Population of Newcastle and Sunderland compared to other northern cities in the UK, ordered by descending order of population. The third column shows the year in which each city was granted city status.
| City | Population (2019 estimate) | Year granted city status |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 547,627 | 1853 |
| Leeds | 496,785 | 1893 |
| Sheffield | 584,853 | 1893 |
| Liverpool | 498,042 | 1880 |
| Newcastle | 300,196 | 1882 |
| Sunderland | 174,286 | 1992 |
| Bradford | 539,776 | 1897 |
| Kingston upon Hull | 260,645 | 1897 |
| Preston | 141,818 | 2002 |
| Stoke-on-Trent | 256,375 | 1925 |
It is worth noting that although Newcastle has a relatively small population for a big city itis in a very densly populated part of England with over a million people in the County of Tyne and Wear
Five local authority districts in Tyne and Wear
| District | Population | Number of Wards |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle upon Tyne | 302,820 | 26 |
| Gateshead | 202,800 | 22 |
| Sunderland | 277,100 | 25 |
| South Tyneside | 150,300 | 18 |
| North Tyneside | 204,000 | 20 |
And here’s the total population for Tyne and Wear:
| Total Population |
|---|
| 1,137,020 |
Populations given are based on mid-year estimates for 2019 and may be subject to change.
Five famous popular music stars to come from Newcastle:
- Sting – Born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, Sting is a singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the band The Police. He was born and raised in Wallsend, a town near Newcastle.
- Brian Johnson – Brian Johnson is a singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist for the hard rock band AC/DC. He was born in Dunston, a suburb of Newcastle.
- Cheryl Cole – Born Cheryl Ann Tweedy, Cheryl Cole is a pop singer and television personality who rose to fame as a member of the girl group Girls Aloud. She was born and raised in Newcastle.
- Mark Knopfler – Mark Knopfler is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who is best known as the frontman of the rock band Dire Straits. He was born in Glasgow but spent much of his childhood in Newcastle.
- Neil Tennant – Neil Tennant is a singer and songwriter who is best known as one half of the electronic pop duo Pet Shop Boys. He was born in North Shields, a town near Newcastle, and grew up in the city.
Five famous popular music bands to come from Newcastle:
- The Animals – The Animals were a rock band that were part of the British Invasion of the 1960s. They had several hits, including “The House of the Rising Sun” and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”. The band formed in Newcastle in 1962.
- Lindisfarne – Lindisfarne were a folk rock band that formed in Newcastle in the late 1960s. They had a string of hits in the 1970s, including “Meet Me on the Corner” and “Lady Eleanor”.
- Prefab Sprout – Prefab Sprout are an indie pop band that formed in Newcastle in the late 1970s. They had several hits in the 1980s, including “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “When Love Breaks Down”.
- Maxïmo Park – Maxïmo Park are an indie rock band that formed in Newcastle in 2000. They have released several successful albums and had hits with songs such as “Apply Some Pressure” and “Our Velocity”.
- Little Comets – Little Comets are an indie rock band that formed in Newcastle in 2008. They have released several albums and had hits with songs such as “One Night in October” and “Dancing Song”.
Five famous actors who were students in Newcastle
There are several famous actors who were students in Newcastle, UK. Here are a few examples:
- Rowan Atkinson: Known for his role as “Mr. Bean” and “Blackadder,” Atkinson studied Electrical Engineering at Newcastle University.
- Charlie Hunnam: Best known for his roles in “Sons of Anarchy” and “Pacific Rim,” Hunnam studied Performing Arts at Cumbria College of Art and Design, which is located near Newcastle.
- Greg Wise: Known for his roles in “Sense and Sensibility” and “The Crown,” Wise studied Architecture at Newcastle University.
- Robson Green: Best known for his roles in “Soldier Soldier” and “Grantchester,” Green studied Social Work at Northumbria University, which is also located in Newcastle.
- Gina McKee: Known for her roles in “Notting Hill” and “The Forsyte Saga,” McKee studied Drama at Northern Stage, which is a theatre company and arts venue based in Newcastle.
It is worth noting that these actors may have studied in Newcastle at different times and may have attended different institutions within the area. Liam Neeson did study at Newcastle, specifically at the Newcastle campus of St. Mary’s Teacher Training College (now known as St Mary’s University College), which is a teacher training college affiliated with Queen’s University Belfast. Neeson studied there in the 1970s before leaving to pursue an acting career.
