Byker, Dalton Street, Bicycle and Recreation Grounds

HER Number:
15710

District:
Newcastle

Site Name:
Byker, Dalton Street, Bicycle and Recreation Grounds

Place:
Byker

Map Sheet:
NZ26SE

Class:
Recreational

Site Type: Broad:
Racing Sports Site

Site Type: Specific:
Race Track

General Period:
Early Modern

Specific Period:
C19

Form of Evidence:
Documentary Evidence

Description:
Known as 'Waller's' the bicycle ground had a cinder track and small grandstand. It was established by professional cyclist George Waller using some of his 100 guineas winnings from the 1879 Six Day Championship of the World at the Agricultural Hall in Islington, London. In six days Waller completed 10,500 laps of the small indoor track (1,404 miles!). Waller promoted races for amateur and professional cyclists. The ground was not successful and closed in 1884. Waller's High Bicycle (Penny Farthing) is now in the collection of Beamish Museum. His trophy for winning the Six Day Championship is in Monkwearmouth Station Museum.

Easting:
2677

Northing:
6460

Grid Reference:
NZ26776460

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
Lynn Pearson, 2010, Played in Tyne and Wear - Charting the heritage of people at play, p 14