The first reference to Monkton (Munecatun) dates from 1074-80, when it and the other vills dependent on Jarrow were given by Bishop Walcher to Aldwin and his companions to assist them in the reconstruction of the church of Jarrow. It thus became the property of the prior and convent of Durham (of which Jarrow was a cell), and later the dean and chapter of Durham. In 1539, in addition to five tenants paying the same rent, the communar of Durham and John Hedworth held land in Monkton. In the 17th century at least one Newcastle merchant family had an interest here - in Bede Cottage/Monkton Farm - possibly explaining the rather grand houses which survive on the north side. It is a two-row village, with front gardens and a wide south verge, so perhaps once had a green. Because the surrounding area has been built up only fairly recently Monkton retains at least some evidence of being a rural farming village.
SITEASS
Antiquity of Monkton is confirmed by its street plan and listed buildings. Gap site on N side was carefully filled; W end S side not so.
Site Type: Broad
Settlement
SITEDESC
The first reference to Monkton (Munecatun) is 1074-80, when it and the other vills dependent on Jarrow were given by Bishop Walcher to Aldwin and his companions to assist them in the reconstruction of the church of Jarrow. It thus became the property of the prior and convent of Durham (of which Jarrow was a cell), and later the dean and chapter. In 1539, in addition to 5 tenants paying the same rent, the communar of Durham and John Hedworth held land in Monkton. In C17 at least one Newcastle merchant family had an interest here - in Bede Cottage/Monkton Farm, possibly explaining the rather grand houses which survive on the north side (5 listed Grade II). It is a two-row village, with front gardens and a wide south verge, so perhaps once had a green? Because the surrounding area has been built up only fairly recently Monkton retains at least some evidence of being a rural farming village. Dated C11th.
Site Name
Monkton village
Site Type: Specific
Village
HER Number
152
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 152 >> T. Arnold, ed. 1882, Symeon of Durham, Rolls Series Vol. 1, p. 110
W. Greenwell, ed. 1871, Feodarium Prioratus Dunelmensis, Surtees Society, Vol. 58, pp. lxxxiii, 13, 81, 94, 114, 208, 308
J. Booth, ed. 1886, Durham Halmote Rolls, Surtees Society,Vol. 82, pp. 9, 224 etc.
Prior's Kitchen Durham Church Commission, 1783, Monkton, Wardley amd Hedworth 13642-3
Dept. Pal. & Dip. Durham Tithe Award, 1840, Monkton
Northumberland Records Office- 1650 - ZCE 5/7
R. Surtees, 1820, The History....of Durham, Vol. II, p. 80
K.J.N. Fairless, 1980, Grange Farm - a Cross Passage House, Transactions Architectectural & Archaeological Society of Durham & Northumberland, New series, Vol. 5, pp. 81-9
D.C. Kear, 1984, Bede Cottage and Monkton Farm, Monkton, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5, XII, pp. 181-207
C.M. Fraser, 1955, Gilly-Corn and the Customary of the Convent of Durham, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, XXXIII, pp. 44, 47n, 51
P.T. Bidwell & E. Dougherty, 1989, Excavation at White Cottages, Monkton: Interim Summary
Medieval Settlement Research Group Annual Report P.T. Bidwell, in N.J. Higham, ed. 1992, Research in 1992, ii Excavations 7, p. 43; NAA, 2010, Monkton Hall, Monkton, Tyne and Wear - archaeological evaluation; NAA, 2009, Land to the east of Barns Close, Monkton, South Tyneside - Archaeological Assessment
SURVIVAL
40-59%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
N
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Defence
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
149
DAY1
02
DAY2
13
District
N Tyneside
Easting
436300
Grid ref figure
6
HISTORY_TOPIC
Civil War
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MONTH1
3
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
568500
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Stuart 1603 to 1714
Place
North Shields
Description
Before the erection of Clifford's Fort there was a fort of baskets filled with sand and mortar, with a gun placed between each basket. It was positioned on the seaward side of the later Clifford's fort, a little distance from the old Low Light lighthouse, and formed a pair with another on the opposite shore, erected by the Marquis of Newcastle in 1642. There was action at the fort in October, 1644, when the Scots won it, lost it and won it again all in one day.
SITEASS
It is assumed to be covered by the later platform of Clifford's Fort so unless this was removed, or one was very lucky in a small excavation, it is not likely to be found.
Site Type: Broad
Fort
SITEDESC
"Before the erection of Clifford's Fort,...., to the seaward, at a little distance from this light-house (the old Low Light) there was anciently a fort of baskets filled with sand and mortar, with a gun placed between each basket".(1) It was one of a pair, the other on the opposite shore, erected by the Marquis of Newcastle in 1642.(2) There was action at the fort in October, 1644, when the Scots won it, lost it and won it again all in one day.
