CELEBRATING THE ROMAN HERITAGE OF THE WEST END
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant by English Heritage for a new project The Romans were here.
There will be a variety of activities to celebrate and share information about the surviving Roman remains in Benwell and Scotswood. How many people know that these are actually part of a World Heritage Site? These often overlooked sites are of considerable significance in the story of Hadrian’s Wall.
This project is funded by English Heritage as part of their Community Connections programme.
Click on the link below for information about some of the events an activities in our programme.
The Romans were here – events leaflet
CENTENARY OF THE MONTAGU PIT DISASTER
The Montagu Pit Disaster remembered: a photographic record
Montagu Pit Disaster: Guided Walk from Bell’s Close to Scotswood
Click on this link to watch this short video filmed on the walk on Monday 24th March
Contemporary news film of the funeral procession for the victims of the Montagu Pit Disaster
New booklet about the Montagu Pit Disaster
2025 marks the hundredth anniversary of the Montagu Pit Disaster in Scotswood when the pit flooded on 30th March killing 38 men and boys. This was the worst mining disaster in the Great Northern Coalfield between the wars, and is still remembered locally today.
St James’ Heritage & Environment Group is joining with the Mining Institute to produce a book about the Montagu Pit Disaster. We would welcome information from anyone with connections to victims or survivors of the disaster. To contact us email stjamesbenwell@gmail.com
NEW HERITAGE GUIDE TO THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF ADELAIDE TERRACE
This new leaflet is an illustrated guide to the hidden history of Benwell’s main shopping street. Adelaide Terrace began more than a century ago. The original buildings were houses, but it soon grew rapidly as a shopping area serving the community of New Benwell. This guide takes you along Adelaide Terrace, following clues to the hidden history of people and places lying behind the facades of the buildings you can see today.
Click here to view the heritage guide Adelaide Terrace Heritage Guide 2024
NEW HERITAGE WALK GUIDE TO THE ROUTE OF HADRIAN’S WALL DOWN SHIELDS ROAD AND THROUGH OUSEBURN
This illustrated walk guide takes you down Shields Road, starting at Hadrian Square where remains of Hadrian’s Wall were found during building work for the East End Pool, and through the picturesque Ouseburn Valley. Copies are available from the City library and local libraries or directly from us.BOOK ABOUT THE LEMINGTON GUT
This new booklet describes the important heritage remains at Low Lemington adjacent to the feature known as Lemington Gut where a section of the Tyne was cut off from the main river to speed up navigation, and warns of the current risks to their survival. Click on this link to view the booklet. Lemington Gut Book
BOOK ABOUT HADRIAN’S WALL
Our new walk guide Gannin’ Alang the Wall describes the complete 12 mile route of the Wall through Newcastle from Heddon to Segedunum in Wallsend. This is the real line of the Wall – completely different from the route followed by the official Hadrian’s Wall National Path. It also tells you about other interesting historical features you will pass as you walk through the city. Copies of the book are available from St James’ Heritage and Environment Group (email stjamesbenwell@gmail.com) or from Newcastle City Library, Segedunum Roman Fort and the Great North Museum Hancock. Certificates are available free of charge for everyone who walks the full route.
A POTTED HISTORY; PEOPLE AND PLACES OF THE WEST END
Our newest publication is an illustrated book based on our community project “A Potted History of the West End” in which more than 200 local residents of all ages and backgrounds made pottery models of people and places from the area’s history. View the book by clicking on this link A Potted History
Film celebrating the route of Hadrian’s Wall through Newcastle
“Gannin’ Alang the Wall” was written and directed by St James’ Heritage & Environment Group. This film follows the route of the Wall through Newcastle, starting at the fort of Segedunum just east of the city boundary and travelling west as far as Heddon.
On the way, we meet a host of characters including a troop of Roman soldiers marching up Westgate Hill, several disaffected natives, and some present day residents from communities along the route of the Wall. To watch the film, click here.
Sharing the Film
The film can be used by other organisations and groups for public showings free of charge, provided that we are informed in advance. DVD copies are available for this purpose – contact us at stjamesbenwell@gmail.com for further information.
Visit St James Graveyard
Visit the historic graveyard of St James’, burial place of the developer Richard Grainger, mining engineer John Buddle, glass manufacturer John Sowerby among others. We welcome visitors any Wednesday morning between 10am and 1pm or at other times by arrangement. Volunteers are available to show you around – but please contact us in advance if you would like a tour by emailing stjamesbenwell@gmail.com.
You can also read or download our two graveyard guides from the Publications and resources page of this website – “A Guide to St James’ Graveyard and A short history of St James’ Graveyard, Benwell.
We are unable to show visitors around St James’ Church at the moment. Anyone wishing to look around the building should contact St James’ Church directly. You can read or download a heritage guide to the church from the Publications and resources page of this website – St James’ Church Heritage Guide.
PUBLICATIONS
You can find all of our previous publications free of charge on our Publications and Resources page – click here to see it.
ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION BY EMAIL
If you would like to join our contact list to receive emails about our events and activities, email us at stjamesbenwell@gmail.com and ask to subscribe.
CONTACT
Email: stjamesbenwell@gmail.com
Write: c/o Sunnybank Centre, 12/14 Sunnybank Avenue, Pendower, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 6SD
St James' Heritage and Environment Group 