Tyne in Tyne View, View, the main the main street street of Lemington. of Lemington. This Thisphotograph photograph shows shows how howTyne Tyne View View looked looked a hundred a hundred On yourOn yourright rightare aare set a of set bungalows of bungalows called called Wedgwood Wedgwood yearsyears ago ago Cottages.Cottages. Opened Opened in 1936, in 1936, these these were were built builtfor retired for retired workersworkers of the of North the North Eastern Eastern Railway. Railway. Note Note the plaques the plaques on on the walls.the walls.

BeyondBeyond the cottages, the cottages, you reachyou reach a tubular a tubular railway railway bridge bridge bearingbearing the stamp the stamp of its of maker its maker Tubewrights Tubewrights Ltd of Ltd Newport of Newport in in Monmouthshire,Monmouthshire, Wales. Wales.

AfterAfter crossing crossing the bridge the bridge turn turnright rightand walkand walkalong along to Station to Station House.House. Now Nowsubstantially substantially refurbished, refurbished, this usedthis used to be to the be the StationStation Master’s Master’s house. house. The roadThe roadleading leading to it isto Sugleyit is Sugley Villas.Villas. It contains It contains several several impressive impressive villas villas which which provided provided up-marketup-market residences residences for local for local factory factory managers. managers.

LemingtonLemington Station Station

LemingtonLemington railway railway station, station, pictured pictured here inhere 1921, in 1921, was on was the on route the routeof of the Scotswood,the Scotswood, Newburn Newburn and Wylam and Wylam railway railway which which connected connected the the villagesvillages of Lemington of Lemington and Newburn and Newburn to the to main the mainNewcastle Newcastle and Carlisle and Carlisle TakeTake a right a rightturn turnup Rokeby up Rokeby Street. Street. This Thisis named is named after afterLord Lord line. line.There There were were Rokeby,Rokeby, the landowner the landowner who whosold soldthe land the landto Northumberland to Northumberland sidingssidings serving serving the the CountyCounty Council Council on which on which MontaguMontagu and Blucher and Blucher CollieriesCollieries as well as as well as LemingtonLemington Riverside Riverside Carr’sCarr’s brickyard brickyard and and PrimaryPrimary School School here herewas was a copperasa copperas works. works. built builtin 1909. in 1909.

LemingtonLemington station station closedclosed to passengers to passengers This Thisclass class photograph photograph in 1958in 1958and to and goods to goods datesdates from from the early the early in 1960.in 1960. yearsyears of the of school. the school.

28 29 TakeTake a stroll a strollaround around the perimeter the perimeter of the of school, the school, turning turning left left on theseon these handmade handmade bricks bricks from fromthe kilns the kilnsshow show that theythat theywere were and thenand thenleft again left again into Sugleyinto Sugley Street. Street. mademade by William by William Stephenson Stephenson of Throckley of Throckley whose whose brickworks brickworks can becan traced be traced back back to the to mid-19 the mid-19th centuryth century or earlier. or earlier. On theOn way, the way,you willyou see will somesee some of the of terraced the terraced housing housing built built over overa century a century ago toago accommodate to accommodate families families employed employed in the in the Now Nowlook southlook south to see, to see,some some distance distance away away on the on opposite the opposite local localglass, glass, iron, iron,mining mining and railwayand railway industries. industries. side ofside the of main the main road, road, a Grade a Grade 2 listed 2 listed building building which which used used to to be thebe Manager’s the Manager’s house house and office.and office. This Thisphotograph photograph will help will help At theAt end the ofend Sugley of Sugley Street Street turn rightturn rightinto Tyneinto Tyne View. View. When When you pinpointyou pinpoint the location the location of the of building the building – it is – in it theis in centre the centre of of you reachyou reach the “Healthworks” the “Healthworks” Lemington Lemington Resource Resource Centre, Centre, the picture.the picture. you willyou see will somesee some helpful helpful interpretation interpretation boards boards on the on wall the wall next nextto the to entrance the entrance on the on right-hand the right-hand side sideof the of building. the building. TheseThese highlight highlight items items from fromthe village’s the village’s past. past.

FromFrom the Lemington the Lemington Centre, Centre, cross cross to the to opposite the opposite side sideof of TyneTyne View View and passand passthrough through the ornate the ornate black black gates gates to meet to meet the Hadrian’sthe Hadrian’s Way Waypath. path. Turn Turnright rightto walk to walkalong along the path the pathfor for a fewa yards, few yards, then thenturn leftturn down left down a small a small track track just beforejust before the the picnicpicnic area. area. As you As reachyou reach the main the main Scotswood-Newburn Scotswood-Newburn Road,Road, you canyou seecan insee front in frontof you of theyou huge the huge glassworks glassworks cone. cone. Turn Turnleft and left walkand walkalong along the pavement the pavement to a buildingto a building identified identified as Norlandas Norland Construction Construction Ltd. Ltd.This Thisbuilding building originally originally belongedbelonged to the to Tyne the Tyne Iron Company.Iron Company.