Site Name
North Shields, small fort
Site Type: Specific
Fort
HER Number
151
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 151 >> J. Brand, 1789, History of Newcastle, Vol. II, p. 331
H.H.E. Craster, 1907, Northumberland County History, VIII, p. 182
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_HA
0.5
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Defence
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Jennifer Morrison
CONDITION
Fair
Crossref
149
DAY1
02
DAY2
17
District
N Tyneside
Easting
436300
Grid ref figure
6
HEIGHT_OD
3
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Ashlar; Brick
MONTH1
3
MONTH2
7
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 36 NE 6
Northing
568500
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
North Shields
SAMNUMBER
44
Description
In 1881 the original Clifford's fort was declared obsolete as a place to mount guns, but suitable as a base for submarine mining. In 1888 therefore it became the HQ of the Tyne Division Royal Engineers (Volunteers) Submarine Miners. Most of the old buildings in the fort were demolished, new ones were erected, the old gun embrasures were blocked up, a narrow gauge railway was laid to a new gate in the south-east angle to move the mines out to a boat, and two guns were mounted on concrete bases to defend the gate. The unit in the fort was changed, or had its name altered, from time to time, e.g. in 1911 it became the Tyne Electrical Engineers R.E., and the fort remained in use until 1928 when the site passed to Tynemouth Corporation for the expansion of the fishery industry. It was briefly reestablished as an Emergency Coast Battery in W.W. 2. Although most of the 19th century buildings have been demolished, the additions & alterations to the perimeter are largely visible. The site is included on English Heritage's Register of Buildings at Risk 2002, listed as being in "poor" condition, being subject to vandalism and masked by badly sited buildings. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT
SITEASS
This site is masked by badly sited fish-processing etc. buildings, and is prone to vandalism. It requires further consolidation and excavation, constant cleaning, regular monitoring of the fabric, proper display and interpretation. Listed on English Heritage's Register of Buildings at Risk 2002. Listed as being in "poor" condition. Priority C. "Curtain wall survives much masked by later buildings, and is in poor condition. Suffering from vandalism and neglect and threatened by unauthorised works" {EH 2002}. Conservation plan has been prepared by North East Civic Trust. First phase of a programme of works to reveal and conserve the artillery defences was completed in March 2003. The buried artillery positions have been re-opened, having been bricked up in the 1880s when the fort was a base for the River Tyne Submarine Engineers (see HER 150). Behind the brick walls in the embrasures, large quantities of pottery waste from the nearby Low Lights Pottery was found. Future repair work will consolidate the remainder of the sea-ward wall. In 2004 the Loaded Mine Stores and Mine Loading Rooms were archaeologically recorded in advance of conversion. In 2005 two trenches were excavated against the inner and outer faces of the Riverside Battery of the Fort. The aim of the first trench was to ascertain the degree of survival of the sunken mining tramway and associated features and to find any evidence of the inner revetment wall of the original Fort. The second trench was positioned to establish the depth and profile of a postulated exterior ditch, and the depth below present ground level of the foundations of the Fort and counterscarp walls. The evaluation established that the original inner revetment still existed, although severely truncated by the construction of the mining tramway or by the construction of a building in 1985. A small section of the concrete gun emplacements were recorded. The counterscarp wall was found to have been rebuilt in the nineteenth century. There was no exterior ditch at this location. Different builds of the Battery wall were exposed. The earliest chamfered masonry may be the possible remains of the C16 Low Light (John Nolan pers. Com) or part of the original casemate of the 1672 Fort. The battery was heightened pre-1707. Monument on the English Heritage Register of Buildings at Risk 2007, priority F - repair scheme in progress and end use or user identified; functionally redundant buildings with new use agreed but not yet implemented. Heritage At Risk 2008, priority F, condition poor. Environmental work has taken place between the fort wall and the units on the seaward side to allow archaeological access. Conservation plan completed early 2003. Consolidation of the fort walls is in progress. Listed on English Heritage's Heritage At Risk Register 2009. Condition: fair. Priority: F. Conservation Plan completed in 2003. Part-funded by English Heritage, a significant amount of consolidation work has been undertaken on the fort walls in 2008 and will continue in 2009. Heritage at Risk 2011: The curtain wall survives but is masked by later buildings.A Conservation Plan was completed in 2003. Part-funded by English Heritage, a significant programme of consolidation work (including interpretation of the fort walls) commenced in 2008 and this scheme will continue until 2012.
