This building is of great interest as one of the earliest surviving buildings in central Gateshead, and in particular a public house which survived the great rebuilding phase around the turn of the 20th century. It is also architecturally fine, with an ashlar frontage of large stones, stone window surrounds and a string course beneath a moulded cornice – obscuring both the shallow-pitched, hipped slate roof and the rainwater goods. The side is of less fine, but respectable coursed, dressed stonework, It is likely to date from about 1830, when William IV came to the throne, and the Beer Act was passed, allowing the licensing of Beer Houses in addition to fully licensed Public Houses. It is a large and very solidly built stone edifice, set back from the High Street on the historic building line, with a single storey pub frontage projecting to the present pavement. It is likely that this extension was originally made in 1865, when the owner applied for consent for alterations. This seems to have been somewhat of a local tradition, since as well as being visible on the opposing corner at Curley’s bar, it can also been seen at the Crown on the corner of Coatsworth Road (Union Lane) in Bensham. It is clear that it was not originally present, as the building boasts a curved corner – designed to allow for easy passage by carriages, which is obscured by the later addition. The present pub frontage dates from 1890 and was designed by the well-known local architect James Cackett – one half of the partnership Cackett and Burns Dick who were later to design many accomplished buildings in Newcastle (not least the Laing Art Gallery). Remarkably, it retains most of its original hornless 8 over 8 timber sash windows with elegantly slim glazing bars (visible on the 1890 plans and a picture of c1900), but unfortunately the late 19th century pub front has been significantly altered, losing a lot of its character, and the stonework has been obscured by covering in what appears to be render. The large, rectangular chimneys are of brick with a cornice course near the top – one probably original in thin, irregular russet bricks, the other a later replacement in regular, more orange-red bricks. The rear is unfortunately laced with pipework and some unhappy replacement windows, however it is extremely positive that the highly intrusive extraction flues visible elsewhere have been avoided. The roof, with its clay ridge tiles, is unaltered save for an early and compact rooflight. Altogether it is a rare and stately example of an early town house style building. MATERIALS Sandstone, slate, cast iron, timber, brick. ARCHITECT Unknown Frontage James T Cackett DATES c1830
Frontage 1890 (now altered) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The inn was owned by Mrs Jane Grahamsley in 1865, whose family Grahamsley Street must have been named after. It is highly likely, therefore, that the family gave the land for the street, especially as they also owned a shop premises to the other corner onto High Street, which were also altered in 1865. Caithness stone flags were laid to the front, with a whin stone border (implying that the same were probably used to the front of the William) and the attractive timber shopfront had a corner doorway mirroring that of the pub. The ‘Plans as at Present’ depicted by James Cackett in 1890 show an attractive pub frontage with panelled stall riser, large windows separated by slender columns with leaded panes to the toplights and a deeply moulded cornice with egg and dart detail. However, they also show that at the time there were 2 separate frontages to High Street, as although the corner premises were used as a bar, half of the frontage was taken up with a barber’s shop. Upstairs was a club room and bedroom, but neither these nor the cellar were proposed for change. The ground floor was, however, remodelled, so that the barber’s shop was removed and the bar moved to the centre of this space, with the frontage also extended up the Grahamsley Street side of the building. The new frontage was therefore designed as a piece, with a panelled stall riser separated by fluted pilasters, and slender columnar intermediates breaking up the fenestration. By 1890 it was owned by Messrs Gibson & Co of St. Nicholas’s Square, Newcastle, and not long after by Swinburne & Co. LOCAL LIST