ThereThere are other are other remains remains to be to seen be seen here hereof this of importantthis important industryindustry which which dated dated back backto 1797. to 1797.

To theTo right the rightof the of the buildingbuilding are some are some of the of the UnfortunatelyUnfortunately it is not it is possible not possible to get to close get close to the to building the building old kilns,old kilns, unattended unattended now, now,as it isas on it isa onlocked a locked site. site. and openand open to the to the elements.elements. Access Access is is ElsewhereElsewhere on the on area the areasouth south of the of main the main road, road, there there are are difficult,difficult, and careand careis is variousvarious remains remains of walls of walls and rampsand ramps to be to seen, be seen, but their but their th th neededneeded if you if wantyou want to to functionfunction is unclear. is unclear. None None of these of these important important remains remains of 18 of 18 th th get close-upget close-up to the to the and 19and centre19 centre industry industry are listed, are listed, and itand is likely it is likely that theythat they remains.remains. The markingsThe markings may maysoon soon disappear disappear altogether. altogether. 30 31 TyneTyne Iron Iron Works Works LemingtonLemington Glassworks Glassworks

The TyneThe TyneIron WorksIron Works was foundedwas founded in 1797. in 1797. In 1869 In 1869it was it takenwas taken over over WhenWhen the glassworks the glassworks at Lemington at Lemington opened opened in 1787, in 1787, Newcastle Newcastle was anwas an by Spencer’s,by Spencer’s, owners owners of the of large the largesteel steelworks works in nearby in nearby Newburn, Newburn, but but importantimportant centre centre of glassmaking. of glassmaking. Over Overthe years the years it had it a had variety a variety of of ceasedceased production production only sevenonly seven years years later. later. owners,owners, including including the Duke the Duke of Northumberland of Northumberland and the and Sowerby the Sowerby family family of Benwell.of Benwell. In 1906 In 1906the General the General Electric Electric Company Company took ittook over, it over,making making The ironThe works iron works occupied occupied a site a which site which has since has since been beencut in cut two in by two the by the bulbsbulbs and tubing and tubing for electric for electric lights. lights. Traditional Traditional hand- hand-manufacturing main mainScotswood- Scotswood- Newburn Newburn Road, Road, now thenow A6085. the A6085. This 1903This 1903 processesprocesses were werestill in still use in in use the in latter the latterpart ofpart the of 20 theth century. 20th century. photographphotograph shows shows the lower the lower part ofpart the of iron the works iron works site on site the on riverside the riverside at Lemington.at Lemington. Next Nextto it - toa powerit - a power station station and a and glass a glass works. works. The glassworksThe glassworks

closedclosed in 1997 in 1997and and the buildingsthe buildings were were demolished,demolished, with thewith the exceptionexception of one of of one of the originalthe original 18th 18th centurycentury cones cones (pictured(pictured here herein in 1976)1976) which which was was refurbishedrefurbished and and listed.listed. It is It is estimatedestimated to contain to contain almostalmost two million two million bricks.bricks.

Our walkOur walk route route now nowcontinues continues west west along along the norththe north side sideof the of the mainmain road road to the to roundaboutthe roundabout next nextto an to Asda an Asda store, store, and and returningreturning to Lemington to Lemington village. village.

However,However, if anyone if anyone wants wants to see to thesee glassthe glass works works cone cone close- close- up, itup, is possibleit is possible to take to takea detour a detour by crossing by crossing the roadthe road at this at this roundabout,roundabout, then then walking walking back back in the in oppositethe opposite direction direction to to reachreach the turningthe turning signposted signposted “Stanegate “Stanegate Stoves”. Stoves”. Walk Walk down down StayingStaying on the on north the north side sideof the of busythe busy main main road, road, walk walk further further herehere to see to thesee conethe cone close-up. close-up. Around Around it are it scatteredare scattered westwest to view to view the glass the glass works works cone. cone. This Thisis the is lastthe remaininglast remaining remnantsremnants of former of former industries. industries. Stanegate Stanegate Stoves Stoves have have a a one oneof several of several cones cones that thatused used to stand to stand on this on site.this site. Here Here showshow room room inside inside the conethe cone where where members members of the of publicthe public can can glassglass could could be fired be firedto a totemperature a temperature of about of about 2,000C. 2,000C. viewview their theirwares. wares. Note Note that thatthe entrancethe entrance to the to site the issite locked is locked whenwhen the show the show room room is closed. is closed. 32 33 CanaryCanary Island Island LemingtonLemington Methodist Methodist Church Church