Condition: Good
Priority: F Repair scheme in progress and (where applicable) end use or user identified; functionally redundant buildings with new use agreed but not yet implemented. Heritage At Risk 2012: CONDITION: Good, PRIORITY: F Repair scheme in progress and (where applicable) end use or user identified; functionally redundant buildings with new use agreed but not yet implemented No longer on the Heritage At Risk Register
Site Type: Broad
Coastal Defence Site
SITEDESC
In 1881 the original fort was declared obsolete as a place to mount guns, but suitable as a base for submarine mining. In 1888 therefore it became the HQ of the Tyne Division Royal Engineers (Volunteers) Submarine Miners (the Victorian submarine mine was a coast-defence weapon laid in offshore minefields to protect ports and naval bases - controlled and often detonated from the shore by electrical cable). Most of the old buildings in the fort were demolished, new ones were erected, the old gun embrasures were blocked up, a narrow gauge railway was laid to a new gate in the SE angle to move the mines out to a boat, and two 6-pounder guns were mounted on concrete bases to defend this gate and cover the minefield. More ground was enclosed in the NW corner, and WD boundary stones set up to mark the fort's perimeter. The unit in the fort was changed, or had its name altered, from time to time, e.g. in 1911 it became the Tyne Electrical Engineers R.E., and the fort remained in use until 1928 when its site passed to Tynemouth Corporation for the expansion of the fishery industry. It was briefly re-established as an Emergency Coast Battery in WW2 with two 12 pounders gun emplacements. The fort was disguised as a variety of seafront buildings. After the War a single gun - either a 3.7" or mobile twin 6-pounder was placed at Clifford's Fort as an anti-MTB defence. This arrangement was short lived. The last of the Tyne's fixed guns were scrapped in November 1956 prior to the final demise of British Army Coast Defence on 31 December.
Site Name
Clifford's Fort, nineteenth century defences
Site Type: Specific
Submarine Mine Depot
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument, Local Authority Guardianship
HER Number
150
Form of Evidence
Ruined Building
Sources
<< HER 150 >> H.A. Adamson, Old Land Marks No. X, Clifford's Fort, Low Lights- North Shields Library Local Studies
O.M. Short et al. 1935, The History of the Tyne Electrical Engineers, Royal Engineers(1884-1933) pp. 5-8
North Shields Library Local Studies, 20th century Clifford's Fort, T25.409.1193
North Shields Library Local Studies - 20th century Clifford's Fort
Tyne and Wear Engineering Department, 1983, Clifford's Fort Conservation Area, New survey 1:200
D.C. Kear, 1986, Clifford's Fort and the Defence of the Tyne, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5, XIV, pp. 99-134
Excavation report, D.C. Kear, 1984, Clifford's Fort Vol. 2, etc.
A.Reed,A.Hill,BKS,M.Preston,B.Harbottle,P.Jubb,D.C.Kear, Clifford's Fort Vol. 2
B. Harbottle, 1987, Clifford's Fort Vol. 3, etc.
D.H. Clarke & A. Rudd, 1989, The Defences of Tyneside - Cliffords Fort, North Shields, Fortress Study Group Conference pp. 5-6
Aerial Photograph, N. McCord, 1972, North Shields Fish Quay 18.iv.1972, A.081649.11-13- Museum of Antiquities University of Newcastle Collection
A. Cantwell & D. Moore, 1993, The Victorian Army and Submarine Mining Fortess, No. 18, pp 32-47
D. Clarke & A. Rudd, 1989, Tyneside in the Breech Loading Era Fortress, No. 3, pp 33-42
North East Civic Trust, 2001, Clifford's Fort, North Shields Conservation Plan; Northern Counties Archaeological Services, 2003, Clifford's Fort, North Shields - Structural Recording and Watching Brief; Northern Counties Archaeological Services, 2004, Structural Recording of Units 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B at Clifford's Fort, North Shields; Northern Archaeological Associates, 2005, Clifford's Fort, North Shields - Archaeological Evaluation; The Archaeological Practice Ltd. 2008, Clifford's Fort, North Shields, North Tyneside, Historic Buildings Recording; Northern Counties Archaeolgical Services, 2004, Structural Recording of Units 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B at Clifford's Fort, North Shields; Northern Counties Archaeolgical Services, 2013, Watching brief and recording during clearance and consolidation of gun embrasures 7-12, Clifford's Fort, North Shields; Northern Counties Archaeological Services, 2013, Clifford's Fort, Recording and Watching Brief
SURVIVAL
20-39%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
2008
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_HA
0.5
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Defence
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Jennifer Morrison
CONDITION
Fair
Crossref
136, 150, 151
DAY1
21
DAY2
17
District
N Tyneside
Easting
436300
Grid ref figure
6
HEIGHT_OD
3
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Ashlar; Brick
MONTH1
3
MONTH2
7
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 36 NE 6
Northing
568500
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Stuart 1603 to 1714
Place
North Shields
SAMNUMBER
44
Description
Clifford's Fort was built in 1672, the beginning of the third Dutch War, as a successor to a little fort (c. 1642) of "baskets filled with sand and mortar, with guns placed between the baskets". Designed by Martin Beckman, it was an irregular shape with its long axis north-south. A raised platform, walled and with a three storey redoubt, protected a low riverside gun battery. The surviving west and north walls, of stone rubble beneath brick parapets, with gun ports and musket loops, are probably of this date. The principal later alterations, largely of the 18th century, included several new buildings such as barracks and the master gunner's house. Though falling into increasing disrepair, the fort survived until its next major reconstruction in the late 19th century. The site is included on English Heritage's Register of Buildings at Risk 2002, listed as being in "poor" condition, being subject to vandalism and masked by badly sited buildings. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT AND LISTED GRADE 2*