1896 by William Hope. Vaguely Jacobean. Had a full sized theatre at one end (HER 7875) which has been demolished. This 3 storey public house was originally part of the larger Metropole Theatre building, erected to great fanfare at the end of the 19th century by Weldon Watts. The building was lauded in the press at the time, and hoped to encourage High Street improvements, which were already being called for. Red brick with stone dressings, its steeply pitched welsh slate roof is graced with chimneys to the ridge. Each elevation has large arched windows to ground floor bar area, and 6 over 1 sashes to 1st and 2nd floors with arched heads to the 2nd. A small wooden dormer with pediment sits behind the parapet of the east elevation. The door is in a chamfered corner beneath a large supporting corbel. In an ornate style, with the top storey expressed in large, elaborate gables. The stalls entrance from the building’s time as a cinema is still visible to the East elevation with a cast iron supporting pillar and ‘Scala’ inlaid into the floor. The corner site at the heart of Gateshead coupled with the highly ornamented style creates an imposing presence and expresses the theatrical history of the building. The combination of brick and sandstone is visually warm in comparison to some of the greyer buildings in the vicinity, and the detail attractive, with the large arched windows to the ground floor creating a lively frontage to both elevations. It is clearly of its time in both design and materials – a time no longer well represented in the architecture of this part of Gateshead. MATERIALS Red brick, sandstone, slate ARCHITECT William Hope DATES 1896 LOCAL LIST

A fascinating building, this admirable quality, well-detailed public house is a great asset to the street scene of central Gateshead. Upon encountering the building, the greatest impression is given by the broad rounded corner – a most unusual feature – with its delightful crow steps (corbie steps) hopping lightly up the gable. It seems remarkable that these details were not actually on the original plans, and there is some confusion as to whether the previous Grey Nag’s Head exhibited the distinguishing rounded corner feature or not (different plans contradict one another).
The beautifully intricate art-deco-influenced stained glass windows to the bar and sitting room areas, however, were specially designed for the building (as specified on the plans), with simpler but no less elegant metal fenestration to the upper floor (perhaps inspired partly by the margin light sashes on nearby Regent Terrace which dated from the previous century). Both sets of windows were designed with opening elements, presumably to allow for the ample ventilation which was undoubtedly essential for such an establishment before the recent advent of the smoking ban! The plans also show the ground floor covered in green glazed tiles, and upon further inspection it is possible to discern that these may still be in place, painted over in cream. The roof is shown clad in a similar material, although if this specification was adhered to, the tiles have since been replaced with slate. The two neat little chimneys with mortar-board cornices sit cheerfully atop each gable, and the cast iron downpipes, complete with moulded hopper heads, still grace the front elevation. The building is a wonderfully complete survival and deserves to be cherished into the future. MATERIALS Green glazed tiles (?), orange-brown brick, slate, metal ARCHITECT James W Thompson DATES 1931 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Owners 1850s M Collinson, 1870s Mrs Margaret Atkinson, 1920s/30s James Deuchar Ltd. ‘All walls are 14” thick, and all lath & plaster partitions are of 4 ½” strongly braced stoothings lathed and plastered, i.e. a finished thickness of six inches’. LOCAL LIST

These three houses are of late C18 or circa 1800 {2}. DESCRIPTION / STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This block of buildings is one of the earliest remaining on the High Street, and still retains its original form despite alterations. A 3 storey terrace of buildings including accommodation above and commercial premises to the fore, they are constructed of brick with stone lintels and cill bands and a partially remaining hipped Welsh slate roof. The early sash windows, without horns, are still in place to the northern end of the terrace, where there is also a good quality public house front of circa 1900, which contributes greatly to the interest of an already historically significant building. It is of elegant proportions with large panel engraved windows interspersed with timber pilasters sporting decorative arched capitals This building has suffered from settlement in the past, in all probability in relation to old coal workings which were a feature of the area. This is shown in the tie plates to the walls and the bowing of the walls. The adjacent premises have housed the local temperance bar, in the hands of the Law family, for 5 generations. It still retains a marble bar, and still serves sarsaparilla to Gateshead residents past and present. Internally there are some interesting and significant surviving features, such as panelling to windows, deep skirtings and cornicing, which indicate a date of around the turn of the 19th century.
New cellar for Steel, Coulson & Co 1908/60 MATERIALS Brick, sandstone, timber DATES c1790 – 1800? ADDITIONAL INFORMATION In 1874/5 there was a cabinet maker at no. 270 and a provision merchant in 271-4. The pub was previously called the Phoenix (from at least 1873) but was commonly known as Curleys after early 20th century licensee Will Curley (who was a boxer) and later officially changed its name. James Lamb owner in 1870s. LOCAL LIST