AlthoughAlthough there there is is LemingtonLemington Methodist Methodist Church Church building building was openedwas opened in 1891. in 1891. It was It thenwas then no traceno traceof it of it calledcalled Algernon Algernon Road Road Primitive Primitive Methodist Methodist Church, Church, and replaced and replaced an an today,today, we cannot we cannot earlierearlier chapel chapel dating dating from from1861. 1861. leaveleave this area this area This wasThis awas response a response to the to the withoutwithout rapid rapidresidential residential development development of of mentioningmentioning this areathis areaprompted prompted by the by the CanaryCanary Island. Island. expandingexpanding local localindustries industries and and the accessibilitythe accessibility offered offered by the by the DuringDuring the First the First railways.railways. Later Later mergers mergers left this left this WorldWorld War aWar a as theas only the functioningonly functioning munitionsmunitions works works MethodistMethodist church church in this in area. this area. was builtwas onbuilt an on an islandisland in the in Tyne the Tyneoff Lemington off Lemington Point. Point. The locationThe location was chosenwas chosen to be to be at a safeat a distancesafe distance from fromany homes any homes because because of the of risk the of risk explosions. of explosions. HeadingHeading further further up what up what is now is nowAlgernon Algernon Road, Road, you comeyou come to to It acquiredIt acquired the name the name Canary Canary Island Island because because the materials the materials used usedby the by the anotheranother bastion bastion of working of working class class life – life the – Lemingtonthe Lemington and and womenwomen who workedwho worked there there filling filling shells shells turned turned their skintheir andskin hair and yellow. hair yellow. DistrictDistrict Social Social Club, Club, established established in 1904. in 1904. The Theclub clubwould would As youAs can you imagine, can imagine, this was this awas dangerous a dangerous occupation occupation and damaging and damaging to to the healththe health of the of workers. the workers. havehave had hada thousand a thousand members members in its in early its early days. days. It contained It contained a bar,a bar,sitting sitting room room and andan entertainment an entertainment hall seatinghall seating 700 700 people,people, as well as wellas a asbilliard a billiard room, room, library library and andreading reading room. room.

The Theroad road going going north north from from the Asdathe Asda roundabout roundabout is called is called

NorthumberlandNorthumberland Road. Road. On the On oppositethe opposite corner corner is an is an imposingimposing stone stone building building which which was wasformerly formerly the Lemingtonthe Lemington Hotel.Hotel. During During the latethe 18lateth and18th andearly early 19th centuries19th centuries this wouldthis would havehave been been the hubthe ofhub industrial of industrial and andpolitical political life in life the in area.the area. LocalLocal magistrates’ magistrates’ inquests, inquests, annual annual dinners dinners and high-and high- poweredpowered meetings meetings took tookplace place here. here.

WalkWalk up Northumberland up Northumberland Road Road to a tubularto a tubular bridge bridge crossing crossing the oldthe railway old railway line whichline which is now is nowHadrian’s Hadrian’s Way Way path. path. Cross Cross to theto leftthe side left sideof the of roadthe road to walk to walk over over the bridge. the bridge. ImmediatelyImmediately in front in front of you of isyou an is old an church, old church, now nowknown known as as This extractThis extract from fromthe 1989 the 1989OS map OS showsmap shows the surrounding the surrounding terraces. terraces. LemingtonLemington Methodist Methodist Church. Church. The SocialThe Social Club Clubis located is located at the at west the westend of end Eva of StreetEva Street. .

34 35 Lemington’sLemington’s terraces terraces line ofline what of whatis now is thenow main the main A69 road.A69 road. This Thispath pathfollows follows the the track-bedtrack-bed of the of old the railway old railway that connectedthat connected the Newburn the Newburn and and SomeSome of Lemington’s of Lemington’s old old LemingtonLemington areas areas with thewith Newcastle-Carlisle the Newcastle-Carlisle Railway. Railway. Later Later terracedterraced streets streets remain: remain: others others it wasit usedwas used as a asmineral a mineral line. line.The routeThe route feels feelsrural ruralas it as it have disappeared.have disappeared. Eva Street Eva Street still existsstill exists but some but someof the of the passespasses through through woodland woodland and grassedand grassed areas. areas. houseshouses that you that see you in see this in this 1905 1905photograph photograph have beenhave been As youAs walkyou walkeast, east, the path the pathcrosses crosses over overthe wooded the wooded Sugley Sugley demolished.demolished. Dene.Dene. This Thisis an isimportant an important area areaof semi-natural of semi-natural ancient ancient woodland,woodland, providing providing a valuable a valuable habitat habitat for many for many varieties varieties of of birds.birds.