SITEASS
This site is masked by badly sited fish-processing etc. buildings, and is prone to vandalism. It requires further consolidation and excavation, constant cleaning, regular monitoring of the fabric, proper display and interpretation. Listed on English Heritage's Register of Buildings at Risk 2002. Listed as being in "poor" condition. Priority C. "Curtain wall survives much masked by later buildings, and is in poor condition. Suffering from vandalism and neglect and threatened by unauthorised works" {EH 2002}. Conservation plan has been prepared by North East Civic Trust. First phase of a programme of works to reveal and conserve the artillery defences was completed in March 2003. The buried artillery positions have been re-opened, having been bricked up in the 1880s when the fort was a base for the River Tyne Submarine Engineers (see HER 150). Behind the brick walls in the embrasures, large quantities of pottery waste from the nearby Low Lights Pottery was found. Future repair work will consolidate the remainder of the sea-ward wall. Archaeological evaluation in 2004 established the level of the gun platforms and the partial survival of the north wall of the fort and walls of the central Keep. Evidence for industrial activity, possibly associated with salt panning, pre-dating the construction of the fort. An evaluation in 2005 established that the original inner revetment still existed, although severely truncated by the construction of the mining tramway or by the construction of a building in 1985. Different builds of the Battery wall were exposed. The earliest chamfered masonry may be the possible remains of the C16 Low Light (John Nolan pers. Com) or part of the original casemate of the 1672 Fort. Monument on the English Heritage Register of Buildings at Risk 2007, priority F - repair scheme in progress and end use or user identified; functionally redundant buildings with new use agreed but not yet implemented. Heritage At Risk 2008, priority F, condition poor. Environmental work has taken place between the fort wall and the units on the seaward side to allow archaeological access. Conservation plan completed early 2003. Consolidation of the fort walls is in progress. Listed on English Heritage's Heritage At Risk Register 2009. Condition: fair. Priority: F. Conservation Plan completed in 2003. Part-funded by English Heritage, a significant amount of consolidation work has been undertaken on the fort walls in 2008 and will continue in 2009. Heritage at Risk 2011: The curtain wall survives but is masked by later buildings.A Conservation Plan was completed in 2003. Part-funded by English Heritage, a significant programme of consolidation work (including interpretation of the fort walls) commenced in 2008 and this scheme will continue until 2012.
Condition: Good
Priority: F Repair scheme in progress and (where applicable) end use or user identified; functionally redundant buildings with new use agreed but not yet implemented. Heritage At Risk 2012: CONDITION: Good, PRIORITY: F Repair scheme in progress and (where applicable) end use or user identified; functionally redundant buildings with new use agreed but not yet implemented No longer on Heritage At Risk Register
Site Type: Broad
Fort
SITEDESC
Clifford's Fort was built in 1672, the beginning of the third Anglo-Dutch War (1762-64), as a successor to a little fort (c. 1642) of "baskets filled with sand and mortar, with guns placed between the baskets".(10) Britain and France attacked the Netherlands with the aim of making it an English Protectorate, but the war failed. The Fort was built to protect the mouth of the Tyne from a Dutch attack - which never came. Clifford's Fort is named after Thomas Clifford, 1st Baron Clifford of Chudleigh, King Charles II's Lord High Treasurer. Designed by Martin Beckman, it was an irregular shape with its long axis north-south. A raised platform, walled and with a three storey redoubt, protected a low riverside gun battery. The surviving west and north walls, of stone rubble beneath brick parapets, with gun ports and musket loops, are probably of this date. The principal later alterations, largely of the 18th century, were: 1. The rebuilding of the wall along the E, SE and S sides of the fort with gun embrasures, perhaps in two phases. Much of this battered ashlar survives. 2. Addition of several other buildings, e.g. barracks, master gunner's house. 3. Ditch with counterscarp wall (a fragment survives) on the E and S sides. Though falling into increasing disrepair, the fort nonetheless survived until its next major reconstruction.
Site Name
Clifford's Fort, post medieval defences
Site Type: Specific
Artillery Fort
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument, Listed Building Grade II*, Local Authority Guardianship
HER Number
149
Form of Evidence
Ruined Building
Sources
<< HER 149 >> J. Brand, 1789, History of Newcastle, II, opp. P. 36, p. 331
G.B. Richardson, 1840, Northumberland and Durham ZAN M13/713, p. 45- Northumberland Records Office
H.H.E. Craster, 1907, Northumberland County History, VIII, pp. 182, 186-7, 200-01, 274-6
M.A. Richardson, 1843, The Local Historian's Table Book, Historical Division III, p. 200
1851, History of South Shields p. 72
1st edition Ordnance Survey map, 1861, 1:500 scale, nos. 14, 19,
H.A. Adamson, Old Land Marks No. X, Cliffords Fort, Low Lights -North Shields Library Local Studies
R.N.A. Miller, 1930, History of the High and Low Lights at Shields, 1539-1930 Smith's Dock Journal pp. 249-56
Tyne and Wear County Engineering Department, 1983, Clifford's Fort Conservation Area, New Survey, 1:200
D.C. Kear, 1986, Clifford's Fort and the Defence of the Tyne, Excavation report, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5, XIV, pp. 99-134
D.C. Kear, 1984, Clifford's Fort, Excavation report, Vol. 2 etc.
