In the 19C a huge development project gave Newcastle a new, almost classical town centre, with two public buildings, some large covered market areas, some shopping areas and some large streets such as Grey Street, the largest one, which curves gently round from the Grey monument to beyond the portico of the Theatre Royal. New additions to the town have also been in keeping with the classic feel, such as Eldon Square, one of Europe's largest business and leisure centres.

The house is famous for its 18C plasters by the Italian Francini. The large collection of porcelains includes many Chinese and Japanese pieces from the 18C, as well as pieces from Bow and Chelsea. One of the other fascinating curiosities of Wallington is its large collection of dolls houses. The walled garden, like the bridge by James Paine, and all the village of Cambo are perfect examples of the visionary imagination of Sir Walter Blackett.

Considered as the first British historian, Bede the Venerable (673-735) joined Jarrow Monastery, where he was to later write his Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation. This is an ambitious project including St Paul's Church with its Saxon tower and choir (the only remains of the monastery) and Jarrow Hall (late 18C).

The "new castle" was built by William the Conqueror's son, Robert Courteheuse, in 1080. The keep is all that remains of the castle which he inherited in the 12C. From the top of this huge construction, you are greeted with a beautiful panorama bringing in the town, the river and the distant countryside. In 1848, they did not stop to think before building a railway that linked up with the main station, using archways which unfortunately block off the picturesque keep of the Black Gate.