Just a bit of fun . . .

It occurred to me that all of us know a lot about our great city, about it's past, it's present and it's plans for the future.

We all probably know LOTS of stuff that others amongst us may not, so why not have a thread where we can post these 'little snippets' of information, but perhaps do it in the form of QUESTIONS, to see if (indeed) we might occasionally be "the only one" who actually knew that fact . .

So, as a "starter for ten" how about this one . . I bet a lot of people know this . . but then again?

The below photo is of a famous (in it's day) Newcastle landmark. As a clue, it was in place and very visible for at least 20 years.

What is it, and where was it?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Whatisthis.jpg

I couldn't begin to guess, not being a native of the city, but I'd be interested to know...

I'm guessing some sort of coal pit ventilation shaft?

i like to think i know a bit about local history but i have no idea what that is

i like to think i know a bit about local history but i have no idea what that is

Likewise

I am fairly sure it is a pillar for supporting the flyover which was intended to cross Jesmond Dene near the Flora Robson Playhouse.

I am fairly sure it is a pillar for supporting the flyover which was intended to cross Jesmond Dene near the Flora Robson Playhouse.

and I am fairly sure you are correct admuram well done! In fact, it was not an actual pillar for use on the flyover, it was a "test pillar" to check out the type of concrete required, but everything else (including the precise location) is 100% correct.

Even though the road the flyover was to be part of (the 'Coast Road Motorway') was not built until fairly recently, when it was then called The Cradlewell Bypass, this test pillar remained there (in Jesmond Vale near, as Admuram says, the site of the Flora Robson Playhouse) for many, many years. Full explanation below . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/TheNewcastle2001Monolith.jpg
from No. 4 issue of DIVERSION (August/September 1972).


OK - who wants to ask the next question?

Before this thread was started, we have actually already had a couple of Newcastle General Knowledge questions posted on various other threads.

This one was posted by maxtoon on the 'Historic Newcastle' thread . . . and had to be answered by maxtoon himself, as no-one was able to answer it . . .

ok .. here's an interesting one .. any of you care to have a guess as to where this 1960's picture was taken :)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/4051155096_26d0b459ec_o.jpg

The ANSWER is . . . It's actually the last remnants of the little known Carliol Square Railway Station! Some of the goods yards beyond the gate house were being used as a bus compound. This whole area and the surrounding buildings were in the process of being demolished to make way for the central motorway.

Then we had this one from johnnypd . . .

any guesses as to what this is?

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/7366/ggsk.jpg

The ANSWER to which no-one got, and was finally revealed as . . .
Nope - it is the inside of Tynemouth Priory as Sir Giles Gilbert Scott imagined it to be. He actually made a proposal to rebuild it to those specifications in 1878. Crazy huh?

Then, we had a question posed by hollow man on the 'Newcastle Metro Area Photography' thread . . .



Some of you will have seen this before but for those who have not, can you spot something fairly interesting and unusual in this next pic??

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3368516002_86c523b9e2_o.jpg



So, the above is the current question awaiting an answer . . .

^^^ I cant see it... what am I missing?

Blue sky is fairly unusual on tyneside

Blue sky is fairly unusual on tyneside

:lol:

I think it is the tiny tiny presence of absailers on the millenium bridge.

:lol:

I think it is the tiny tiny presence of absailers on the millenium bridge.

I am sure that hollow man will come on here and tell us the answer soon. (not sure if he knows I put it in this thread, yet!!)

Yes!! Haha, it's absailers on the Millenium Bridge!!

But im sure Johnny just remembered that from the last time!!!

Yes!! Haha, it's absailers on the Millenium Bridge!!

But im sure Johnny just remembered that from the last time!!!

I didn't realise anyone had answered it last time, that's why I put it on here!! Never mind!



OK, who wants to ask the next question . . .

I didn't realise anyone had answered it last time, that's why I put it on here!! Never mind!



OK, who wants to ask the next question . . .

No Historian what I mean was that I made a thread of my pictures back in March and im sure Johnny remembered the question from back then!! You're right, no one answered the question from our photo thread.

No Historian what I mean was that I made a thread of my pictures back in March and im sure Johnny remembered the question from back then!! You're right, no one answered the question from our photo thread.

Got any more, hollow man??

OK, where might this have been? There are one or two clues on the image.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/8446/dscn4845.jpg

Besides the A1? Killingworth?

Besides the A1? Killingworth?

Not Killingworth, sorry

Shieldfield... along Newbridge St?

Well, looking at Number '8' on that model, the only places I know of called "County Hall" (specifically) are Northumberland County Hall, both when it was actually built in Northumberland (at Morpeth) and before that when it was in the 'City & County of Newcastle upon Tyne' (at the Vermont Hotel) - but I cannot see these plans as being for either of those areas.

Now, I remember 'Cramlington New Town' at one point felt it should be the county town of Northumberland, rather than Morpeth, so those plans could have been from then (with a proposed 'County Hall') . .

Now, you've blocked out the name of that 'number 9 building' - but I can't recognise that building at all!

Then I thought . . and early 'Gateshead Town Centre' plan, but that wouldn't have had (the mentioned) County Hall in it, as Gateshead was in Durham in 1962, and its HQ was in Durham City.

So, my last clue is the name of the newspaper (the Northern Echo) so I'm going for PETERLEE !!!

(Wrong, I know!)

No Historian what I mean was that I made a thread of my pictures back in March and im sure Johnny remembered the question from back then!! You're right, no one answered the question from our photo thread.

yep. I cheated. :)

the main office complex in the centre looks like newcastle civic centre but without the tower.

Not Shieldfield, or Peterlee, or Cramlington, or Gateshead.

<Evil cackles>

There's a pair of old buildings near the centre of the image.

Washington then, with the old buildings being washington old hall?

<shakes head>

We are north of the river.

The old buildings are in the triangle created by 5, 3 and 9.

There's something a bit fishy going on there, mind.

the main office complex in the centre looks like newcastle civic centre but without the tower.

I actually (at first) thought that could have been Eldon Square . . but it isn't.

I am thinking that your 'fishy' clue points me in the direction of North Shields??

Not Shields, sorry. Though the North Shields Plan of the 60s was quite an interesting one, being carried out by Messrs J. G. L. Poulson. Poulson's planner was called Max Tetlow, and far from being some hack, had previously been Chief Planner at the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. The plan sought to protect a lot of what was good about the environment of North Shields, and to build on clapped-out, underused backlands. I reckon he did quite a good job, and it's influenced the shape and appearance of Shields today.

You can refresh yourself at no. 9, though (or rather because) it isn't what it was.

Don't want to block the thread, so the answer is...


(http://img257.imageshack.us/i/dscn4856.jpg/)

Whose next?

holy shite. They wanted to do that to gosforth??

so i am guessing the reference to town hall is because gosforth was a separate authority back then?

I think that by putting a new County Hall in Gosforth, Northumberland CC thought they would protect it from Newcastle expansionism.

Don't want to block the thread, so the answer is...


(http://img257.imageshack.us/i/dscn4856.jpg/)

Whose next?

Good Grief!!!!!

All of this passed me by somehow, it was a fair number of years before I became involved in such things, but I would have expected to have (at least) heard about it!

I think it must have died a very quick 'death' . . thank goodness.

Even with the street names on the second plan, I can hardly recognise the place! I "still" cannot associate it with the first plan . . what a total disaster it would have been.

EXCELLENT question though, WBF!!

I think it must have died a very quick 'death' . . thank goodness.

Well, a couple of weeks after I found that cutting I was looking at the 'Roads' cuttings book in local studies at the new city library, and there was quite a bit on Gosforth in the early 1970s. The 'town plan' might have fallen by the wayside, but the road plan was still on the books, and had led to quite a bit of so-called planning blight, with people unable to sell property, unwilling to invest in or maintain it, etc. Then it was announced that that line of by-pass was dropped, leading to further uncertainty about a by-pass further east of the centre. I think it was the re-routing of the A1 through the Tyne Tunnel in 1975, and ... perhaps ... thye takeover of Gosforth by Newcastle from Northumberland a year earlier that finally killed the plan.

But the town plan is totally bizarre. Yes, Gosforth was suffering huge traffic problems. But this smacks of the US Army in Vietnam: "We had to destroy the village to save it". The surviving buildings: the two nonconformist churches opposite the shopping centre (Loch Fyne restaurant and the Trinity Church centre), and the post office (the Job Bulman pub). And, er, that's about it apart from that nice terrace of houses running to the south.