A.H. Reed, A. Hill, BKS, M. Preston, B. Harbottle, etc. 20th century Clifford's Fort Vols. 2 and 3
B. Harbottle, 1987, Clifford's Fort Excavation report, Vol. 3 etc.
Hollar, 18th century, Exact map of the harbour of Newcastle near Tinmouth
1757, Map of North Shields
Hollar, 18th century, Exact map of the harbour of Newcastle near Tinmouth
1757, Map of North Shields
D. Clarke & A. Rudd, 1989, Cliffords Fort, North Shields The Defences of Tyneside, p 5-6
North East Civic Trust, 2001, Clifford's Fort, North Shields Conservation Plan; Northern Counties Archaeological Services, 2003, Clifford's Fort, North Shields - Structural Recording and Watching Brief; Dept. of National Heritage, of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 13/155, 15/135 and 15/136; Northern Archaeological Associates, 2005, Clifford's Fort, North Shields - Archaeological Evaluation; North Tyneside Council and Nexus, 2010, North Shields Heritage Trail, board 3 'A nest of vice' and board 9 'Clifford's Fort'; The Archaeological Practice Ltd. 2008, Clifford's Fort, North Shields, North Tyneside, Historic Buildings Recording; Northern Counties Archaeolgical Services, 2004, Structural Recording of Units 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B at Clifford's Fort, North Shields; Northern Counties Archaeolgical Services, 2013, Watching brief and recording during clearance and consolidation of gun embrasures 7-12, Clifford's Fort, North Shields; Northern Counties Archaeological Services, 2013, Clifford's Fort, Recording and Watching Brief
SURVIVAL
40-59%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
2008
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Jennifer Morrison
Crossref
147, 1395, 1396
DAY1
22
DAY2
25
District
Newcastle
Easting
426000
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ26NE
MONTH1
2
MONTH2
4
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 26 NE 16
Northing
565620
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Bronze Age -2,600 to -700
Place
Jesmond
Description
In 1828 Russell Blackbird, owner of Villa Reale, discovered a cist while "trenching some ground for planting". It measured 4 feet x 2 feet x 20 inches deep, and contained the bones of a man and a food vessel. The site, latterly known as Nazareth House, was redeveloped in the 1980s for sheltered housing, but part of the garden remains as informal woodland.
SITEASS
The site has had various names, Sandyford Park, and latterly Nazareth House. Redeveloped in the 1980s for sheltered housing. Part of the garden remains as informal woodland. A watching brief at the adjacent St. Catherine's Convent site in 2005 did not record any archaeological remains.
Site Type: Broad
Cist
SITEDESC
In 1828 Russell Blackbird, owner of Villa Reale, discovered a cist while "trenching some ground for planting". It measured 4 feet x 2 feet x 20 inches deep, and contained the bones of a man and a food vessel.
Site Name
Villa Reale, inhumation
Site Type: Specific
Cist
HER Number
148
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 148 >> R. Blackbird, 1832, Account of the Discovery of a Stone Vault and Urn, at Villa Real, Archaeologia Aeliana, 1, II, p. 315 & pl. XI
M.A. Richardson, 1843, The Local Historian's Table Book Historical Division, III, p. 373
J. Sykes, 1866, Local Records, Vol. II, p. 218
F.W. Dendy, 1904, An Account of Jesmond, Archaeologia Aeliana, 3, I pp. 14-15
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, p. 36 no. 2
SURVIVAL
None
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
2006
English, British
ADDITINF
N
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
148, 360, 361
DAY1
21
DAY2
06
District
Newcastle
Easting
425370
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ26NE
MONTH1
2
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 26 NE 12
Northing
567510
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Bronze Age -2,600 to -700
Place
Jesmond
Description
In 1844, while levelling the ground in the garden of Crag Hall, Mr. C.M. Adamson's gardener found two cists, beneath stone lids, set 8 foot 3 inches apart. In the cists were four food vessels "containing bones and fine earth". One cist measured 2 feet 4 inches by 1 foot 8 inches; the other 2 feet by 1 foot 7 inches.
Site Type: Broad
Cist
SITEDESC
In 1844, while levelling the ground in the garden of Crag Hall, Mr. C.M. Adamson's gardener found 2 cists, beneath stone lids, set 8 ft 3 in apart. In the cists were 4 food vessels "containing bones and fine earth". One cist measured 2 ft 4 in by 1 ft 8 in, the other 2 ft by 1 ft 7 in.
