Heritage trails and guides
Here you will find links to our collection of heritage trails and guides which you can view and download.
ST JAMES’ CHURCH AND GRAVEYARD
What to see in St James’ Church
This heritage guide outlines the history and development of St James’ Church since its opening in 1833 as a small chapel designed by John Dobson, noting significant features within the building. This leaflet was originally produced to provide a guide for people wanting to explore the church, but the condition of the building means that this is not currently possible.
A Guide to St James’ Graveyard
St James’ Church, Benwell, is one of the oldest churches in Newcastle. This book introduces some of the people buried in its graveyard including pitmen, boatmen, soldiers, farmers, shopkeepers and inhabitants of the local workhouse, as well as members of many of the richest and most powerful families on Tyneside.
St James’ Heritage & Environment Group 2014
St James’ Graveyard: Children’s Challenge
This leaflet is an ideal introduction to St James’ graveyard for people of all ages. It contains information about the history and wildlife of the graveyard and the local area, with a trail and activities suitable for groups or individuals.
War graves and memorials at St James’ Church
This is a guide to the Commonwealth War Graves and family graves commemorating people who died on active service, and war-related memorials inside the church. It includes a plan showing the locations of these and information about some of the individuals commemorated.
WEST END HERITAGE BOOKLETS
A series of five booklets containing short walk routes around parts of Newcastle’s West End, and one longer circular walk:
- Denton Dene and Old Scotswood
- Benwell
- Elswick
- The Outer West : Newburn, Lemington, Sugley, Bells’ Close
- The Outer West: a five mile circular trail
WEST END LOCAL HISTORY TRAILS
Adelaide Terrace Heritage Guide 2024
An illustrated guide to a walk along Adelaide Terrace, Benwell’s main shopping street, following clues to the hidden history of people and places lying behind the buildings, 2024
Benwell’s Lost Coalmines
This heritage trail takes you on a circular route following the legacy of coalmining in Benwell, including the route of the waggonway, the locations of pits, and the former homes of some of the wealthy coal-owners. On the way it points out where some of Benwell’s “forgotten villages” once stood, including the former pit village of Paradise (of Blaydon Races fame).
Benwell’s Big Houses
Benwell used to be home to some of the most wealthy and powerful people on Tyneside, and most of the area was occupied by large detached houses set in their own grounds. Today only a few of Benwell’s big houses remain, but traces survive. This circular walk starts and ends at St James’ Church, following clues to where the former big houses stood and who lived in them.
Exploring 19th century Elswick
During the 19th century Elswick was transformed from green fields to a dense urban area. This circular walk starts and ends at the entrance to St John’s cemetery, Elswick Road, following the trail of the grand houses, parks and graveyards that were built during this period.
Benwell and Elswick walking tour
An introduction to some of the interesting historical sites you can see by walking around Benwell and Elswick.
Benwell’s Churches Past and Present
This illustrated heritage guide is an introduction to some of the many churches that once stood in the Benwell area with a location map showing where they stood.
Famous Historical Figures of the West End of Newcastle
This illustrated heritage guide will introduce you to a varied parade of people who live and worked in the west end in the past – from the Benwell spy to the Benwell bishop.
St John’s Cemetery, Elswick
A short guide to some of the most interesting memorials in Elswick Cemetery
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FOLLOWING THE ROUTE OF BLAYDON RACES
Alang the Road
This heritage trail traces the route followed by the bus passengers in the Geordie anthem Blaydon Races from Balmbra’s Music Hall to Blaydon, with information and images about some of the key historical sites to be seen along the way. This was our first walk leaflet, created as part of the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the Blaydon Races, and the information about bus routes may be out of date.
FOLLOWING IN THE STEPS OF THE ROMANS
Condercum: from the Romans to the bankers
This heritage trail takes you around some of the historic sites of Condercum, an area of West Newcastle which was once the site of an important Roman fort. The circular walk starts and ends at St James’ Church, following the trail of the Roman remains and the sites of the former mansions and big houses of later centuries.
Following in the steps of the Romans: Shields Road and Ouseburn
This walk takes you from Hadrian Square, down Shields Road, and through the wooded Ouseburn Valley, following the route of Hadrian’s Wall.
Gannin’ Alang the Wall: Walking Hadrian’s Wall through Newcastle
The route of Hadrian’s Wall runs right through Newcastle but it is generally omitted from walk guides. This walk booklet traces the 12 mile route through the centre of Newcastle, pointing out places of wider historical interest along the way, as well as visiting Roman remains.
This booklet is not available to be viewed or downloaded, but copies can be obtained from Newcastle City Library, Hancock Museum, Segedunum Roman Fort, or by contacting us by email on stjamesbenwell@gmail.com.
Certificates are available for anyone who successfully completes the Hadrian’s Wall walk through Newcastle.
Benwell and Scotswood at the time of the First World War – Heritage Trail
St James' Heritage and Environment Group 