Well, a couple of weeks after I found that cutting I was looking at the 'Roads' cuttings book in local studies at the new city library, and there was quite a bit on Gosforth in the early 1970s. The 'town plan' might have fallen by the wayside, but the road plan was still on the books, and had led to quite a bit of so-called planning blight, with people unable to sell property, unwilling to invest in or maintain it, etc. Then it was announced that that line of by-pass was dropped, leading to further uncertainty about a by-pass further east of the centre. I think it was the re-routing of the A1 through the Tyne Tunnel in 1975, and ... perhaps ... thye takeover of Gosforth by Newcastle from Northumberland a year earlier that finally killed the plan.

But the town plan is totally bizarre. Yes, Gosforth was suffering huge traffic problems. But this smacks of the US Army in Vietnam: "We had to destroy the village to save it". The surviving buildings: the two nonconformist churches opposite the shopping centre (Loch Fyne restaurant and the Trinity Church centre), and the post office (the Job Bulman pub). And, er, that's about it apart from that nice terrace of houses running to the south.

There are times when I wonder how 'anything' has survived, I really do! Let's hope we really have learned . . for the future. Hmmm??

Ha ha, in my mind I made the Loch Fyne- fishy link, but it didn't look like Gosforth, so I dismissed it

C'mon johnny, your turn now!

Post that Tynemouth Priory one again, I might get it right this time!

Hmmm.

What does Tyneside have to do with this artwork? There's two answers, one obvious and one not so obvious.

http://artinspired.pbworks.com/f/1244681498/richard-hamilton-pop-art.jpg

Hmmm.

What does Tyneside have to do with this artwork? There's two answers, one obvious and one not so obvious.

http://artinspired.pbworks.com/f/1244681498/richard-hamilton-pop-art.jpg

I think I'm gonna need a CLUE ("or two, or ten") Johnny, on this one!!

one answer relates to the artist...and the other is a detail in the 'collage'. the detail one is just a tiny bit difficult and i think you'd never get it in million years unless you knew...

for reference, the painting is What Makes Today's Homes so Different so Appealing, one of the first 'Pop Art' artworks.

No idea on this one like Johnny!

am I right in thinking the portrait on the wall is one of the Stephensons?

am I right in thinking the portrait on the wall is one of the Stephensons?

I don't think so.

Ill put you all out of your misery and give someone else a go - the links are A/ the artist, Richard Hamilton, was living & working in Newcastle at the time he did this and B/ the black and white carpet on the floor is actually a cutting from a 1930s postcard of Whitley Bay beach.

I don't think so.

Ill put you all out of your misery and give someone else a go - the links are A/ the artist, Richard Hamilton, was living & working in Newcastle at the time he did this and B/ the black and white carpet on the floor is actually a cutting from a 1930s postcard of Whitley Bay beach.

I knew that, just didn't want to say.


"COUGH"


Hey - what's this happening to my nose????

OK then, I'll have another go . .

This quite grand looking building was designed in 1925, and was to be erected somewhere in Newcastle City Centre, but was never built.

So,

(1) What was this building to be?

and

(2) Whereabouts in the City Centre was it going to be built?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/RobertBurnsDickArchitectQUIZ.jpg

entrance to the tyne bridge?

entrance to the tyne bridge?

Hmm, that didn't last long!

It occurred to me that you might know it Johnny, as you have mentioned the architect of the building (Robert Burns Dick) on here in the past!

Anyway, because it went so quickly . . I'll 'accept' as true what anyone else says here . . Did anyone else know the answer, and if not WHAT would your guess have been?

Here, though. is the full explanation, and full picture . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/RobertBurnsDickArchitect.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/RobertBurnsDickArchitect001.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/RobertBurnsDickArchitect003.jpg

that appears to be the cacket and burns dick scheme i mentioned in the historical newcastle thread. never seen any images of it before, but based on that one building it must've been suitably grand.

Right, bit of a different one for you........

A bottle of Brown Ale and a Byker dummy for whomever can tell me on which street was this photo taken?

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp192/Newcastlehollow/IMG_1587.jpg

Right, bit of a different one for you........

A bottle of Brown Ale and a Byker dummy for whomever can tell me on which street was this photo taken?

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp192/Newcastlehollow/IMG_1587.jpg

OK, I was going to go for Fernwood Avenue, which is the street where the Mansion House is . . because that is the "City Crest and Motto" above the door.

But, I don't think it is, as I'm sure I have seen that door/entrance in the City Centre, somewhere.

So, which buildings in the City Centre (apart from the actual Civic Centre, which it is NOT) does the City Council have anything to do with?

I'm gonna go for the Magistrates Courts on Market Street?

Good guess Historian but its not right!!!

It is the entrance to sabatini's restaurant in King St.

It is the entrance to sabatini's restaurant in King St.
http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp192/Newcastlehollow/IMG_1587.jpg

Correctomundo. Its on King Street!

.

Correctomundo. Its on King Street!

Any ideas as to why it has the City crest above the door? It must have been built as 'something else', of an official nature . .

Did it used to be 'the Port of Tyne Authority' or something like that? I know a number of the big buildings on and just off the Quayside had historical maritime related original uses.

I'll have to have a good look at it, next time I'm down there.

Any ideas as to why it has the City crest above the door? It must have been built as 'something else', of an official nature . .

Did it used to be 'the Port of Tyne Authority' or something like that? I know a number of the big buildings on and just off the Quayside had historical maritime related original uses.

I'll have to have a good look at it, next time I'm down there.

Yeah it used to be something to do with shipping as just to the right of the doorway is the old Tyne-Tees shipping company sign. I love old signs like that. Wish there were more of them around town really.

OK, my last attempt at a quiz question (see posts 47, 48 and 49) was answered correctly within "11 minutes" (a record!) by johnnypd . . .

So, I aim to 'do better' with this one. Currently this photo-question is stumping everyone over on the Historic Newcastle thread . . so I thought I would transfer it over here!



"THE PENCILS" . . . were a prominent feature in Eldon Square Shopping Centre for many, many years.

who can remember exactly where these were . . AND . . when they were removed?

I'll accept 'one out of two' answers, but both would be better!!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/ThePENCILS.jpg



no idea. must be a bit too young for that one.

Those pencils look kinda cool - i dont remember them so they were before my time so i havnt a clue where they were.


OK . . over to you guys??

Gosh, I was so excited to see the pencils again I had to register just to answer the question. They were just outside Mothercare, at the junction of Blackettbridge and Douglas Way. I used to love playing on them when I went into town with my ma.

I suppose they must have been got rid of when the Eldon Garden was built (to make way for the access to the footbridge and upper level) so they must have gone 20 or so years ago? The bridge across Percy Street is now off to the left of the photograph...

And as a p.s., I too thought it was Robert Stephenson in the Richard Hamilton picture.

http://en.structurae.de/files/photos/stephenson1.jpg

http://en.structurae.de/persons/data/index.cfm?ID=d000036

When was Eldon Gardens built?

When was Eldon Gardens built?

1987-89 according to the new Newcastle Pevsner.

Gosh, I was so excited to see the pencils again I had to register just to answer the question. They were just outside Mothercare, at the junction of Blackettbridge and Douglas Way. I used to love playing on them when I went into town with my ma.

I suppose they must have been got rid of when the Eldon Garden was built (to make way for the access to the footbridge and upper level) so they must have gone 20 or so years ago? The bridge across Percy Street is now off to the left of the photograph...

Yes North Star, totally correct! The shop you can see in the photo, to the right of 'The Pencils', is Dixons electrical shop, and the photographer was pretty much standing outside the window of (the mentioned) 'Mothercare'.

When was Eldon Gardens built?

1987-89 according to the new Newcastle Pevsner.

Yes, as this interesting PHOTO of the new bridge across Percy Street being built (from the Evening Chronicle of 15th July 1988) and the associated article show, the construction was due for completion by February 1989.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/16November2009006.jpg

building private property over a public road never sits well with me. wonder what would happen if a private home owner tried to do the same....

THE HANDYSIDE ARCADE
But, sadly, we lost Handyside Arcade, as part of the process . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/16November2009008.jpg

SEE MORE ABOUT HANDYSIDE ARCADE AT POST 248 OF THE "HISTORIC NEWCASTLE" THREAD.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=46312903&postcount=248



.

Fragments remain: some of the metalwork in the glass roof of Eldon Gardens was salvaged from the old arcade.