Site Name
Jesmond, two cists from Crag Hall
Site Type: Specific
Cist
HER Number
147
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 147 >> J. Bell, Black Gate Society of Antiquaries -album
F.W. Dendy, 1904, An Account of Jesmond, Archaeologia Aeliana, 3, I, pp. 15-16
M.H. Dodds,1930, Northumberland County History, XIII, pp. 11-12
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, p. 36, no. 1
SURVIVAL
40-59%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Water Supply and Drainage
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Good
Crossref
144, 145
DAY1
17
DAY2
06
District
Newcastle
Easting
425850
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ26NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
2
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 26 NE 15
Northing
566510
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Stuart 1603 to 1714
Place
Jesmond
SAMNUMBER
32046
Description
The first reference to the well is 18th century and it seems likelly that it originated in the post-medieval period rather than as a medieval holy well, as has also been suggested. It was acquired by the City Corporation in 1932 and partially excavated; in 1982 it was fully excavated, as far as was physically possible, prior to a comprehensive restoration. The excavation established that the well was originally built with a millstone at the bottom and stone flagging in front. Later it was converted to a bathing pool and by the late 19th century it had assumed its present appearance, with retaining walls on either side of a flight of steps down to a covered well with front access. It is situated in a small fenced enclosure on the north side of the Grove. The stonehead had an inscription saying "Ave Maria Gratia Plena" (Hail Mary full of grace) but only the "Gratia" remains. It used to be a warm spring, with a cloud of vapour issuing from it in cold weather. Its reputation for miraculous cures still remains. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT AND LISTED GRADE 2
SITEASS
Stonework is secure, but as a feature the well is pretty boring. Needs regular tidying in the late autumn/early winter to get rid of dead leaves etc., and perhaps more imaginative planting round about.
Site Type: Broad
Water Storage Site
SITEDESC
Since (6) established a post-medieval date for the structure, and the first reference is 18th century(1), there is no reason to suppose this was a medieval holy well. It was acquired by the Corporation in 1932, but it is not known how much of their proposed excavation was carried out at that time. In 1982 it was fully excavated, as far as was physically possible, prior to a comprehensive restoration. The recent excavation established four structural phases: 1. Well with millstone at bottom, flagging in front. 2. In early 18th century owner built a bathing pool, 2.82 m wide x 1.22 m deep, with stone sides, slate bottom, steps down. 3. In early 19th century this was demolished and well rebuilt with hinged door. 4. By late 19th century it had assumed its present appearance, with retaining walls on either side of a flight of steps down to a covered well with front access. It is situated in a small fenced enclosure on the north side of the Grove. The stonehead had an inscription saying "Ave Maria Gratia Plena" (Hail Mary full of grace) but only the "Gratia" remains. It used to be a warm spring, with a cloud of vapour issuing from it in cold weather. Its reputation for miraculous cures still remains as people still fill small bottles with water today.
Site Name
St. Mary's Well
Site Type: Specific
Well
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument, Listed Building Grade II, Local Authority Guardianship
HER Number
146
Form of Evidence
Structure
Sources
<< HER 146 >> H. Bourne, 1736, History of Newcastle p. 82
J. Sykes, 1866, Local Records, Vol. I, p. 49
F.W. Dendy, 1904, An Account of Jesmond, Archaeologia Aeliana, 3, I, pp. 142-3
P. Brewis, 1928, St. Mary's Chapel, and the site of St. Mary's Well, Jesmond, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, V, pp. 107-111
M.H. Dodds,1930, Northumberland County History, XIII, pp. 303, 305
R. Fraser, 1983, St. Mary's Well, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, Excavation report, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5, XI, pp. 289-300; Gordon Rutter, 2009, Paranormal Newcastle
SURVIVAL
40-59%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
N
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Good
Crossref
144, 146
DAY1
16
DAY2
06
District
Newcastle
Easting
425930
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ26NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
2
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 26 NE 18
Northing
566530
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Jesmond
SAMNUMBER
32045
Description
The chapel, which fell within the parochial chapelry of St. Andrew, Newcastle, is first mentioned in 1272 and was a place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. It was dissolved in 1548 and dismantled before 1562, but up to the end of the 18th century a part of the ruins was still known as the Hospital, through having been the hospice of the pilgrims. It had various owners until Lord Armstrong gave it to the City in 1883. The ruin consists of a fragment of the east end of the nave, an incomplete 12th century chancel arch (the earliest part of the ruins), substantial remains of the chancel, and a building of uncertain use on the north side of the chancel. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT AND LISTED GRADE 2*
SITEASS
Its conservation history could be better recorded - it was restored after 1904, when Knowles complained about it, but when? And again in the early 1980s. Fairly tidy. Perhaps needs some interpretation, though it has a plaque. Further excavation?
