The Black Gate
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Black Gate, the impressive 13th-century barbican that served as the primary entrance to Newcastle's medieval castle. Despite its somewhat ominous name, it has nothing to do with Lord of the Rings or dark magic. …
Listen in the app2The Gatehouse Approach — The Turning Bridge
As we approach the Black Gate from the direction of the Castle Keep, imagine the scene in the 1300s. You would not be walking on a solid road, but across a 'turning bridge'—what we might colloquially call a drawbridge. …
Listen in the app3The Archway — Murder Holes and White Hot Sand
Step inside the main archway and look up. Directly above your head are the 'murder holes.' These were openings through which the defenders could drop unpleasant surprises on any attacker who had managed to breach the outer gate. …
Listen in the app4The Guard Rooms — From Garrison to Gin
To the sides of the archway are the old guard rooms. This is where the castle garrison would have been stationed, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. …
Listen in the app5The Upper Floors — The Victorian Slums
As we move to the upper levels, the story of the Black Gate takes a poignant turn. In the 19th century, this grand royal gateway had fallen into a state of decay and was used as tenement housing. …
Listen in the app6Patrick Black’s Legacy — The Merchant’s Gate
We must address the man who gave the gate its name: Patrick Black. He was a successful coal merchant who also served as a tailor to King Charles I in the early 17th century. …
Listen in the app7Legends and Ghosts — The Soldier and the Stew
No visit to the Black Gate would be complete without acknowledging its more spectral inhabitants. One of the most famous stories dates back to 1328. …
Listen in the app8Closing
Our exploration of the Black Gate comes to an end. We have seen how this 13th-century barbican evolved from a high-tech military defense into a 17th-century merchant's investment, a 19th-century slum, and finally a preserved…
Listen in the app
What is The Black Gate?
The Black Gate is a place with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Type | Heritage |
|---|---|
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 54.9693, -1.6107 |
| Last updated |
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