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. 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.
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.

Nine historic Newcastle buildings and the story behind them

By Evie Lake
Published 25th Dec 2023, 17:00 BST

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

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.

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?

Seen in this photo from 1995, Balmbra's is historic because it's the first place to hear the Blaydon Races. Built in 1902, it was a public house and billiard hall, replacing an earlier public house called the Wheatsheaf owned by John Balmbra which was destroyed in a fire. The Wheatsheaf had a 1st floor music salon, where Geordie Ridley first performed his song, the 'Blaydon Races'. The 'Blaydon Races' song by Geordie Ridley in 1862 mentions taking the bus from Balmbra’s to go to the horse racing at Blaydon: Ah went to Blaydon Races, ‘twas on the ninth of Joon, In eighteen hundred an’ sixty-two, on a summer’s efternoon; Ah tyuk the ‘bus frae Balmbra’s, an’ she wis heavy laden, Away we went alang Collingwood Street, that’s on the road to Blaydon..... The venue later became Balmbra's Music Hall, followed by a disco bar in the late 80s. The building suffered another fire in 2014 and has been closed ever since.

9. Balmbra's, Cloth Market

Seen in this photo from 1995, Balmbra's is historic because it's the first place to hear the Blaydon Races. Built in 1902, it was a public house and billiard hall, replacing an earlier public house called the Wheatsheaf owned by John Balmbra which was destroyed in a fire. The Wheatsheaf had a 1st floor music salon, where Geordie Ridley first performed his song, the 'Blaydon Races'. The 'Blaydon Races' song by Geordie Ridley in 1862 mentions taking the bus from Balmbra’s to go to the horse racing at Blaydon: Ah went to Blaydon Races, ‘twas on the ninth of Joon, In eighteen hundred an’ sixty-two, on a summer’s efternoon; Ah tyuk the ‘bus frae Balmbra’s, an’ she wis heavy laden, Away we went alang Collingwood Street, that’s on the road to Blaydon..... The venue later became Balmbra's Music Hall, followed by a disco bar in the late 80s. The building suffered another fire in 2014 and has been closed ever since. Photo: Newcastle Libraries

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