Newcastle-upon-Tyne Friary

Has been described as a Questionable Palace (Royal)

There are masonry ruins/remnants remains

NameNewcastle-upon-Tyne Friary
Alternative NamesHoly Jesus Hospital
Historic CountryNorthumberland
Modern AuthorityNewcastle-upon-Tyne
1974 AuthorityTyne and Wear
Civil ParishNewcastle-upon-Tyne

Augustinian friary founded by 1291, dissolved in 1539. Excavations in 1971 found that the Holy Jesus Hospital (now a museum), lies within the site of the friary church. The cloister lay to the North of the church, the South cloister wall having been found, along with the East claustral range, probably including the chapter house. The friary was utilised by the Council of the North after the Dissolution, and used as a military storehouse, until sold in 1605 and dismantled. (PastScape)

Austin Friary Tower measuring circa 20 feet square and dating from the 13th century with 14th century and 18th century additions, is situated at the back of Holy Jesus Hospital in City Road. (PastScape)

Austin Friary Tower 14/6/54 attached to the John George Joicey Museum. Part of the Austin Friary. C13 and C16. Large sandstone blocks. 3 storeys, one bay. West elevation has double-chamfered 2-centred arch with drip mould; renewed door; irregular fenestration: small square windows on each floor. Interior has stone newel stair; first floor south wall has double-chamfered 2-centred-arched window with tracery removed. Exterior door of studded planks now re-used in ground floor. Ground floor contains medieval cross-slab and effigy of knight in armour found during excavation prior to restoration. (Listed Building Report)

Gatehouse Comments

Probably never intended as a royal residence but, considering the size of the court even on tour ancillary accommodation was always required. Prior to the dissolution the friary would have had it guesthouse used in just such a way. The need was such that 'In 1681 the Corporation of Newcastle built the Holy Jesus Hospital adjacent to Pilgrim Street near the river. This was not a place for sick people, but a house for the reception and entertainment of pilgrims, travellers, or strangers.' (Tim Pickford Jones, 2003, online). Although the only surviving remains is a much altered 4 storey, seemingly residential, tower, no one has suggested this as a fortification. This site is questionable in the sense of being intended as a royal residential 'palace'. It does not seem to have ever been described as fortified.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

This is a Grade 2* listed building protected by law

Historic England Scheduled Monument Number
Historic England Listed Building number(s)
Images Of England
Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceNZ252641
Latitude54.9716911315918
Longitude-1.60708999633789
Eastings425200
Northings564100
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Thurley, Simon, 1993, The Royal Palaces of Tudor England (Yale University Press) p. 50, 57
  • Colvin, H.M., Ransome, D.R. and Summerson, John, 1982, The history of the King's Works, Vol. 4: 1485-1660 (part 2) (London) p. 170-1, 355
  • Brand, J., 1789, The history and antiquities of the town and county of the town of Newcastle upon Tyne (London)