Newcastle
Click here to view some of my photos of Newcastle
The Romans realised the military value of the site in its command of the Tyne crossing: they built a bridge guarded by a fort - called "Pons Aelius" - in about 122AD, which formed a vital part of the frontier defence system which we know as Hadrian's Wall, however the city’s name derives from the “new” castle, which overlies Pons Aelius and was built in 1080 by Robert Curthouse, eldest son of William the Conqueror. The original castle was built of wood and so in the 12th century Henry II ordered the destruction of Robert Curthouse’s castle and the building of another castle with a gate house and city wall to strengthen defences against the Scots, and it is the remains of this re-built version that can still be visited today. Rail passengers entering Newcastle from the south have a magnificent view of the Castle.
Newcastle is a great city - once in the forefront of 19th century industrial innovation, now, the forefront of technical innovation, leisure and culture. Newcastle is rapidly becoming one of the top UK destinations for short breaks. In a recent survey Newcastle & Gateshead were confirmed to be the favourite English destination. Interestingly Liverpool, the city which beat Newcastle & Gateshead to the European Capital of Culture only came 19th. Although Newcastle and Gateshead's bid to be the European Capital of Culture in 2008 did not succeed, they have been designated a European Centre of Cultural Excellence.
Newcastle was recently voted the eighth best party city in the world by American travel experts Weissman Travel. It was the only British city to make it onto the list! It has also been voted second best city in Europe for social life, and in a recent poll of office workers and students it was voted the best city in England for work and study.
Grey Street in Newcastle was named as one of Britain's best streets in a poll among listeners of the BBC's Today programme. John Betjeman once described Grey Street, which sweeps from the city centre towards the historic Quayside as 'the most imposing facade in Western Europe' . Newcastle has more listed buildings per square mile than almost any other city in the UK over 1,700, of these 88 have Grade1 status, twice the national average.
Newcastle lies at the heart of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria, famous for its glorious unspoilt countryside, beautiful coastline and rich heritage. Whether your interest is in history, nature, the arts or sport, Newcastle makes an ideal base. It has a wide selection of hotels, restaurants and entertainment for every taste. Local places of interest include two locations which have been named World Heritage Sites. Durham Cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in the world and the equaly impressive Hadrian's Wall are both within easy travelling distance of Newcastle.
Some links to Newcastle related information
The Construction of the Tyne BridgeThe Newcastle Keep Website Including visitor guide and castle timeline
Theatre Royal
University of Newcastle Upon Tyne
Tyne Bridge Webcams
International Centre for Life
Newcastle City Council
Tyne-Online.com
Your online guide to accomodation, attractions and entertainment