17 May 10 Newcastle (England) Travel Guide
Newcastle is not one of the most well-known UK cities, at least not internationally, but it certainly has a lot to offer. Its history dates back to 200 AD, when the Roman emperor Hadrian established it. Nearly a 1000 years later the invading Normans pretty much wiped it off the map, but it was re-built by the son of William the Conqueror, who recognized its strategic importance. He built a wooden castle on the spot where the ravaged town used to be, which led to it being New Castle (which over time was merged into a single word).
In addition to an intriguing history, Newcastle also offers many sights to see and things to experience. It is this mix of fun and historical significance which have made it so popular, despite its relatively far distance from the rest of the UK’s most popular cities. These are a few of the highlights…
- Before he originally built the city now known as Newcastle, Hadrian built a wall out of stone and timber across the width of northern England. Opinions differ on the subject, but the majority of people believe that it was constructed to define the frontier of Roman land of England, and as a defendable barrier against the Scots. The city sits alongside the wall and it is still clearly visible today.
- Within the main city is an area called Grainger Town, which was the brainchild of a famous UK builder / developer called Richard Grainger. There are more than four hundred buildings in Grainger Town, over half of which has been granted special preservation status by the Government, meaning that no radical changes can be made to them, if any changes at all. These buildings represent a snapshot of how Newcastle looked in years by gone by, and walking around the area is a great way to spend an afternoon.
- The Angel of the North is a sculpture that was designed by internationally renowned sculptor Antony Gormley. It was built in the mid-1990s with financial backing from the United Kingdom’s National Lottery fund. It is the UK’s largest sculpture and is thought to be the world’s largest angel structure. Probably due to its location, it is one of the most viewed pieces of art in the world. It is seen by ninety thousand people everyday, or thirty three million per year!
There are also a number of museums, theatres and other amenities for people of all ages and cultures to enjoy. Whether you want a fun, relaxing weekend, or a weekend of learning about history and culture, you will not be disappointed with a visit to Newcastle.
More : Prints Of Newcastle
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Tags: newcastle, Tourism, Travel & Leisure, UK