Incidentally, there's a short biography of Handyside been published recently: 'George Handyside: Newcastle entrepreneur and quack vendor' by David Robertson & Alan Blakeman (BBR Publishing, Elsecar). There's quite a lot about bottle collecting, as GH ran a patent medicine works off Elswick Road, having previously been a boot and shoe magnate.

Right . . . something a little bit different, that 'hopefully' will last longer than my questions usually do!

This is a photo of a Metro Train entering a tunnel, but WHICH tunnel?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/MetroEnteringTunnel.jpg?t=1273039116

That'll be the prototype testing tunnel at Middle Engine Lane. I can tell as the prototype metros had access doors to the front and rear of the carriages, the production models that entered service did not. So as this train had a door on the front of the carriage... this must be the testing facility.

I hope I am right :)

That'll be the prototype testing tunnel at Middle Engine Lane. I can tell as the prototype metros had access doors to the front and rear of the carriages, the production models that entered service did not. So as this train had a door on the front of the carriage... this must be the testing facility.

I hope I am right :)

Hi Toonlad . . YES ("sigh") you are right, good stuff!

I'm only "sighing" as I thought this one might have lasted for a while - should have known better!

This photo was indeed taken at the tunnel on the test-track at Shiremoor. The year was 1978.

I think it was also in 1978 that I visited the Test Track. You could buy a ticket to do this at that years TSE (Tyneside Summer Exhibition) and you got a ride each way down the test track. Difficult to imagine it now, I suppose, but as no-one had ever seen a Metro train before, it was quite an experience!!

OK, NEXT QUESTION (I give up!!)

that'll be this one then ..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4115428688_cb8278ae3d_o.jpg

Yes, that one!

Is this the place that (now it is no longer the 'Metro Test Track') has become the The Stephenson Railway Museum?

So, where in Newcastle is this? Clue - picture taken in the early 90s

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/mysterious.jpg

Was that Leazes Arcade, just after it burnt down? The place that was originally a Jewish synagogue?

Was that Leazes Arcade, just after it burnt down? The place that was originally a Jewish synagogue?

spot on!

what it used to look like:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/4090400773_e5b8c31e8c_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2729/4091162616_2379e96f79_o.jpg

unfortunately its now student res. wouldve made a great social space for the city.

Excellent photos . . takes me back! I remember it quite well, because it was one of two 'fairly similar' places that sprung up around the same time (circa 1982).

Here is their 'flyer' from those days . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/LeazesArcadeopens.jpg

The other (very similar) place that opened then, was Queens Square on the site of the old (and MUCH missed by me) QUEENS CINEMA, our only ever 'Cinerama' cinema in Newcastle.

The 'Queens Square' premises are still in use there now (just off Northumberland Street, on the alley up to Princess Square) in a somewhat different format.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/QueensSquare1982.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/QueensSquare1982001.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/QueensSquare1982002.jpg

Yes, that one!

Is this the place that (now it is no longer the 'Metro Test Track') has become the The Stephenson Railway Museum?

It certainly is :okay:

OK, here is the NEXT QUESTION . . .

This is an impressive looking large building, isn't it? It may never have been fully built, but what was it going to be called and where was it going to be?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Plannedbuilding.jpg

hmm .. why does the swan house roundabout spring to mind :nuts:

hmm .. why does the swan house roundabout spring to mind :nuts:

Hi Max . . "Good answer . . but not right!!"

Im probably way off the mark here but it does vaguely resemble the Scottish Life House building.

Im probably way off the mark here but it does vaguely resemble the Scottish Life House building.

Yeah, it sort of does, doesn't it . . but NO, it is not 'Scottish Life House' . .

looks like that monstrosity was gonna be constructed on top on top of an existing building or street ?

gonna need a few clues historian ..

it looks like the all saints office complex

it looks like the all saints office complex

CORRECT johnny, for a while there I thought this one was gonna last for a while!

It was amazing the amount of damage that would have been done if these 1971 plans had fully been implemented. We would have lost scores of excellent buildings, though I think that Exchange Buildings might have been saved (it looks like it, from another photo, shown below) as well as Custom House (39 Quayside).

To fully put the Quiz Question Photo into perspective, here it is again and the ONLY remaining Quayside building shown, is the Custom House, at 39 Quayside, it can be seen in splendid isolation right in the centre, next to where the "57 Quayside" site currently is . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Plannedbuilding.jpg

Other photos and newspaper articles about these amazing plans (from the time) that I have, now follow . . Apologies for the quality, these particular items were not kept in good conditions for a while.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/AllSaintsQuaysidePLANS004.jpg

The writing (above) is difficult to read, so I have written out one of the interesting extracts from the article, below . .

"The £8 Million All Saints Office Complex scheme when completed will comprise 12 separate office blocks, with a total floor area of 600,000 square feet. The first phase of three blocks containing 130,000 square feet, is well advanced. The project has been designed by T P Bennet & Son in conjunction with Sir Basil Spence, and has been approved by the Royal Fine Arts Commission. The office blocks will be landscaped on the sloping site, descending by steps and pedestrian terraces, to the Quayside. They will blend with the preserved All Saints Church, the Custom House and Trinity House. A small shopping precinct will be included in the centre of the development and there will be parking space for 1,000 cars.

The Quayside area has been slowly dying and contains much out-moded property. The difficulty of re-planning this area was the topographical one of negotiating the steep banks in order to reach the City Centre on foot without undue fatigue. Skilful design has solved this problem. The scheme provides for a pedestrian route from the higher ground around All Saints Church, and over roads and increasing in height, in relation to the rapidly falling ground, until it enters the office blocks in the Quayside area at one or other of their upper floors"

Well, I can't say I understand all of that!!


Here is a better look at the PHOTO that forms part of the above newspaper article . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/AllSaintsQuaysidePLANS002.jpg


This is what the office blocks were planned to look like, closer up. In fact that is what the three (only) that were actually built, DO look like . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/4081410126_f5821106c4_o.jpg


These three have only very recently been refurbished, and are now looking the best that they have ever looked . . which is still NOT very good (in my opinion) . .

Here is a view of the three blocks of the All Saints Office Complex that were built - when still under construction, in 1971/72
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/AllSaintsconstruction-1.jpg

Damn, came to it too late, but had the answer right!! They're probably my least favourite buildings in the city, not because of how they look, but because of how they ruin All Saints, and completely close it off.

Damn, came to it too late, but had the answer right!! They're probably my least favourite buildings in the city, not because of how they look, but because of how they ruin All Saints, and completely close it off.

Just think how much worse (even than now) it would have been if all 12 office blocks the same (instead of just the 3) had been built!!

12 of them? Oh the humanity!

.
OK, Next Question . .

This time, NO PHOTO to identify, or anything like that!

Just a simple question, which should appeal to all Music Fans of all ages, because if you weren't around at the time, surely, you "know your Regional Music History" . .

OK, What was the name of North East Englands own PIRATE RADIO STATION, from those Pirate Radio (pre-'Radio 1') days of the 1960s?


.

.
OK, Next Question . .

This time, NO PHOTO to identify, or anything like that!

Just a simple question, which should appeal to all Music Fans of all ages, because if you weren't around at the time, surely, you "know your Regional Music History" . .

OK, What was the name of North East Englands own PIRATE RADIO STATION, from those Pirate Radio (pre-'Radio 1') days of the 1960s?


.

.. radio 270 I believe :okay:

.. radio 270 I believe :okay:

Well Done maxtoon . . . and there was me thinkin' that this one would "last a while" (I should have known better!)

Radio 270 it is!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Radio270005.jpg


OK, who is doin' the next question?

Well Done maxtoon . . . and there was me thinkin' that this one would "last a while" (I should have known better!)

Radio 270 it is!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Radio270005.jpg


OK, who is doin' the next question?

C'mon Chris . . Your turn!!!

who knows where this is?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/mysteryplace.jpg

Is it Elswick? Beside the College?

Is it Elswick? Beside the College?

good guess, but nope!

Are those buildings still standing?

they are not.

A wild guess, Lemington?

A wild guess, Lemington?

No. But again, good guess. the general geographic area isn't too far off for both you and Ahmed.

My last guess then.

Newburn?

My last guess then.

Newburn?

:nono:

i'll leave this one open, i suspect Historian will know the answer...

My last guess as well (obviously a wild one) - Scotswood?

not scotswood either

I give up - shall leave it to the experts (NH, Maxtoon etc)

who knows where this is?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/mysteryplace.jpg

Now this is a bit confusing for me, because I actually have this photo, and the version I have is titled 'Sutton Dwellings" in Adelaide Terrace, Benwell/Elswick.

