Bottle Bank, Goat Inn

The famous Goat Inn stood in Bottle Bank. It was widely known as the "Navries". In 1616 it had been known as the "Bell of the Hoop", in 1627 "The Spread Eagle" and the "Goat Inn" from 1672. The Court of Justic was held for many years in the long room, from where prisoners were sent to Durham Gaol. Here also was the distribution by the wardens of St. Mary's of the various charities. After a parade on November 16th 1803, the colours of the first Gateshead Volunteers, commanded by Cuthbert Ellison Esq., were deposited at the Goat Inn. They remained here until 1854 when Cuthbert Ellison presented them to Gateshead Council. The inn provided a dinner for a distinguished group of officers who had taken part in the parade, including the Right Hon. The Earl of Strathmore, Cuthbert Ellison Esq., J. Carr Esq. and others, along with the officers of Newcastle and Gateshead Volunteers. It was demolished to make way for the New Tyne Bridge. The figure of the goat, the sign of the inn, is housed with the Public Library.