Low Row,Low Row,seen inseen this in this To theTo south the south of the of bridge, the bridge, note notea large a large metal metal pipe pipecrossing crossing photographphotograph on the on left the in left in the Dene.the Dene. This Thisdates dates from fromthe 1850s the 1850s and stilland carries still carries the the c1890,c1890, has disappeared has disappeared area’sarea’s water water supply. supply. from thefrom map, the althoughmap, although there thereis still isa stillHigh a RowHigh Row To theTo north, the north, on the on edge the edge of the of Dene, the Dene, there there used used to be to a be a betweenbetween Tyne ViewTyne andView and the mainthe road.main road. grandgrand house house with awith large a large garden garden and whatand whatwere were described described as as “pleasure“pleasure grounds”. grounds”. This Thiswas Sugleywas Sugley Hall whichHall which dated dated from from th th the 18the century18 century or earlier. or earlier. No trace No trace of it survivesof it survives today. today. Its Its past pastoccupants occupants included included Mr Bulmer, Mr Bulmer, a merchant a merchant from fromHull Hull who waswho thewas principal the principal shareholder shareholder of the of Lemington the Lemington WalkWalk along along Eva StreetEva Street and thenand thentake takea right a rightturn downturn down Union Union Ironworks.Ironworks. Hall RoadHall Road to reach to reach Tyne Tyne View Viewagain. again. Union Union Hall RoadHall Road is a is a long longroad roadrunning running all the all way the upway from up fromhere hereto meet to meet the A69 the A69 CrossingCrossing to the to other the other side ofside Sugley of Sugley Dene Dene you areyou back are backin in WestWest Road Road out of out Newcastle. of Newcastle. Looking Looking left when left when you comeyou come to to Bell’sBell’s Close. Close. The pathThe pathcomes comes out onto out ontoa residential a residential street street TyneTyne View View you willyou see will thatsee youthat areyou back are backat the at Lemington the Lemington calledcalled Ottringham Ottringham Close. Close. At the At end the ofend this of you this meet you meet Centre.Centre. Pass Pass through through the black the black gates gates again again and joinand the join the NeptuneNeptune Road. Road. Turn Turnright rightand walkand walkdown down to the to junction the junction with with Hadrian’sHadrian’s Wall Wallpath. path. Turn Turnleft and left walkand walkin the in direction the direction of of the mainthe main Scotswood-Newburn Scotswood-Newburn Road. Road. Bell’sBell’s Close Close and Scotswood.and Scotswood. You Youare back are back at your at your starting starting point. point. FromFrom here hereyou cannotyou cannot go wrong go wrong as long as aslong you as keepyou keep to the to the Hadrian’sHadrian’s Way Waypath. path. Although Although this is this the is official the official Hadrian’s Hadrian’s Wall WallNational National Path, Path, it does it does not, ofnot, course, of course, follow follow the line the of line of the Romanthe Roman Wall Wallhere. here. The WallThe Wallran further ran further north north along along the the 36 37 EXPLORING YOUR LOCAL HISTORY A HERITAGE GUIDE

This heritage guide is an introduction to the history of Newcastle’s outer west villages of Newburn, Lemington, Sugley and Bell’s Close. It includes three illustrated walk trails offering insights into the heritage of this area.

When this area became part of the City of Newcastle in 1974, it brought with it a long and fascinating history. Its strategic location as the lowest crossing point on the River Tyne meant that, before the Norman Conquest, it was regarded as more important than Newcastle. During the 17th century, it was the site of a decisive battle of the Civil War. Later, the transformed the area, giving Newburn the name of “New Sheffield”, while glass-making and other industries flourished further east in Lemington. Coal – both mining and export – played a major role in the local economy.

Join us on a journey to explore the history of the outer west.

St James’ Heritage & Environment Group St James’ Heritage & Environment Group is an independent volunteer-run organisation and registered charity providing activities and resources for people of all ages to explore and celebrate the history of the west end of Newcastle.

Email: [email protected] Website: https://stjamesheritage.com Write: St James’ Heritage & Environment Group, c/o Sunnybank Centre, 12/14 Sunnybank Avenue, Newcastle, NE15 6SD

© St James’ Heritage & Environment Group, 2020

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