Now, the confusion is because I am sure that Sutton Dwellings is the name of those flats fronting onto 'Barrack Road' (and I am sure that some of them, at least, are still there) when you are heading north up Barrack Road towards the BBC, on the left hand side long before you reach the BBC.

So, I'm not sure if the version of the photo that I have is 'mis-labelled' (since you say these ones are no longer there) but that is my answer - Sutton Dwellings.

Youre right about Sutton Dwellings being on Barrack Road - I didn't know about any in the Adelaide Terrace area, though.

My guess: the Noble Street flats.

Youre right about Sutton Dwellings being on Barrack Road - I didn't know about any in the Adelaide Terrace area, though.

My guess: the Noble Street flats.

Yes, I have had this photo for years, from "a source" (!) in the City Council, from where I have obtained loads of amazing hard-copies of stuff being thrown out!

It may have been mis-labelled, Johnny will let us know!

My guess: the Noble Street flats.

That was my guess too, although as there are "Sutton Dwellings" all over the place it's not unlikely that there would have been more than one in Newcastle.

yes it is the sutton dwellings, captioned as being on adelaide terrace in benwell. the pics ive seen of the sutton dwellings on barrack road (there's a bunch of them round the country) look different to the flats in my picture though.

here's the barrack road ones:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/suttondwellings.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/4081262200_837cc92fa1_o.jpg

noble street flats:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4084126080_b6bc421aec_o.jpg

Do you know when the Adelaide Terrace flates were built, NH or Johnny (or anyone else)? I had thought that there were no 'philanthropic' dwellings beuilt in Newcastle between Garth Heads (1869-78) and the Barrack Road Sutton Dwellings (c.1914-15), and that we only got the latter because Gateshead - which of course had no housing problems at all at that time - didn't want them. I even said so in an essay - don't tell me I'm going to have to hand my MA back! They do look a bit interwar, though.

Also where on AT were they: the shopping centre site, or the south side?

Do you know when the Adelaide Terrace flates were built, NH or Johnny (or anyone else)? I had thought that there were no 'philanthropic' dwellings beuilt in Newcastle between Garth Heads (1869-78) and the Barrack Road Sutton Dwellings (c.1914-15), and that we only got the latter because Gateshead - which of course had no housing problems at all at that time - didn't want them. I even said so in an essay - don't tell me I'm going to have to hand my MA back! They do look a bit interwar, though.

Also where on AT were they: the shopping centre site, or the south side?

The original sutton trust dwellings were opposite the current shopping centre !

i think youre right maxtoon, if you search on google you'll find that the sutton trust (now known as Affinity Sutton) still runs affordable accomodation on the site to this day.

Ive also checked and those flats are where the caption says they are, in Benwell. Though Wilf I think your MA is fine as they appear to have been built after 1920. i also discovered that there was another sutton dwellings in South Shields.

BTW Wilf do you know anything about these flats down on the quayside?

they look to be of a similar, if slightly later, provenance.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/flatsquayside.jpg

Next Question . . .

WHEN (and WHY) was this building like this for such a very long time?
You will recognise the building, but the "open plan" version? Precise details (names, reasons & dates) please!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/CaleCrossHouse.jpg

Can I have a stab that the local fire service didn't have a tender with a ladder long enough to reach the top floors, so they couldn't legally be habitable? I know the top two floors of the Arts Tower at Sheffield uni has/had a similar problem.

Can I have a stab that the local fire service didn't have a tender with a ladder long enough to reach the top floors, so they couldn't legally be habitable? I know the top two floors of the Arts Tower at Sheffield uni has/had a similar problem.

Now that is a very logical reason. I wonder how many times that sort of thing actually does happen?

Also, interestingly, around about the exact year this photo was taken, a new film called "Towering Inferno" (Paul Newman/Steve McQueen . . seen it?) was doing the rounds in the cinemas.

In this case though, that was NOT the reason why this particular building was like this for such a very long time.

Yes, yet another of one of my most hated things "architects portrayed on films and television". They normally design skyscrapers on their own from their lounge, then march about the building site ordering people around. They're also absolutely loaded. Great.
In this case doesn't Paul Newman play the architect who's fault the fire is, but who ends up saving a load of people? Been a while since I've seen it, but still a gud 'un

There are a lot of Guinness Trust properties in Benwell south of Armstrong Road, but these are much more recent.

There are a lot of Guinness Trust properties in Benwell south of Armstrong Road, but these are much more recent.

Now I'm confused!!

EDIT . . Woops Sorry, you must be referring to an earlier post!!! (didn't realise!)

Did funding run out during the construction project?

Did funding run out during the construction project?

Well, did it? I could not possibly say!!

More details needed Chris ("names/reasons/dates") . . .

Next Question.

WHEN (and WHY) was this building like this for such a very long time?
You will recognise the building, but the "open plan" version? Precise details (names, reasons & dates) please!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/CaleCrossHouse.jpg

Thats unfair, you asked why, I gave an answer, which you have hinted that is correct.

Rumple Skinskin, didn't have the £2.50 to complete the project, at some point in 20th centuary, and of course noone was willing to invest in the high sum of £2.50 back then, as they thought it was too much of a risk. Anyway, in the end Rumple Skinskin went to a loan shark, and was able to pay the final sum of £2.50 to complete the project, unfortunatly though he wasn't able to pay back the loan shark and the loan shark got him back by pushing his best friend Humpty Dumpty off a wall.


That ok?

Thats unfair, you asked why, I gave an answer, which you have hinted that is correct.

Rumple Skinskin, didn't have the £2.50 to complete the project, at some point in 20th centuary, and of course noone was willing to invest in the high sum of £2.50 back then, as they thought it was too much of a risk. Anyway, in the end Rumple Skinskin went to a loan shark, and was able to pay the final sum of £2.50 to complete the project, unfortunatly though he wasn't able to pay back the loan shark and the loan shark got him back by pushing his best friend Humpty Dumpty off a wall.


That ok?

VERY good Chris!

But, no it wasn't unfair, the question was . . WHEN (and WHY) was this building like this for such a very long time? You will recognise the building, but the "open plan" version? Precise details (names, reasons & dates) please!

Now, have I hinted that you are correct? No I didn't!!

I may have hinted that you were 'partially correct', which is not the same thing.

C'mon Chris, see if you can come up with the answer . . (1) Name of building? (2) Why left like that? (3) When (Date)?

I've got FAITH in you . . Mr Rumpole-skinskin!!

Thats unfair, you asked why, I gave an answer, which you have hinted that is correct.

Rumple Skinskin, didn't have the £2.50 to complete the project, at some point in 20th centuary, and of course noone was willing to invest in the high sum of £2.50 back then, as they thought it was too much of a risk. Anyway, in the end Rumple Skinskin went to a loan shark, and was able to pay the final sum of £2.50 to complete the project, unfortunatly though he wasn't able to pay back the loan shark and the loan shark got him back by pushing his best friend Humpty Dumpty off a wall.


That ok?

:lol:

Thats unfair, you asked why, I gave an answer, which you have hinted that is correct.

Rumple Skinskin, didn't have the £2.50 to complete the project, at some point in 20th centuary, and of course noone was willing to invest in the high sum of £2.50 back then, as they thought it was too much of a risk. Anyway, in the end Rumple Skinskin went to a loan shark, and was able to pay the final sum of £2.50 to complete the project, unfortunatly though he wasn't able to pay back the loan shark and the loan shark got him back by pushing his best friend Humpty Dumpty off a wall.

That ok?

:lol:

I am (it seems) a HARD (but fair) questionmaster!!

This is Cale Cross House in March 1977, after McAlpine had just announced that it was stopping work on the site - then known as New Side, previously Arbensville. McAlpine had taken over the rather luckless development in September 1976 - up to that point it had been half-built for more than a year after a previous developer ran out of money. McAlpine were stopping work because they didn't have a client to take the completed building on.

And thanks to NH - I've spent the entire afternoon searching for the image I knew I had of the relevant newspaper cutting!

This is Cale Cross House in March 1977, after McAlpine had just announced that it was stopping work on the site - then known as New Side, previously Arbensville. McAlpine had taken over the rather luckless development in September 1976 - up to that point it had been half-built for more than a year after a previous developer ran out of money. McAlpine were stopping work because they didn't have a client to take the completed building on.

And thanks to NH - I've spent the entire afternoon searching for the image I knew I had of the relevant newspaper cutting!

