Elswick, Victoria Running Ground

HER Number:
10123

District:
Newcastle

Site Name:
Elswick, Victoria Running Ground

Place:
Elswick

Map Sheet:
NZ26SW

Class:
Recreational

Site Type: Broad:
Racing Sports Site

Site Type: Specific:
Athletics Track

General Period:
Early Modern

Specific Period:
C19

Form of Evidence:
Documentary Evidence

Description:
Probably the first running ground in Tyne and Wear. It opened in 1858. It was designed to host professional running. The Victoria Ground had a 444 yard track and a grandstand. In 1861 the half mile race between James Rowan and Jack White attracted at least 5000 people. The Victoria Ground was bought by the North Eastern Railway Company in 1863.

Easting:
2424

Northing:
6323

Grid Reference:
NZ24246323

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
Ordnance Survey Second Edition of 1896; Lynn Pearson, 2010, Played in Tyne and Wear - charting the heritage of people at play, p 114