Newcastle has been used as a filming location for a number of movies and TV shows over the years, and several of the city’s buildings have featured prominently in these productions. Here are some examples:
- The Tyne Bridge – The iconic Tyne Bridge has been used in several films, including “Goal!” (2005), “Stormy Monday” (1988), and “Get Carter” (1971).
- The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art – The BALTIC is a modern art museum located on the south bank of the River Tyne. It has been used as a filming location for several movies, including “Goal!” and “The One and Only”.
- St. Nicholas’ Cathedral – This historic cathedral in the heart of Newcastle’s city center has been used as a filming location for several TV shows, including “Vera” and “Inspector George Gently”.
- The Castle Keep – The Castle Keep is a medieval fortification located in the center of Newcastle. It has been used as a filming location for several movies, including “The One and Only” and “Purely Belter”.
- Grey Street – This historic street in Newcastle’s city center is lined with elegant Georgian buildings and is often used as a backdrop for film and TV productions. It has appeared in movies such as “The One and Only” and “Goal!”.
These are just a few examples of the Newcastle buildings that have featured heavily in movies and TV shows over the years.
Gateshead’s Trinity Car Park was famously featured in the 1971 British crime thriller “Get Carter”. In the film, the car park is used as a setting for a number of key scenes, and its brutalist architecture and imposing concrete structure help to create a bleak and foreboding atmosphere.
In the film, Michael Caine’s character, Jack Carter, is a London gangster who travels to Newcastle upon Tyne to investigate the death of his brother. The car park is where Carter parks his car, and it is also the location of a violent confrontation with one of his enemies. The car park’s distinctive design and imposing presence are used to great effect in the film, helping to create a sense of urban decay and moral corruption.
The use of the Trinity Car Park in “Get Carter” has helped to cement its status as a cultural icon, and the building remains a popular subject for photographers, filmmakers, and fans of brutalist architecture.
Five books on Newcastle art that you might find interesting:
- “Northern Spirit: The Art of Ron Mueck” by Ron Mueck and Andrew Wilson – This book features the work of Ron Mueck, an Australian hyper-realist sculptor who worked in Newcastle during the 1980s and 1990s.
- “The Laing Art Gallery” by Joanna Hashagen – This book explores the history and collections of the Laing Art Gallery, one of Newcastle’s premier art galleries, which contains over 4,000 works of art.
- “BALTIC: The Centre for Contemporary Art” by Sarah Munro – This book explores the history and exhibitions of BALTIC, a contemporary art gallery located on the banks of the River Tyne in Gateshead.
- “The Art of Norman Cornish” by Robert McManners and Gillian Wales – This book features the work of Norman Cornish, a renowned painter and one of the most significant artists to come out of the North East.
- “The Angel of the North” by Antony Gormley and Ken Powell – This book features the history and creation of the Angel of the North, a contemporary sculpture by Antony Gormley that has become an iconic symbol of the North East.
Five books on the heritage of Newcastle Upon Tyne
- “Newcastle and Gateshead: Pevsner Architectural Guide” by Grace McCombie – This guidebook explores the architecture and history of Newcastle and Gateshead, providing insights into the city’s landmarks, buildings, and urban development.
- “Newcastle Through Time” by Ken Hutchinson – This book features a collection of historical photographs of Newcastle Upon Tyne, alongside contemporary images, providing a fascinating comparison of the city’s changing urban landscape.
- “Newcastle: A New History” by Brian Ward – This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Newcastle Upon Tyne, covering topics such as its Roman origins, medieval history, industrial revolution, and modern-day developments.
- “The Story of Newcastle’s Grainger Town” by John Grundy – This book explores the history of Grainger Town, a historic area in central Newcastle known for its Georgian architecture and listed buildings.
- “The Tyne: Bridges, Tunnels and Ferries” by Paul Perry – This book explores the engineering feats involved in crossing the River Tyne, including the design and construction of the iconic bridges that span the river.
Five books on Newcastle Upon Tyne art that you might find interesting:
- “The Laing Art Gallery: A History and Guide” by Ian Warrell – This book provides a comprehensive history of the Laing Art Gallery, one of Newcastle’s most significant art museums, and offers insights into its impressive collection of paintings and sculptures.