Good stuff WBF . totally correct!! Now, I'm SURE you will have enjoyed the search . . .

Is this the newspaper cutting?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/CaleCrossHousein1976.jpg
This cutting is actually dated June 30 1976, but will be 'very similar' to yours, I would imagine!

Mine was The Journal, 16 March 1977

I still think my version was more fun.

I still think my version was more fun.

It was Chris, it was!

You deserve a pint for that . . sometime?

It was Chris, it was!

You deserve a pint for that . . sometime?

Yeah sure, but by the looks of it your bar bill is getting rather expensive, lol

Ok .. time for a new one !!

Here's a picture of a streetscape from Newcastle city centre .. (the cars may give the year away) when/where was/is it ??

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/4140796684_d7707cd68d_o.jpg

Broad Chare in the 60s?

Broad Chare in the 60s?

good guess Greg but unfortunately not right ..

it's quite a difficult one so I might add a few clues later on !

I'm guessing late 60's, to 70's. I'm going to go for a wild guess, Fenham, in particualr Fenham Barracks, Barrack Road?

isnt it one of the streets demolished for eldon square? running between clayton street and newgate street iirc.

Ok, a few of us already live in Canada, some of us are moving to Canada, some of us are hoping to at some point, and I'm guessing other are now considering it.

Why don't we just cut Newcastle out, and ship it to Canada, we could have it in the middle of lake Ontario, that way there would be a water source for the Tyne.

Ok, a few of us already live in Canada, some of us are moving to Canada, some of us are hoping to at some point, and I'm guessing other are now considering it.

Why don't we just cut Newcastle out, and ship it to Canada, we could have it in the middle of lake Ontario, that way there would be a water source for the Tyne.

You're confusing me Chris, what does that have to do with maxtoons question?

You're confusing me Chris, what does that have to do with maxtoons question?

Ah, wrong thread, damn it.

Ok .. time for a new one !!

Here's a picture of a streetscape from Newcastle city centre .. (the cars may give the year away) when/where was/is it ??

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/4140796684_d7707cd68d_o.jpg

I would put that (by the type and size and quality of the buildings) as somewhere around the 'Marlborough Crescent/Cattle Market' area, somewhere at the City Centre end of Scotswood/Westmorland roads?

I do not specifically recognise the very average-looking run of buildings though, at all, and I appear to have no photos of them either!

The year? . . lets go for 1960!

isnt it one of the streets demolished for eldon square? running between clayton street and newgate street iirc.

^^ well done john .. anyone care to guess which street it was ?

as for the year .. not 1960 Historian .. but with the above in mind all I can say is that the shops are boarded up for an imminent reason ! that should help you with the year !

^^ well done john .. anyone care to guess which street it was ?

as for the year .. not 1960 Historian .. but with the above in mind all I can say is that the shops are boarded up for an imminent reason ! that should help you with the year !

I still DO NOT recognise it 'visually' at all!!

It will probably be either High Friar Street or the continuation of St Andrews Street, both of which were in the area mentioned, and disppeared around 1971/72 when the demolitions began for ES.

Correct NH :cheers:

it's St Andrews St in 1971 just prior to demolition to make way for for the monstrous Eldon Square as it freight-trains it's way through the city centre :ohno:

Correct NH :cheers:

it's St Andrews St in 1971 just prior to demolition to make way for for the monstrous Eldon Square as it freight-trains it's way through the city centre :ohno:

damnit. wish that street still existed. i don't have that much of a prob with the eldon square expansion on the other side of blacket street, apart from demolishing old eldon square of course, but the southern section has been crap and pointless for the entire time ive known it. it'll finally have some decent shops in when it reopens soon, but it still looks and feels hideous on the outside.

also, wasn't st andrew's street once known as Darn Crook? when did that change?

also, wasn't st andrew's street once known as Darn Crook? when did that change?

it was .. but the old 'Darn Crook' refers to the section that runs down from Gallogate to Newgate St .. i.e. current St Andrews St.

seen here in the 1890's when it was still known as 'Darn Crook' looking up from Newgate St .. I think it was re-named soon after the turn of the century ! although some of the older buildings still have 'Darn Crook' addresses today ...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/4144291872_44a41c2c91_o.jpg

nice pic. i saw that pic earlier but couldnt get it to load for some reason. nice to see it in a big picture.

OK, my "next attempt" to (gently . . ) bamboozle you all, is . . .

As it is 'not a difficult one' (though I think it is a really interesting photo!) the question is in FOUR distinct parts . .

1 - What is the name of the street 'going away' from you in the photo, after Larmour & Son?

2 - What is being built on the left hand side of that street?

3 - What year was this photo taken do you think?

4 - What would you say was the BIG CHANGE to this area, since this photo was taken?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Whereisthis.jpg

guesses -

1. ellison place onto saville place then saville row?
2. bewick court?
3. 1968
4. john dobson street

ok ... here goes !!

1. Saville Place/Saville Row
2. I assume it's the former C&A store
3. Mid 60's
4. John Dobson St ??

edit ... beat me to it John ....

The first edition A-Z (undated, but which I bought new c.1980-81) still has it named 'Darn Crook'. There's no reason for the St Andrews Street name to be retained, as the bits at each end of the Darn Crook section no longer exist, and everyone calls it 'Darn Crook' in any case. The council should do something about it! <looks round meaningfully for Greg Stone>.

I'd take it a step further, actually, and have the street renamed Darn Crook only as far as the line of the Town Wall. The bit beyond there to Gallowgate should be renamed Heron Street, as it was when it was cut through in 1810.

Incidentally, there used to be a field called 'Darn Crook' at the bottom of the bank in Low Fell, on what is now the TVTE.

And the first 'complete' car on the right is a Ford Corsair - my dad had one, and I learned to drive in it. I don't think it was that successful as a car - you never saw many of them around.

one of the guys walking down the street looks like bob dylan

one of the guys walking down the street looks like bob dylan

Well, not many people know that he wrote 'The times they are a-changin' and 'North Country Blues' after visiting Newcastle incognito in 1963 and learning about the redevelopment plans.

The St Andrews St sign still says "formerly Darn Crook"

The St Andrews St sign still says "formerly Darn Crook"

But how much better to have a sign saying "Darn Crook. Formerly St Andrews Street".

btw i think this is a fairly recent pic of a similar view to the one Historian posted above:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/ellison.jpg

I don't know the answer to that, but one of the (numerous) explanations of the name origin of Fenkle Street was that 'fenkling' was (ahem) intimate contact and that Fenkle Street was therefore, by implication, the prostitutes' quarter.

everyone says Pink Lane was that sort of place, once upon a time...

[B][SIZE="3"]

I said that I thought this was a "really interesting photo", because . . for such a familiar location as [I]Saville Row I thought this photo made it look REALLY DIFFERENT!

Not 'really different' enough though . . well done johnnypd and maxtoon.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Whereisthis.jpg


SO, the answers . . .


1 - What is the name of the street 'going away' from you in the photo, after Larmour & Son?

Answer - Saville Row.

2 - What is being built on the left hand side of that street?

Answer - The first phase of the new Littlewoods Store, that replaced the old Maple/Robson furniture store.

3 - What year was this photo taken do you think?

Answer - 1966.

4 - What would you say was the BIG CHANGE to this area, since this photo was taken?

Answer - The arrival of John Dobson Street.


AND . . .

Here is a photo of the vacant site on Saville Row, after the old "Robsons Furnishing" building had been demolished, and before the steelwork for the new Littlewoods Store had started . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%204/4078103425_54f8429c8c_z_zps518fe5d0.jpg


AND FINALLY . . .

Here is the newly completed Littlewoods Store, on Saville Row. Notice at the 'John Dobson Street end' the building houses the temporary C&A premises, while their new store on Northumberland Street with BHS (British Home Stores) is being built . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%204/4078215103_02fcc8b50e_z_zps820a61ab.jpg

.

That picture is really interesting, i didn't notice until about the 3rd time Grey Monument peering over the rooftops.

The shop at the end of the street is Carphone Warehouse, but it shows how much we've lost in this part of the city.

http://www.completelyretail.co.uk/media/property/23622/CR_HS_23622_43_45_Northumberland_Street_Newcastle_Upon_Tyne_picture_1_p5_440x330.jpg

^^

Yes one of, if not the best building in Northumberland St. It amazes me how litte we have of good buildings we have on Northumberland St now, and how that is still the main shopping St despite us having Graingers town, and the greatest St in the world (in my eyes) Grey St.