DESCRIPTION / STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The 2 storey Blue Bell public house forms a part of the historical composition of the High Street – located in a key position at the southern end before it curves to join High Street West. As a ‘street corner pub’ it is high quality and architecturally interesting – elevating the visual amenity of the area in which it lies above the ordinary. By a well-know local architectural firm specialising in pub design, the modillioned cornice with round broken-bed pediments containing swags, and early Vaux Breweries plaque are of particular interest. The variety of materials used is also pleasing. The ground floor is faced with polished red granite, with red brick and faience to the 1st floor. It retains its original Welsh slate roof with water tabling to the north gable, a parapet to the west elevation, and a hipped return (with lead roll to the ridge and hip). Tall brick chimneys adorn the south and east elevations with a smaller one in the southern roof slope. The ground floor sports 3 pane mullioned windows with leaded lights above, with 6 over 6 timber sashes to the 1st floor and 2 slate-type rooflights to rear. The entrance is now to the north of the west elevation; the original doorways to the corner and in the centre of the south elevation having been blocked up. The cast iron rainwater goods display the date of the building on the hopper. A ground floor extension to the rear is of no interest. Unfortunate additions include roller shutters, satellite dishes, floodlights and CCTV cameras. MATERIALS Red brick, faience, red granite, slate, timber windows ARCHITECT J Oswald & Sons DATES 1924 (plans approved);
1927 (on rainwater hopper) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION There was previously a Blue Bell Public House on this site – the current building representing a rebuilding for Rowell & Sons publicans. Old pub plans 1891/82. LOCAL LIST

DESCRIPTION / STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This row of two storey commercial premises is attractive as well as functional, in cheerful red brick with sandstone dressings, and appealing timber sash windows to the first floor. These are typical of the Arts and Crafts period, with four panes to the top sash and a single one below. To the ground floor some original shop front elements remain: the carved wooden pilasters between shopfronts, each of a distinctive design including acanthus and dome decoration, and fluted corbels beside the deeply corniced fascias. It is unfortunate that externally mounted roller shutters have been added, and although stall risers are still present it is unclear whether this was their original form. To the 1st floor the sashes are grouped in stone surrounds (pairs in the central properties and 3s to the outer ones). The shallow pitched slate roof features two lofty square brick corniced chimneys, and the cast iron downpipes still cling to the elevation. The properties form an ensemble with the Blue Bell Hotel on the corner to the south, as a pleasing and good quality early commercial group. MATERIALS Red brick, sandstone, timber, slate DATES c1910 LOCAL LIST

DESCRIPTION / STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
These later 19th century commercial premises are still known as Dietz’s shop, after the family who had lived and traded as Pork Butchers here since sometime before 1899. The distinctive Art Deco frontage was introduced by Alfred Edward Dietz, and is what distinguishes the building from others in the vicinity. It is in sand glazed tiles with green fluting to a stepped parapet, with richly textured and vibrant green glazed roof tiles, and distinctively Deco lozenge-shaped window apertures. Unfortunately the windows have been lost, and the Deco shopfront replaced, but it is described as being of green and black glazed tiles with chrome bands. It is an especial shame considering that most German families anglicised their names after the wars, but the Dietz sign was still proudly displayed until recently. MATERIALS Glazed tiles ARCHITECT Shopfront: Parnall & Sons (Newcastle Branch) DATES 1875
Shopfront 1933 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The original owner of the shop was O J Burn. The Dietz family seemed to favour ‘keeping up with the times’ as Frederick M Dietz (Alfred Edward Dietz’ father) had previously renewed the shopfront in 1899. Originally it had been a traditional Victorian design, with timber panelled stall riser and wide entrance alcove adjacent to the accommodation entrance door on the left. He transformed it, however, with a red granite stall riser, vast window space with only one intermediate column placed adjacent to the curved glass panel at the relocated entrance to the right. This may have contributed to the choice of red granite for the base during the rebuilding of the Blue Bell in 1924-7, before the 30s shopfront was installed. German Pork butchers were common on Tyneside from the late 19th century, although many later anglicised their names to avoid the prejudice developed during the wars. LOCAL LIST

