Newcastle upon Tyne Historic Tours

My apologies in advance if today's post is a little localised but I did not want to miss the opportunity to broadcast the fact that the wonderful Lit & Phil (Newcastle Literary & Philosophical Society) are going to run a series of guided walks around Newcastle during the summer months (May to September).

The route of these historical walks will illustrate the development of the city from Roman times and will take in aspects of the city's cultural and literary past. And all of this for free!

To publicise this venture, the Lit & Phil posted these fascinating then and now pictures of Castle Garth and Dog Leap Stairs.

Here is another similar view in black and white.

The church that can be seen in the background was then the Parish Church of St Nicholas which in 1882 became St Nicholas' Cathedral.

Incidentally, Dog Leap Stairs which run from Castle Garth down to The Side towards Newcastle Quayside, are referred to in the song 'Down To The Waterline' by Dire Straits. You can hear the song here.

If you live in the north east of England or happen to be visiting during the summer months, these tours have to be a marvellous way to learn something of the history of this fine city. Further details are on the Lit & Phil Facebook page which you can access here.