Nine historic Newcastle buildings and the story behind them

Let's look back at Newcastle's historical importance through its buildings.

Published 25th Dec 2023, 17:00 GMT

Newcastle is full of history. Stretching all the way back to the Roman times, Tyneside has been a site of historical importance throughout the centuries.

The oldest buildings still standing today have witnessed sieges, love affairs and musical genius, but how many are you aware of?

Many know The Old George Inn is the oldest pub in the city, but that's not the only reason it's so significant. Or what about the history between The Beatles and the Turks Head Hotel on Grey Street?

Lets dive into a bit of North East history through Newcastle's buildings, streets and monuments. Hopefully you learn something new about your city.

Thanks go to Co-Curate for some of the incredible stories.

Now restaurant The Muddler, 69-73 Grey Street used to be The Royal Turks Head Hotel- as seen in this 1983 photo. Reputably the Beatles wrote 'She Loves You' while staying at the hotel, after playing at the Majestic (now NX) in 1963.

1. The Royal Turks Head Hotel, Grey Street

Now restaurant The Muddler, 69-73 Grey Street used to be The Royal Turks Head Hotel- as seen in this 1983 photo. Reputably the Beatles wrote 'She Loves You' while staying at the hotel, after playing at the Majestic (now NX) in 1963. Photo: Newcastle Libraries

The Old George is accepted as Newcastle's oldest pub, dating back to 1582. Still a favourite amongst Geordie drinkers, it was frequented by King Charles I while he was being held prisoner by the Scots in an open prison nearby in 1646.

2. The Old George Inn

The Old George is accepted as Newcastle's oldest pub, dating back to 1582. Still a favourite amongst Geordie drinkers, it was frequented by King Charles I while he was being held prisoner by the Scots in an open prison nearby in 1646. Photo: Newcastle Libraries

Nestled on the Quayside, Bessie Surtees' House has a rich history. The Jacobean Grade I-listed building was the scene of the elopement of Bessie with John Scott, later Lord Chancellor of England in 1772. Bessie climbed out of the first floor window with Scott, a coal merchant's son, who her father did not approve of.

3. Bessie Surtees' House

Nestled on the Quayside, Bessie Surtees' House has a rich history. The Jacobean Grade I-listed building was the scene of the elopement of Bessie with John Scott, later Lord Chancellor of England in 1772. Bessie climbed out of the first floor window with Scott, a coal merchant's son, who her father did not approve of. Photo: Newcastle Libraries

Plummer Tower used to be apart of Newcastle's old town walls which were built from the mid-13th Century to middle of the 14th. It was converted into a meeting house by the Company of Cutlers in the 17th Century and the facade was added by the Company of Masons in the mid-18th Century.

4. Plummer Tower

Plummer Tower used to be apart of Newcastle's old town walls which were built from the mid-13th Century to middle of the 14th. It was converted into a meeting house by the Company of Cutlers in the 17th Century and the facade was added by the Company of Masons in the mid-18th Century. Photo: Wikidata

History Newcastle North East