Architecturally N'land Street is appalling and needs some pretty major redevelopments IMO, from Historian's old photo i now think its the Nevis Outdoor Store where the Lamour & Sons building is

Although i also think it may be from Ellison Place due to the building to the right with the large bay section, but the distance seems too far.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/marc_elliott/nc1.png

That picture is really interesting, i didn't notice until about the 3rd time Grey Monument peering over the rooftops.

The shop at the end of the street is Carphone Warehouse, but it shows how much we've lost in this part of the city.

http://www.completelyretail.co.uk/media/property/23622/CR_HS_23622_43_45_Northumberland_Street_Newcastle_Upon_Tyne_picture_1_p5_440x330.jpg

Yes, that building is the big two-floor Boots store, before it moved out to become "the biggest Boots in Europe" over three floors of Eldon Square, in 1976.

Boots in Eldon Square now only trades on two floors.

The two 'big stores' next to eachother at the bottom end of Northumberland Street (in between Fenwicks and Burtons) for many, many years, were Boots and Woolworths. The Boots store (post-1976) was originally split up into two smaller stores, but is now re-united, though (I think) is only trading on one floor as Carphone Warehouse?

I didn't relise Boots in ES is the largest in europe, I surpose it's even bigger now because of the etension into the old ES bus station.

This makes me ask the question, why do we need the Boots on ES Blackett St, and the smaller one in Grainger Market/Bigg market?

Yes, that building is the big two-floor Boots store, before it moved out to become "the biggest Boots in Europe" over three floors of Eldon Square, in 1976.

Boots in Eldon Square now only trades on two floors.

The two 'big stores' next to eachother at the bottom end of Northumberland Street (in between Fenwicks and Burtons) for many, many years, were Boots and Woolworths. The Boots store (post-1976) was originally split up into two smaller stores, but is now re-united, though (I think) is only trading on one floor as Carphone Warehouse?

I didn't relise Boots in ES is the largest in europe, I surpose it's even bigger now because of the etension into the old ES bus station.

This makes me ask the question, why do we need the Boots on ES Blackett St, and the smaller one in Grainger Market/Bigg market?

When Boots moved from Northumberland Street to Eldon Square in 1976, it was comfortably the largest Boots store in Europe. They made 'quite a lot' of that, in their publicity at the time. By the early 1990s, however, after a period of briefly having their top floor trading under the name Timothy Whites (a firm of chemists that Boots had taken over many years previously) they closed their top floor to trading, taking away the escalator and making it seem like 'it had never been there'.

They are now a much smaller store than when they opened in ES in 1976, the lower floor increase for the new St Georges Mall is fairly minimal.

For a while, the Eldon Square Boots was a really good store, it's lower floor seems to have 'lost its way' now (no clearly defined purpose to it) and the whole place just feels small compared to previously.

Boots have always traded as 'small chemists' around and about, their really big stores are more rare, hence the existence of the other shops you mention.

everyone says Pink Lane was that sort of place, once upon a time...

I also read somewhere that many years ago, prostitutes used to ply their trade in the towers of the Tyne bridge. Apparently the council had to shut them to try to get rid of the problem. Could just be a myth though.

OK, New question . . .

When, precisely Where, and exactly What . . is happening in this photo?

Remember, there are three parts to this question!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Whenandwhatwasthisa.jpg

I think i can answer some of it (and vaguely :colgate: )

Where? Is it on the corner of Westgate Road/Clayton Street - because im sure in the background that is Burger King and what is now the office furniture store?

When? Random guess here, 2002

What? Something fell :colgate:

I think i can answer some of it (and vaguely :colgate: )

Where? Is it on the corner of Westgate Road/Clayton Street - because im sure in the background that is Burger King and what is now the office furniture store?

When? Random guess here, 2002

What? Something fell :colgate:

Gettin' there Geordie . . ONE out of three!!

Where - Correct, corner of Westgate / Clayton.

When - Sorry, wrong!

What - er . . "good try", but need more!

Is it something to do with the big clock with the gold person standing on it??

Is it something to do with the big clock with the gold person standing on it??

It is "something to do" with that!

That is an increase from Geordies "1 out of 3" . . to . . "1.25 out of 3" (we're gradually, mebbe, getting there!!!)

Lets see if we can get to 1.30 out of 3

Was wind involved? :colgate:

Errrm did it fall down on top of an unsuspecting Burger King customer who was munching on a whopper underneath it?

Errrm did it fall down on top of an unsuspecting Burger King customer who was munching on a whopper underneath it?

. . but the customer was ok, cos it hit the whopper and 'bounced off' . . Sorry, not quite "but I like it"

Lets see if we can get to 1.30 out of 3

Was wind involved? :colgate:

Hmm, depends what you mean, but yes, I can give you a direct (if short) quote here . .

" . . and been placed under stress by strong winds"

OK . . "1.35" (I'm generous!)

C'mon guys . . you're not gonna let me WIN, are you?

I'll accept 'two out of three' ??

Is someone gonna get this before MIDNIGHT??


When, precisely Where, and exactly What . . is happening in this photo?
Remember, there are three parts to this question!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Whenandwhatwasthisa.jpg


"Two outta three ain't bad", as someone once said/sung!!

Since im not going to get Exactly What happened - lets give a try to the When, did this happen in 2003?

no one got it, so spill the beans

I'm stumped too.

OK then, Geordie & Johnny & Hollow, here it is . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Whenandwhatwasthis.jpg

I WIN !!!!!!!
(For the FIRST time ever, as Quizmaster!)

Lol!!! You'd have thought they would have checked this clock when they repaired the other one in 1988 wouldnt you!?!?!?

Plus I never knew it was a meeting place for young lovers?!?

Did you meet your lass there back in the day Historian???

Lol!!! You'd have thought they would have checked this clock when they repaired the other one in 1988 wouldnt you!?!?!?

Plus I never knew it was a meeting place for young lovers?!?

Did you meet your lass there back in the day Historian???

Which One!!!!?

No, my "actual current" lass (who I married) I met in a pub in Essex!

(YES, she is an . . .)

how did you manage to get an Essex girl to move up here?!?!?

how did you manage to get an Essex girl to move up here?!?!?

My lifelong experience has been that people who spend time in the Newcastle area actually LEARN what it is like. Those that spend time with me do, anyway!

If they come here to live (from the South East) they do not want to return to the UKs only real sh*th*le, do they?

The 'endless' publicity machine down South (which strongly inluences both THEM and (sadly) a lot of US, as to the respective merits of the South and the North) soon wears off in the face of reality!

As an aside . . one thing I NEVER say is . . "up" here. The use of the word "up" implies that you are somewhere ELSE, other than the "Centre". I refer (always) to the South as "DOWN" there, but we here are always HERE (NEVER "up" here). Here, is always the CENTRE, in my phraseology.

It's consistent little things like that, that can influence peoples perspectives.

It works!

I seem to know more people around here who are from down there, than I do people who originated here in Newcastle! We are not exactly an isolated City here, are we. Far from it!

BUT, the main reason she initially came here, of course (need I say it?) was to be with ME !!!!

She hates the South with a "passion" now, whereas I only have a casual contempt for it as . . it is the ONLY (real) sh*th*le in our entire beautiful country!

Perhaps we should continue this discussion, if we do, in the "Skybar"?

OK then, Geordie & Johnny & Hollow, here it is . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Whenandwhatwasthis.jpg

I WIN !!!!!!!
(For the FIRST time ever, as Quizmaster!)

On a largely (totally?) irrelevant note, that building underwent some fairly substantial refurbishment (cleaning stonework and the like, I guess) in the mid-90s - it was covered in scaffolding for quite a while - and one Friday night (I think we'd been in the Forth) a mate and I went up the ladders to the very top of the dome. Quite a nice view across that part of the city centre from up there...

My lifelong experience has been that people who spend time in the Newcastle area actually LEARN what it is like. Those that spend time with me do, anyway!

If they come here to live (from the South East) they do not want to return to the UKs only real sh*th*le, do they?

The 'endless' publicity machine down South (which strongly inluences both THEM and (sadly) a lot of US, as to the respective merits of the South and the North) soon wears off in the face of reality!

As an aside . . one thing I NEVER say is . . "up" here. The use of the word "up" implies that you are somewhere ELSE, other than the "Centre". I refer (always) to the South as "DOWN" there, but we here are always HERE (NEVER "up" here). Here, is always the CENTRE, in my phraseology.

