The Black Gate

NZ 2563 NW NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE CASTLE GARTH (west end)

24/141 The Black Gate 14/6/54

G.V. I

Gatehouse of castle; now museum and private library. Mid C13; early C17 alterat- ions;restored 1883 for the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle. Coursed squared sandstone with ashlar dressings; roof of pantiles. Oval plan lower part, upper octagonal, with square front projection. 4 storeys and attic: 3 bays. Central arch below 6-light Jacobean window with cusped niches either side; floors above have windows of 4 and 3 lights, all square-headed, stone-mullioned and transomed, with label moulds. Similar style 2-light windows in side bays; wood cross window inserted at right in second floor. Slits above many-chamfered base courses. Steeply-pitched hipped roof has central dormer; 2 end chimneys. Rear stone stair with open landing on first floor and Jacobean-style wood balcony is part of C19 adaptation. Pointed barrel vault to passage through gate with side guard chambers, which have ribbed vaults. Drawbridge slots to receive counterweights. Sources: W.H. Knowles, 'The Castle, Newcastle upon Tyne' Archaeologia Aeliana 4th series II pp. 40-48; R.B. Harbottle and M. Ellison, 'An Excavation in the Castle Ditch, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1974-6.' Archaeologia Aeliana 5th series IX. A scheduled ancient monument.

Listing NGR: NZ2501363924