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This 2 storey public house was originally called the Golden Fleece. In is in painted brick, and has been rebuilt to the 1st floor corner, with simple stone dressings – cills, lintels and 1st floor cornice. The hipped slate roof sports terracotta ridge and hip tiles and 2 brick chimneys. Unfortunately the pub front has been much altered to the ground floor (plastic windows on brick stall risers) and replacement timber windows have been inserted to the 1st floor, with 2 small rooflights to the south elevation. A traditional blue enamel Gateshead street sign ‘Chandless Street’ has been retained, set into the south wall, and it is important that this should remain. As well as the extensive alterations, there are several unattractive additions, including an air conditioner, satellite dishes and rooflights. MATERIALS Painted brick, sandstone, slate DATES Early 19th century
Alts. 1889 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A building is present on the 1830 map, and it is marked on the 1st Edition OS. Originally called The Golden Fleece. Owned by Christopher Jackson in 1870s, Allsopp & Sons in 1909 and Wears & Watson in 1920s. LOCAL LIST

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This building is rather an anomaly. The existing list description reads as follows:
‘Early 19th century. Ashlar, three storeys with cill bands. Welsh slate roof. Late 19th century sashes and modern shop.’
However, the building does not match this description. The building present is of 2 storeys and stuccoed, with a cill band to the upper floor and an apparently slate roof.. It appears to be architecturally unremarkable in its current state, especially with the extremely poor quality shopfront completely obscuring the ground floor, replaced upper windows and 2 insensitive rooflights. The building may have some historic significance, however, as it was apparently originally the end establishment on Peareth Row (an early 19th century group). MATERIALS Sandstone?, stucco, slate? DATES Early 19th century ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
In 1881 (plan 32) Isabella Railton applied for permission to make alterations to the property.
In 1929 J Isaac, a House Furnisher, had his business here. LOCAL LIST

DESCRIPTION / STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
241 High Street is a good example of an inter-war commercial property, exhibiting refined detailing combining simplified classical elements and gentle Art Deco influences. The striking façade captures the attention effectively this prime corner site, and offering an effective contrast to the Listed St Edmund’s Chapel, and making a valuable contribution to its setting. Spanning 2 floors, the large leaded metal windows with their stained glass detail (perhaps influenced by the Grey Nag’s Head) are striking in terms of materials and detailing as well as size, creating a dramatic impression on the street scene in this part of central Gateshead. Having been built as Doggarts Drapery store, the metal (probably bronze) panels interspersing the floors feature a ‘D’ monogram, with the faience pilasters between them continuing the theme. The three storey commercial premises has, unfortunately, had a poor quality modern shop front inserted to the ground floor, but the original faience facing, imitating sandstone, remains to the 1st and 2nd floors. The original corner entrance, characteristic of Gateshead architecture of this early 20th century period, is now lost, but the chamfered corner feature remains visible in the architecture. The flat roof is concealed behind Deco-style stepped parapets, and the cellars, containing an historic (probably original) boiler, are now partly blocked off. The rear two storey portion of the building is of limited interest. The building is representative of early commercial architecture, but interestingly using a national architect (from Westminster), who was presumably expected to create an impression of quality for the company in Gateshead. The builders, however, were still local (from Sunderland). The façade works in harmony with the slightly earlier frontage of 224 – 230 High Street, across the road, which displays a similar rhythm and styling, despite differing significantly in detail. MATERIALS Faience, metal ARCHITECT George Baines & Son
BUILDER Robert Hudson & Sons DATES 1933 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This site was previously Hopper’s Mill, before which it was a building associated with the monastery (visible on the 1830 map). It is rumoured that the cellars from the building originally connected with those of the monastery a short distance away. LOCAL LIST