Saturday, July 24, 2010

Newcastle Trip - Seven Stories Museum & City of Newcastle


Friday found us on the road again - this time to sunny Newcastle-Upon-Tyne! Does anyone know why it's called "Newcastle"? It's a fascinating story: In 1080 the Normans advanced North to consolidate their conquest of Britain and built a new castle there. Clever, that.

Our time in the city began with a visit to the Seven Stories Museum for children's books. No pics allowed so you'll have to follow this link to see more about it. But know that it was an engrossing experience and a place that's as welcoming to kids as to their attendant adults (as well as to a group of enraptured book lovers from the States!).


After several hours at the museum we were met by Glynn Payne, a retired Northumberland librarian who squired us about the town. Amongst the sights were its bustling city center (centre?) including the restored Central Arcade city market, several churches/cathedrals, the refurbished central train station, the remains of that now 'not-so-new' castle from the Middle Ages, and finally 'the quayside' where Newcastle the port has now become a lovely riverside walk (see the pics -- BTW: Did you know you can click on any blog pic to see a full-sized version?).

Besides vestiges of the castle and other medieval buildings there are many other buildings from the city's industrial age heyday of coal, steel, and grain shipping. The city's 'seven bridges' span several periods (as well as the river Tyne, of course), right up to its ultra-modern Millenium Bridge that pivots on its axis to allow boats to pass under -- which it proceeded to do for our benefit just as we were about to leave quayside.


As if leading a city tour for a bunch of chatty Yanks wasn't enough, Glynn then escorted us onto the city's bus system and to his very English home in the 'burbs to meet his beautiful wife Sue who proceeded to treat all of us to supper in their garden. The weather cooperated wonderfully (again!) and a good time was had by all. Our most heartfelt thanks go out to Glynn and Sue Payne for their generous hospitality!


The weekend now finds the group scattering to the winds -- to Edinburgh and other interesting areas in this part of the UK. Perhaps they will share their experiences on the blog (hint, hint).

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