- “Northern Gothic: Painting, Sculpture and the Gothic Revival in 19th-Century Northern England” by Michael Gilbert – This book explores the Gothic Revival in the North of England during the 19th century, examining the works of artists such as John Martin, William Bell Scott, and Ford Madox Brown.
- “Ravens and Black Rain: The Story of Highland Mary” by Margot Sandeman – This book tells the story of Highland Mary, a young Scottish woman who lived in Newcastle during the early 19th century and inspired the works of several artists, including John Keats and Robert Burns.
- “Painting the North: A Social History of Northern Art” by Ysanne Holt – This book explores the history of northern English art from the 17th to the 20th century, examining the ways in which artists have depicted the region’s landscapes, people, and industries.
- “The Angel of the North: A Perspective” by David Jones – This book examines Antony Gormley’s iconic sculpture, the Angel of the North, exploring its origins, construction, and impact on the city of Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Five novels set in Newcastle Upon Tyne:
- “The Heights” by Juliet Bell – This contemporary novel is set in the suburb of Low Fell, Gateshead, and follows the story of a young woman who inherits a dilapidated Victorian house and discovers a hidden family history.
- “A Song for Issy Bradley” by Carys Bray – This novel is set in a Mormon community in Newcastle and tells the story of a family coping with the loss of a child.
- “The Darkness that Comes Before” by R. Scott Bakker – This fantasy novel features a fictional city inspired by Newcastle and explores the political and social struggles of the city’s inhabitants.
- “In the Company of Liars” by David Ellis – This crime thriller is set in Newcastle and follows the investigation of a murder committed during a team-building exercise.
- “The Bone Clocks” by David Mitchell – While not solely set in Newcastle, parts of this novel take place in the city and feature landmarks like the Tyne Bridge. The novel is a sprawling epic that follows the lives of several interconnected characters over the course of decades.
Five building tours in Newcastle Upon Tyne that you might find interesting:
- Castle Keep – Take a tour of Newcastle’s Castle Keep, a 12th-century castle that played an important role in the city’s history. Visitors can explore the keep’s ancient walls, climb to the top for panoramic views of the city, and learn about the castle’s role in medieval life.
- St. James’ Park Stadium – Take a tour of St. James’ Park Stadium, home to Newcastle United Football Club. Visitors can explore the stadium’s locker rooms, tunnel, and pitch, as well as learn about the club’s history and traditions.
- The Victoria Tunnel – Take a guided tour of the Victoria Tunnel, a 19th-century tunnel that runs beneath Newcastle’s city center. Visitors can learn about the tunnel’s history, including its use as an air raid shelter during World War II, and explore the tunnel’s hidden depths.
- The Biscuit Factory – Take a tour of The Biscuit Factory, a contemporary art gallery housed in a former biscuit factory. Visitors can explore the gallery’s unique exhibits, as well as learn about the building’s industrial history.
- The Discovery Museum – Take a tour of the Discovery Museum, a science and history museum housed in an iconic Victorian building. Visitors can explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, including a recreation of a 19th-century street, as well as learn about the history of Newcastle and the North East.
Five heritage walks in Newcastle Upon Tyne that you might find interesting:
- City Center Heritage Trail – This walk takes you through Newcastle’s city center, highlighting key landmarks and historic buildings, such as Grey’s Monument, the Theatre Royal, and St. Nicholas Cathedral.
- Ouseburn Valley Heritage Trail – This walk takes you through the Ouseburn Valley, a historic area of Newcastle that was once home to many of the city’s factories and warehouses. Visitors can explore the area’s industrial heritage, including the Victoria Tunnel and the Ouseburn Culvert.
- Quayside Heritage Trail – This walk takes you along the River Tyne’s quayside, highlighting the area’s historic architecture, such as the iconic Tyne Bridge and the Baltic Flour Mill. Visitors can also learn about the area’s role as a bustling hub of trade and commerce.
- Jesmond Dene Heritage Trail – This walk takes you through Jesmond Dene, a picturesque park on the outskirts of Newcastle that was once the site of a bustling mill industry. Visitors can explore the area’s stunning natural beauty and learn about its industrial past.
