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Castle Keep

Newcastle Upon Tyne was originally the site of a fort on Hadrian's Wall. On the site of the Castle Keep itself was a Roman fortification called Pons Aelius. The fort was designed to protect the river crossing on the Tyne. The Roman bridge was probably in the same location as the present Swing Bridge.Part of this fort has been excavated, and can be viewed at sites close to the Castle Keep. In Anglo Saxon times the area was known as Monkchester after a small community of Monks who settled in the area. The name of Newcastle came into being with the arrival of Robert Cuthose, the eldest son of William the Conqueror. He built a castle here, calling it his New Castle, a name which attached itself to the town that grew up around the fortifications. The original earth and timber fort built by Robert was replaced in 1172, and most of the stone work of the present Castle Keep dates from this time.

Opening Times: The Castle Keep is open every day except Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. April to September 9.30am - 5.30pm and October to March 9.30am - 4.30pm. Last entry is thirty minutes before closing time.

Directions: The Castle Keep is in the centre of New Castle, just of the A167, just north of the river Tyne. Click here for an interactive map centred on the Castle Keep.

Access: all areas above ground level are not accessible to the disabled, but there is a virtual tour with audio commentary which allows visitors to view every part of the building without having to move from the ground floor. Virtual tours are by appointment only.

Contact: 0191 2327938 or 2331221.