Architecture and History of Newcastle, UK
Newcastle was originally settled by the Roman armies and evidence of that time in history is found throughout the city, as in the remains of the Hadrian Wall. Bits and pieces of the original foundation are visible on New Bridge Street, that run into a garden and disappear behind a house of council. Just as well, remains of the ‘new castle’ are still standing, such as the Black Gate and the prison keep. Anyone venturing out of their Newcastle hotel, will see these architectural artifacts throughout the city. The remains of Roman built walls and fortifications are found from Gallowgate to Bath Lane, covered over now by elder flowers and daisies.
Much of the architectural structures through the city and along the alleyways, still retain the medieval feel and create an atmosphere of the times of a bygone era. Newcastle was also home at one time in history, to two different monastic societies, the Carmelites and the Dominicans. Remains from both these cultures are still in the city, such as the Dominican Friary that sits in the Black friars courtyard. The city was given its name due to the fortifications and the castles, however the river provided the life blood from which the people were able to sustain themselves throughout history.
The engineering in Newcastle has always overshadowed the architecture, and this is evident when one looks at the six bridges that span the River Tyne. From the early construction of the Swing Bridge to the Millennium Bridge the creativity, and technical skill is a marvel and a visual treat. Grey Street became the hot spot for businessmen and architects to strut their stuff. Thomas Oliver, John Dobson and Richard Grainger designed some of the finest Victorian style buildings in the country. The elegance of that time is still what makes Grey Street a beautiful walk through the city, and an educational walk for students of architecture.
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