It's consistent little things like that, that can influence peoples perspectives.

It works!

I seem to know more people around here who are from down there, than I do people who originated here in Newcastle! We are not exactly an isolated City here, are we. Far from it!

BUT, the main reason she initially came here, of course (need I say it?) was to be with ME !!!!

She hates the South with a "passion" now, whereas I only have a casual contempt for it as . . it is the ONLY (real) sh*th*le in our entire beautiful country!

Perhaps we should continue this discussion, if we do, in the "Skybar"?

never mind coming UP to newcastle, my southern cousins would say they would be coming DOWN to newcastle from buckinghamshire. :nuts:

never mind coming UP to newcastle, my southern cousins would say they would be coming DOWN to newcastle from buckinghamshire. :nuts:

Don't know much about the place, but geographically it is certainly DOWN THERE, quite remote from here.

Yes, definitely "down in Bucks"!

* and remember the nations favourite catchprase . . . "It's Grim Down South"

This could probably also be in the "Newcastle As It Might Have Been" thread (it might be yet!) but I thought it would make a good QUESTION, as well!

The bridge shown below was proposed in 2003, and was going to be "far more" than just a bridge . .

1 - What was it going to be, as well as a bridge, and why?

2 - Where was it supposed to be built?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/29November2009009.jpg

I've never seen that before, but the blurry horses would suggest it would be to allow horses and riders access to ... hmm... the Town Moor, by crossing the NW Radial?

I've never seen that before, but the blurry horses would suggest it would be to allow horses and riders access to ... hmm... the Town Moor, by crossing the NW Radial?

Hi Wilf,

Yes, I can give you the location (question 2) that is across the road at 'roughly' the point where the Great North Run starts . .

As for Question 1 . . sorry, not correct!

I know this! It was to be the botanical gardens. They're currently on Claremont Road, but I don't think there's public access.

I know this! It was to be the botanical gardens. They're currently on Claremont Road, but I don't think there's public access.

Correct. There were big plans for the botanical gardens off Claremont Road to be opened to the public and extended across the road inside that bridge . . a "Botanic Bridge" . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/29November2009007.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/29November2009009.jpg

"Congratulations" then, Wilf & Chatton . . hoped that one would last longer . . anyway, who has the NEXT question??

"THE PENCILS" . . .

Who can remember exactly where these were and when they were removed?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/ThePENCILS.jpg




Then, the below was in the Evening Chronicle today (8th December) . . has someone there been reading our threads, I wonder?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Pencils.jpg

"Congratulations" then, Wilf & Chatton . . hoped that one would last longer . . anyway, who has the NEXT question??

"Blurry horses" instead of a botanical garden? I think I'd better take my new glasses back to the optician and ask for a refund...

"Blurry horses" instead of a botanical garden? I think I'd better take my new glasses back to the optician and ask for a refund...

Wilf, when you wrote that, I looked at the picture, and I could see EXACTLY what you meant!!

They look like 'blurry horses' to me too, now!

How about a question from you then, young man??

Wilf, when you wrote that, I looked at the picture, and I could see EXACTLY what you meant!!

They look like 'blurry horses' to me too, now!

How about a question from you then, young man??

Ah, give us a day or two grace, NH. But I hope I've found a good source for one or two 'as it might have been' Qs!

Ok, here is an easy one for you, name all 7 of the bridges acroos the Tyne from West to East.

Ok, here is an easy one for you, name all 7 of the bridges acroos the Tyne from West to East.

I suppose it is a relatively easy one, so I thought I would answer it in a novel way, with a very "UNIQUE" PHOTOGRAPH . . .

This is the famous 1984 calendar of "The Seven Bridges of Newcastle".

The names of the seven bridges (that you request, Chris) are listed underneath the photo, and it was the ONLY year that there had ever been 'seven' bridges at Newcastle (which is why they produced the calendar) as the old Redheugh Bridge, sitting alongside the new one in 1984, was demolished by 1985.

Now, we are back up to seven of course, with the arrival of the Millenium Bridge.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/7Bridges.jpg

Doesn't count, I want you to list all of the current bridges from West to East.

Also, I want the name of the Metro bridge.

Interesting photo and information though NH.

Doesn't count, I want you to list all of the current bridges from West to East.

Also, I want the name of the Metro bridge.

Interesting photo and information though NH.

Yes, it is isn't it . . I don't think many people will have that calendar!

You know, I was working in the famous ‘Quayside Bonded Warehouse’ (that burnt down three times (!) a few years later) the day that the Queen opened the Queen Elizabeth 2nd Bridge, right next door to it, on 6th November 1981. I remember we watched the 'Royal Train' going across it, with a nice beverage in our hands . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/7Bridges002.jpg

Anyway Chris, seeing as it is you . . .

1 - Redheugh Bridge.
2 - King Edward VII Bridge.
3 - Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.
4 - The High Level Bridge.
5 - The Swing Bridge.
6 - The Tyne Bridge (originally intended to be called the King George V Bridge).
7 - The Gateshead Millenium Bridge.

Though, as you know, there are actually EIGHT bridges across the Tyne at Newcastle now, with the BLAYDON BRIDGE also now crossing the Tyne at Newcastle, carrying the A1.

What about the Scotswood Bridge? And that defunct railway bridge next to it. And Newburn Bridge!

There is a few more isnt there

Wylam?
Ovingham?
Corbridge?
Hexham?

Also i think there is one that goes from Stocksfield if memory serves me right

Yes NH, you have got it correct.

There is a few more isnt there

Wylam?
Ovingham?
Corbridge?
Hexham?

Also i think there is one that goes from Stocksfield if memory serves me right

Yes, but I think Chris meant (to say) "at Newcastle" and, by that, I think he may have even meant at the City Centre of Newcastle.. Not trying to put words in your mouth Chris, but I think that is what you meant?

Anyway, under the 'Newcastle' criteria, certainly Toonlad is right, there is the Scotswood Bridge (I completely forgot about that one) and the Newburn Bridge (I 'even more' completely forgot about that one!). They are ALL in Newcastle

So, that makes "TEN at Newcastle", and "SEVEN at the City Centre". Is that the final total? Where is this defunct railway bridge, honestly can't say I've ever noticed it?

Photos of Newburn Bridge . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/NewburnBridge.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/19114049.jpg

Where is this defunct railway bridge, honestly can't say I've ever noticed it?

Here it is:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EgLJDS2dIVI/Sx7v7v4-bJI/AAAAAAAAAZo/EFaNRded1Ss/s800/scotswood%20railway.jpg

Here it is:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EgLJDS2dIVI/Sx7v7v4-bJI/AAAAAAAAAZo/EFaNRded1Ss/s800/scotswood%20railway.jpg

So, do we say that is now ELEVEN bridges across the Tyne in Newcastle (still only seven at the City Centre) or does a 'defunct' bridge really count?

Is it ever used at all, do you know (doesn't look like there are any tracks there now) or has it simply just not been pulled down yet?

^^ It is used to carry water and gas mains, but was closed to rail traffic in 1982. It is still a structure that bridges the river, so I say count it.

^^ It is used to carry water and gas mains, but was closed to rail traffic in 1982. It is still a structure that bridges the river, so I say count it.

also used as playground for feral children.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1216/664277660_68c588c8f9_b.jpg

OK, so the "definitive" list of BRIDGES OVER THE RIVER TYNE AT NEWCASTLE, from West to East, now is . . .

01 - Newburn Bridge.
02 - Blaydon Bridge.
03 - Scotswood Railway Bridge.
04 - Scotswood Bridge.
05 - Redheugh Bridge.
06 - King Edward VII Bridge.
07 - Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.
08 - High Level Bridge.
09 - Swing Bridge.
10 - Tyne Bridge.
11 - Millenium Bridge.

Does everyone agree?

Still like my 1984 "Seven Bridges of Newcastle" photo though, cos it has got the TWO Redheugh Bridges!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/7Bridges.jpg

^^ Me too. Rare find!

Ah, give us a day or two grace, NH. But I hope I've found a good source for one or two 'as it might have been' Questions!

In the meantime, there is a 'tricky' little question, waiting to be answered, HERE . . .

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=48191233&postcount=376

Erm, this isn't really a quiz question, more of an actual question that I don't know the answer to, and can't figure out. Was just looking on Google Maps, and discovered a strange line of workings or something that extends from Horsley, across the A69, and the Military Road, across Stamfordham Road, north of Black Callerton and Callerton Parkway Metro stop, skirts the southern edge of the airport, continues north of NGP and Sage's offices, crosses the A1, then stops at the roundabout of the A1056 and the B1318. Anyohne got any clues what it is? Looks very interesting!

