Castle and Keep

[cmbmick]

less than a mile away from where i live we have an ancient Castle Keep , dating back to 12th century !

The Castle is an archaelogical site in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, that gives the City of Newcastle its name. The most visible evidence of the site now comprises two buidlings, the Castle Keep and the The Black Gate, which are the remains of the Castle's square fortified stone tower (keep), and a fortified gatehouse (barbican).

Use of the site for defence dates from Roman times, when the site was known as a fort and settlement called Pons Aelius, guarding a bridge over the River Tyne. In 1080, a wooden motte and bailey style castle was built on the site of the Roman fort, which is the 'New Castle upon Tyne'. It was built by Robert Curthose, eldest son of William I (William the Conqueror), having returned south from a campaign against Malcolm III of Scotland. The stone Castle Keep was built between 1172 and 1177 by Henry II on the site of Curthose's castle. The Blackgate was added between 1247 and 1250 by Henry III.[1]

The site is in the centre of Newcastle, and lies to the east of Newcastle Central Station. The 75 foot gap between the Keep and the Gatehouse is almost entirely filled by a railway viaduct, carrying the East Coast Main Line from Newcastle to Scotland. The Castle Keep and Blackgate pre-dated the construction of the Newcastle town wall, construction of which started sometime around 1265, and did not form part of it. Nothing remains of the Roman fort or the original motte and bailey castle. The Keep is a Grade I listed building, and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The Keep is owned by the City Council, who lease it to the Society of Antiquaries, who manage it as a visitor attraction. The society is based in the Blackgate, and use it to house a library and as a meeting place.



Heres the Castle Itself:

[Pmurtagh]

What's the name of the place? I miss Europe and all the old castles and churches. I need to make a trip back there now that I have my camera. Would love to get some of the country sides I remember while there.

Absolutly love the pictures.

[windrider86]

That would just be so cool to have buildings like this so close at hand

[cmbmick]

Originally Posted by Pmurtagh

What's the name of the place? I miss Europe and all the old castles and churches. I need to make a trip back there now that I have my camera. Would love to get some of the country sides I remember while there.

Absolutly love the pictures.

Its Newcastle Upon Tyne , England.

A very rich historical city , lots to see and photograph , I earn a living selling Tourist photos !

[eugenem]

great pics! any tips for a newb from brum?

[rohansule]

gr8 pics n good info abt the place. planing to visit england in oct. would visit newcastle. hope to meet u. thanks for sharing d gr8 pics.

[freybear3]

I wish i had something like this around here, good photos!

[cmbmick]

Originally Posted by rohansule

gr8 pics n good info abt the place. planing to visit england in oct. would visit newcastle. hope to meet u. thanks for sharing d gr8 pics.

You would definitley enjoy a trip here , I reckon Newcastle and surrounding areas , has got to be one of the most history rich and friendly places in England.

[liverlipsyyz]

wow, that last one is great! very forboding sky. scary.

[Pmurtagh]

Originally Posted by cmbmick

Its Newcastle Upon Tyne , England.

A very rich historical city , lots to see and photograph , I earn a living selling Tourist photos !

If you were selling pictures 11 years ago, I probably bought one.

I don't think we made it to this castle, but I think I've been to every other one in England, Scotland and Ireland.

This picture, and just thinking about it, make me want to go back. I think that's where I'm going next year. Gonna plan it out.