Museums take pick of society’s goods

Nov 21 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

New lease of life

THE empty Black Gate could find a new life as the entrance to Newcastle’s historic core.

A bid of over £1m will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in April at the centre of which will be the Black Gate.

The idea is to use the ground floor as a welcome point for visitors with interpretation and exhibitions to tell people the story of the historic quarter from which Newcastle developed.

The Heart of the City area includes the Castle Keep, built on top of the Roman fort of Pons Aelius, St Nicholas Cathedral and the Black Gate.

The upper floors of the Black Gate would be for educational uses by school parties and students and also for community activities.

The city council-owned building had been used since 1883 by the Newcastle Society of Antiquaries, which is still leasing the building although it has now moved to the Great North Museum.

Last year an unsuccessful £2.5m Heart of the City application was made to the Heritage Lottery Fund to make more of the castle, cathedral and Black Gate.

Of the new bid, The Very Rev Chris Dalliston, Dean of Newcastle and chairman of the Heart of the City project, said: "We want to make it clear that there is huge potential in heritage and educational terms.

"The Black Gate would be a point of welcome, interpretation and hub for the whole historic heart of the city quarter.

"Visitors would be welcomed and learn about and understand the historical significance of the area to Newcastle."

Black Gate through the ages

THE Black Gate was a heavily fortified entrance to the castle which was added by Henry III in 1247-50.

After Newcastle built its medieval town walls, the military importance of the castle declined.

Two brick storeys with a pitched roof were built on top of the gatehouse.

Later it was turned into a tenement and a pub, The Two Bull’s Heads.

During the Civil War it was sold to merchant Patrick Black - hence its name.

In 1855 it was threatened with demolition but was saved by public protest and restored by the Society of Antiquaries.