Site Type: Broad
Place of Worship
SITEDESC
In the parochial chapelry of St. Andrew, Newcastle. First reference 1272. A place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. To the end of the 18th century "a part of the ruins was known as the Hospital, through having been the hospice of the pilgrims". Dissolved in 1548; dismantled before 1562. Had various owners until Lord Armstrong gave it to the City in 1883. The ruin consists of a fragment of the east end of the nave, incomplete chancel arch, substantial remains of the chancel, and a building of uncertain use on the north side of the chancel. Sources 8 and 10 do not wholly agree as to date and number of the building periods, but roughly: 1) early C12 chancel arch 2) chancel twice enlarged, either early and mid C14, or C14 and early C15 3) North building C14 or C15. Human remains have been found here. Chapel. First half C12; early C14 alterations and mid-C14 addition of sacristy. Nave, chancel and north sacristy. Coursed squared sandstone. Roofless. Fragments of east end of nave survive and shafts of chancel arch, which have cushion capitals, (with scroll carving on that at south) and some voussoirs showing roll and zig-zag mouldings. 2-light opening with cusped tracery in south chancel wall, and 2 cusped ogee-headed lights in similar square-headed opening in north sacristy wall. North door in sacristy. Interior shows piscinae: in chancel south
wall and sacristy. east wall. Walls survive up to a height of about 4 metres. Source: W.F . Dendy in Archaeologia Aeliana 3rd series vol. I pp.130-147; M. Hope Dodds History of Northumberland vol. XIII 1930 pp.298-310. St. Mary’s Chapel in Jesmond displays the earliest Norman architecture in Newcastle. In 1479 William Ecopp, rector of Heslerton in Yorkshire, provided in his will fourpence to various shrines, including ‘the Blessed Mary of Jesmownt’ to be delivered by visiting pilgrims. Indeed, the chapel was a well-known place of pilgrimage and was equipped with a hospital which offered accommodation to travellers. It may be that there was a miraculous healing at the nearby well. Pilgrim Street takes its name from the route used by pilgrims to the chapel, leaving the walled town by the Pilgrim Gate. The earliest documentary reference is 1272, although architectural evidence suggests that the building is around 150 years older than that. The chapel had a burial ground – a gardener found several skulls in 1829. A medieval grave slab is built into the south-eastern quoins of the nave. The chapel was ‘dismantled’ following the Reformation and the ruin used as a barn and stable. Durham University and Peter Ryder have recorded this fascinating ruin. Dated C12th.
Site Name
Chapel of St. Mary
Site Type: Specific
Chapel
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument, Listed Building Grade II*, Local Authority Guardianship
HER Number
145
Form of Evidence
Ruined Building
Sources
<< HER 145 >> J. Brand, 1789, History of Newcastle, I, p. 198 note w
Illustration, J. Hodgson, History of Northumberland Part 2, Vol. II, appendix
E. Mackenzie, 1827, History of Newcastle p. 149
J. Raine, ed. 1850, ...Proceedings of Richard Barnes, Bishop of Durham, Surtees Society,Vol. 22, appendix 7, p. lxxxii
J. Sykes, 1866, Local Records, Vol. I, p. 49
W.H. Knowles & J.R. Boyle, 1890, Vestiges of Old Newcastle and Gateshead pp. 292-295
W.H. Knowles, in F.W. Dendy, 1904, An Account of Jesmond (St. Mary's Chapel), Archaeologia Aeliana, 3, I, pp. 138-143
M.H. Dodds, 1930, Jesmond Township, Northumberland County History,XIII, pp. 298-310
P. Brewis, 1928, St. Mary's Chapel, and the site of St. Mary's Well, Jesmond, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, V, pp. 102-111
W.W. Tomlinson, 1899, Jesmond Chapel, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, VIII (for 1897-98), 226; Gordon Rutter, 2009, Paranormal Newcastle
SURVIVAL
60-79%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Domestic
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
145, 146
DAY1
17
DAY2
06
District
Newcastle
Easting
425900
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ26NE
MONTH1
2
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
566500
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Jesmond
Description
The earliest reference to Jesmond is as a member of the barony of Ellingham in the late 12th century. It is assumed that the site of the original village was south of the ruined St Mary's chapel, and aligned along the Grove, the path by St Mary's well, with the village green south of the village. No nucleated shape survives on any map, just a scatter of houses of uncertain date, and today the only trace of anything early are the two stretches of stone wall on the south side of the Grove. Jesmond Manor House which lay south of the well was rebuilt in the 18th century and demolished in 1929. Stote's Hall on the east side of Jesmond Dene Road was rebuilt in the early 17th century and demolished in the mid-20th century. The township included three open fields, not fully enclosed until the early 19th century, and a common at the north end.
SITEASS
On N side of the Grove the Moor Crook Letch was long ago filled in and covered with trees and gardens. Untidy and litter-strewn in places. S side covered with C20 houses. Doubtful if there is anything left to recover.
Site Type: Broad
Settlement
SITEDESC
Gesemuthe in C14, Jesmuth (mouth of stream) in C15, Jesemond in C16 and Jesmond from C17. The earliest reference to Jesmond is as a member of the barony of Ellingham in the late C12; it is not in the 1296 Lay Subsidy Roll. It is assumed that the site of the original village was south of the ruined chapel, and aligned along the Grove, the path by the well. "Jesmond village green was to the south of the old village of Jesmond..."(5) No nucleated shape survives on any map, just a scatter of houses of uncertain date, and today the only trace of anything early are the two stretches of stone wall on the south side of the Grove. Jesmond Mnor House lay south of the well, rebuilt in 18th century and demolished in 1929; and Stote's Hall on the east side of Jesmond Dene Road, rebuilt in the early C17 and demolished in ?1950s. The township included three open fields, not fully enclosed until the early C19, and common at the north end. Dated C12th.