Okay, scrap that, should have dug a bit deeper first (ie the servers at work!). It's apparently a 49 inch north circular water main, according to a drawing I have

interesting find chatton. looking on the map it might be something to do with the airport as it runs pretty much all the way there in the same direction of the runway. was ther ever a rail line there?

There is a 'tricky' little question, waiting to be answered on the 'Historic Newcastle' thread, HERE . . .

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=48191233&postcount=376

AND, the answer is now, HERE . . . http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=48304095&postcount=386

It was the "Geordie Pride" Public House!



.

Now, another QUESTION . . .

This LARGE Archway was not just a proposal, it was built in Newcastle City Centre. It is NOT there now (as we all know) but, I have THREE questions:

1 - WHEN was it built? ('circa' will do)

2 - WHERE was it?

3 - WHY was it built?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/WherewasthisArchinNewcastle.jpg

from the pic it lokos like grey street. was it for queen victoria?

from the pic it lokos like grey street. was it for queen victoria?

Grey Street is correct!

But, not for Queen Victoria.

interesting find chatton. looking on the map it might be something to do with the airport as it runs pretty much all the way there in the same direction of the runway. was ther ever a rail line there?

It's actually underground drainage/service 'pipe laying' works undertaken by 'Carillion' .. the system is a new gradient install giving access to the Horsley treatment works which also takes in the Great Park and new/future airport expansion. The reason it is 'road like' is that the construction vehicles need access to each shaft along the complete route so a temporary track was laid. :okay:

Edward VII and Queen Alexandra when they came in 1906 to open the K.E. Bridge, RVI and Armstrong College?

Edward VII and Queen Alexandra when they came in 1906 to open the K.E. Bridge, RVI and Armstrong College?

Nice try Wilf, but a fair few years earlier than that. It was a Royal Visit though, but not a king or queen . .

What really amazes me the most, is that such a major structure as this was actually BUILT and then taken down again, quite soon!!

Anyway, shall I provide the solution . . or does anyone else wanna have a go at the other two answers?

What really amazes me the most, is that such a major structure as this was actually BUILT and then taken down again, quite soon!!

Anyway, shall I provide the solution . . or does anyone else wanna have a go at the other two answers?

Was it built to welcome home the winner of 1875's X-Factor? ("The pleasantly tune-worthy Gentleman 'Geordie' Joseph and his renditions of contemporary tonalities")

Was it built to welcome home the winner of 1875's X-Factor? ("The pleasantly tune-worthy Gentleman 'Geordie' Joseph and his renditions of contemporary tonalities")

CORRECTUS, VERILY I SAY, CORRECTUS!!!

Not sure if that was really "olde English", anyway . . .

Verily I reveal the answer . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/1884GreyStPPricessWalesIllusLondNew.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/1884GreyStreetArch.jpg

Nice one, NH.

That was the occasion they went to open the Albert Edward Dock and the prince supposedly got completely pissed on the steamer trip to Shields.

the steamer was the "para e amazonas" ship built for amazon river passenger trade at Leslie & Co, Hebburn.

the steamer was the "para e amazonas" ship built for amazon river passenger trade at Leslie & Co, Hebburn.

Wilf / Johnny, where did you find that all out from?

I've read about it before somewhere but can't seem to locate it online. but also found this:

http://www.hebburn.org/pages/records.html

1884 August 21st This afternoon the Prince of Wales and family passed down the river from Newcastle to open the Albert Edward Dock near North Shields. There was a long procession of steamers freighted with passengers and all Tyneside from Newcastle to Tynemouth was gay with bunting and at Hebburn there was a mimic fortress on the ballast hill guarded by Scottish and English soldiers and a mighty concourse of children were so arranged as to represent the Prince of Wales feathers by waving their pocket handkerchiefs and likewise there were fireworks and a bonfire at night. At Jarrow the school children were entertained to tea next day in the Park. The Prince and suite steamed the river on board the beautiful paddle steamer the "Para-e-Amazonas" built by Messrs. Leslie & Co. Hebburn for a South American firm. She was well finished with the polish of Tyneside workmanship.

Next Question . . .

OK, this is another "where is this" question, but this time I will help you out with the YEAR.

This is a City Centre street, still in use today, and the year this photo was taken was 1868. Where is it?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/1868butwhereisthis.jpg

Next Question . . .

OK, this is another "where is this" question, but this time I will help you out with the YEAR.

This is a City Centre street, still in use today, and the year this photo was taken was 1868. Where is it?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/1868butwhereisthis.jpgThe Backpacker's In on Grainger Street opposite Wengers?

yep, that is maybrook house, the original one. like it a bit better than what is there now! particularly admire the moorish window arches on the first floor.

yep, that is maybrook house, the original one. like it a bit better than what is there now! particularly admire the moorish window arches on the first floor.

You got it, Elswick & Johnny.

Doesn't it look amazing though, to see that NONE of the rest of Grainger Street was built yet, in the direction of Grey's Monument?

Unique photo, this one.

The bit I 'cut off' to the left of Maybrook House, was the old TSB Head Office/former Sports Bar building (which was already there, even if the rest of Grainger Street wasn't) as I thought that gave the game away a bit too much! As it turns out, you guys didn't even need it . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/GraingerStpartiallybuilt1868.jpg

the bit of grainger between newgate and grey's monument was already built by the time that photo had been taken.

the bit of grainger between newgate and grey's monument was already built by the time that photo had been taken.

I find it amazing though, to see photos like this one of the partially-built Grainger Street of 1868 (looking SO very different to now) which still shows some 'recognisable' buildings that you can actually walk past, and touch, today!

In this case, the 'TSB/Sports Bar' building.

They're coming thick-and-fast now, here is another good one . . .


The year was 1856 and the attractive building shown below was planned to be built somewhere in the City Centre that year.

Where exactly was this building to be built . . and what was it going to be?


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Wherewasthisplannedtobebuilt.jpg


There is a clue within the above . . somewhere!

You got it, Elswick & Johnny.

Doesn't it look amazing though, to see that NONE of the rest of Grainger Street was built yet, in the direction of Grey's Monument?

Unique photo, this one.

The bit I 'cut off' to the left of Maybrook House, was the old TSB Head Office/former Sports Bar building (which was already there, even if the rest of Grainger Street wasn't) as I thought that gave the game away a bit too much! As it turns out, you guys didn't even need it . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/GraingerStpartiallybuilt1868.jpg

That is such a fantastic photo. Just amazing. I saw that somewhere a while ago and couldnt for the life of me work out where it was, I knew it was Grainger street but I couldnt picture where exactly due to all the old houses etc.

They're coming thick-and-fast now, here is another good one . . .


The year was 1856 and the attractive building shown below was planned to be built somewhere in the City Centre that year.

Where exactly was this building to be built . . and what was it going to be?


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Wherewasthisplannedtobebuilt.jpg


There is a clue within the above . . somewhere!

was this an alternate design for central station?

They're coming thick-and-fast now, here is another good one . . .


The year was 1856 and the attractive building shown below was planned to be built somewhere in the City Centre that year.

Where exactly was this building to be built . . and what was it going to be?


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Wherewasthisplannedtobebuilt.jpg


There is a clue within the above . . somewhere!
was this an alternate design for central station?

Now, I can see why you say that, the area on the right of the photo does have the 'look' of part of the Central . . but no, not right.

I have to say guys, I am feeling quite OPTIMISTIC about winning this one!!

another guess - is it a plan for remodelling the black gate?

Yeah is one for you, what is the name in numbers for the Coast Road?

Yeah is one for you, what is the name in numbers for the Coast Road?

Eh?

the A1058?

the A1058?

Yes.

The year was 1856 and the attractive building shown below was planned to be built somewhere in the City Centre that year.

Where exactly was this building to be built . . and what was it going to be?
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Wherewasthisplannedtobebuilt.jpg

There is a clue within the above . . somewhere!


another guess - is it a plan for remodelling the black gate?


Johnny, when you guessed 'Central Station', I felt optimistic (for a few moments!)

Yes, you are correct, it is the Black Gate, with "the clue" being that the current Black Gate is actually in the picture!! Details below . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/BlackGateExtensionproposedb.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/BlackGateExtensionproposeda.jpg

In the centre of the 'above', you can just see the 'below' . . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/BlackGatein1995.jpg