- Grainger Town Heritage Trail – This walk takes you through Grainger Town, a historic district in the heart of Newcastle known for its stunning Georgian architecture. Visitors can admire the district’s beautiful buildings and learn about its rich history, including the work of renowned architect Richard Grainger.
Five heritage sites in Newcastle Upon Tyne that you might find interesting to visit:
- Newcastle Castle – Located in the city center, this historic castle was built in the 12th century and played a significant role in the region’s history. Visitors can explore the castle’s keep, learn about the site’s Roman origins, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Grey’s Monument – Standing at the heart of Newcastle’s city center, this Grade I listed monument is a tribute to the life of Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for stunning views of the city.
- St. Nicholas Cathedral – This stunning medieval cathedral is located in the heart of Newcastle’s city center and has been a place of worship for over 900 years. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s beautiful architecture, admire its stained glass windows, and learn about its rich history.
- Victoria Tunnel – This fascinating subterranean tunnel was built in the 19th century to transport coal from the mines to the River Tyne. Visitors can take a guided tour of the tunnel to learn about its history, construction, and use as an air raid shelter during World War II.
- Grainger Town – This historic district in the heart of Newcastle’s city center is known for its stunning Georgian architecture and was designed by renowned architect Richard Grainger in the 19th century. Visitors can stroll along the charming streets, admire the beautiful buildings, and learn about the district’s rich history.
which of newcastle’s buildings has interesting drainpipes
One building in Newcastle Upon Tyne that has interesting drainpipes is the Royal Station Hotel, located in the city centre. The hotel was originally built in 1850 as the headquarters of the York, Newcastle, and Berwick Railway, and it is one of the most iconic buildings in the city.
The Royal Station Hotel has several interesting architectural features, including its intricate brickwork, ornate ironwork, and distinctive clock tower. However, what makes its drainpipes particularly noteworthy is their intricate designs, which incorporate decorative elements such as scrolls, rosettes, and other motifs. The drainpipes are made of cast iron, and their ornate designs are a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the building’s construction.
If you’re interested in seeing the Royal Station Hotel’s unique drainpipes for yourself, you can visit the building, which is located near Newcastle Central Station. The hotel is still in operation today, and visitors can enjoy its historic architecture and luxurious amenities while exploring the city.
Here is a list of some of the parks and gardens located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, along with their respective acreages:
- Town Moor – 1000 acres
- Exhibition Park – 24 acres
- Jesmond Dene – 55 acres
- Leazes Park – 20 acres
- Heaton Park – 18 acres
- Armstrong Park – 22 acres
- Paddy Freeman’s Park – 11 acres
- Richardson Dees Park – 26 acres
- Big Waters Nature Reserve – 37 acres
- Gosforth Central Park – 14 acres
These are just a few of the many parks and green spaces located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, and each offers its own unique attractions and amenities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature or a lively park with plenty of activities, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs in Newcastle.
here is a list of some of Newcastle’s parks and gardens, including their acreages and sorted by descending order of acreage size. Please note that Hampstead Heath and Hyde are not located in Newcastle, but in London.
| Park/Garden | Acreage |
|---|---|
| Town Moor | 1000+ acres |
| Jesmond Dene | 60+ acres |
| Leazes Park | 20+ acres |
| Exhibition Park | 20+ acres |
| Heaton Park | 20+ acres |
| Paddy Freeman’s Park | 10+ acres |
As mentioned before, Hampstead Heath and Hyde are not located in Newcastle, but I can provide the acreage sizes for these parks as well:
| Park/Garden | Acreage |
|---|---|
| Hampstead Heath | 790 acres |
| Hyde Park | 350 acres |
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all the parks and gardens in Newcastle, but it includes some of the most well-known and significant ones.
| Park/Garden Name | Acreage | Cafe Name |
|---|---|---|
| Town Moor | 1000+ | N/A |
| Jesmond Dene | 63 | Pets’ Corner Café |
| Exhibition Park | 26 | Wylam Brewery Tap Room & Kitchen |
| Leazes Park | 20 | N/A |
| Paddy Freeman’s Park | 15 | N/A |
| Heaton Park | 10 | The Pavilion Café |
| Saltwell Park | 55 | Saltwell Park Café |
| Rising Sun Country Park | 400+ | Rising Sun Countryside Centre |