Site Name
Jesmond village
Site Type: Specific
Shrunken Village
HER Number
144
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 144 >> Tithe Award, 1844, Jesmond DT 271 M - Northumberland Records Office
W.S. Gibson, 1846, The History of the Monastery of Tynemouth Vol. I, pp. 64-66, 172
Ordnance Survey maps - 1858 - 1st ed 25
F.W. Dendy, 1904, An Account of Jesmond, 1 mile Northumberland, Archaeologia Aeliana, 88.16, 97.4
E. Bateson, 1895, Northumberland County History, 3, I.
M.H. Dodds, 1930, Jesmond Township, Northumberland County History, II, pp. 224-5
J. Sykes, 1866, Local Records, XIII, pp. 295-331, I, p.49
SURVIVAL
None
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
Class
Defence
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Good
DAY1
13
DAY2
06
District
Gateshead
Easting
421900
Grid ref figure
6
HEIGHT_OD
100
Map Sheet
NZ26SW
MONTH1
2
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 26 SW 37
Northing
560200
General Period
ROMAN
Specific Period
Roman 43 to 410
Place
Washingwells
SAMNUMBER
32057
Description
The fort was discovered by aerial photography in 1970, identified from cropmarks. At least two phases of ditches are visible, perhaps more, and in the gaps in the later ditch system there seem to be individual postholes of timber gates. The ground slopes away on all sides except the north, where the approach is more level. The fort may have formed part of the 'Stanegate frontier', a system of forts pre-dating Hadrian's Wall. Roman pottery has not been found in various bouts of fieldwalking on the site. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT
SITEASS
Now fenced off to protect it from the reclamation of Watergate Colliery. Listed on English Heritage's Heritage At Risk Register 2009. Condition: extensive significant problems i.e. under plough, collapse. Trend: declining. Principal vulnerability: arable ploughing. Listed on English Heritage's Heritage At Risk Register 2011: Extensive significant problems
Principal vulnerability: Arable ploughing
Trend: Declining Heritage At Risk 2012: CONDITION: Extensive significant problems, TREND: Declining, PRINCIPAL VULNERABILITY: Arable ploughing Heritage At Risk 2013: CONDITION: Extensive significant problems, TREND: Declining, PRINCIPAL VULNERABILITY: Arable ploughing
Site Type: Broad
Fort
SITEDESC
The fort was discovered by aerial photography in 1970, and identified from the cropmarks. At least two phases of ditches are visible, perhaps more, and in the gaps in the later ditch system there seem to be individual postholes of timber gates. The ground slopes away on all sides except the north, where the approach is more level. "It has been suggested that this fort belonged to the Stanegate series, which would point to Flavian and Trajanic occupation, but the whole problem of the existence of the 'Stanegate frontier' is still in doubt"(12). Roman pottery has not been found in various bouts of fieldwalking on the site. Dated C1-C2.
Site Name
Washingwells Roman Fort
Site Type: Specific
Fort
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument
HER Number
143
Form of Evidence
Cropmark
Sources
<< HER 143 >> Aerial Photograph, N. McCord,,1970, - 13 July, A/069153/28-33 -Museum of Antiquities
Aerial Photograph, N. McCord, 1970, - 29 July, A/069432/1-8- Museum of Antiquities
Aerial Photograph, N. McCord, 1970, - 30 July, A/069461/3-11 - Museum of Antiquities
Aerial Photograph, N. McCord, 1970, - A/069486/44-46 - Museum of Antiquities
Aerial Photograph, N. McCord, 1970, 10 Aug. A/069599/1-8 - Museum of Antiquities
Aerial Photograph, N. McCord, 1970, 13 Aug., A/069656/116-117 - Museum of Antiquities
Aerial Photograph, N. McCord, 1970, 7 Oct., A/070630/23 - Museum of Antiquities
Aerial Photograph, N. McCord, 1971 3 Aug., A/076715/25-27 - Museum of Antiquities
N. McCord, & G. Jobey, 1971, Notes on Air Reconnaissance in Northumberland and Durham, II Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, XLIX. p. 120
N. McCord, 1971, Britannia Vol. 2, p. 250, pl. xxxivB
Aerial Photograph, N. McCord, 1972, 17 July, A/083290/1-4 - Museum of Antiquities
M.J. Jones, 1975, Roman Fort defences to A.D. 117,British Archaeological Report, 21, p. 183
Aerial Photograph, Dept. Archaeology Durham, 115, 1-5
D. Cranstone, 1998, The View from Washingwells, Roman Fort: An Insight into First Century
N. Holbrook & S.C. Speak, 1994, Washingwells, Roman Fort, A Transcription of the Aerial Photograph, The Arbeia Journal, Vol III, 1994, p33-47