10 Newcastle streets and the origins of their names: Westgate Road to Blackett Street

10 Newcastle streets and how their names throw light on the city's history and some of the notable people who shaped the way it is today

If a visitor were to be somehow plonked back in time to the year 1700, they would certainly have a difficult time navigating the crowded lanes, chares and streets of the old town of Newcastle.

The reason? There were no street signs. It was only later, as the 18th century progressed, that signs were first put up to help people get about.

Today most of us who shop, work or socialise in Newcastle, will rarely give a second thought to why the streets were given the names they have.

But quite often, they throw an interesting light on the city's past or the prominent individuals who once shaped its history.

We stop off at 10 well-known Newcastle streets and explore the origins of their names.

Westgate Road

Taking its name from one of the six great fortified gates in Newcastle’s old town walls, Westgate Road is one of the city’s best-known locations. Rising out of today’s city centre, it used to be called Westgate Street, and before that plain old Westgate. The West Gate stood where Pink Lane meets Westgate Road today.

Mosley Street

Named after Alderman Edward Mosley, the road was opened in the late 18th century and linked Pilgrim Street and the old Flesh Market area. One of Newcastle’s many claims to fame is that the world’s first electric street lighting illuminated Mosley Street from 1879.

Pilgrim Street

The southern stretch of one of the city’s oldest streets is looking a bit down-at-heel these days - but well-overdue investment and a revamp is thankfully in the pipeline. The street is thought to be named after the religious pilgrims who flocked through the former Pilgrim Gate on their way to the shrine of Our Lady at Jesmond. Another theory is that the pilgrims might well have been on their way to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

Collingwood Street

Like the city’s Nelson Street and Waterloo Street, Collingwood Street derived its name from British military triumphs of the early 19th century. Newcastle-born Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood was one of the heroes of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Today the street named after him is home to the so-called Diamond Strip and some of Newcastle’s trendiest bars and clubs.

Amen Corner

Wander down to Newcastle Cathedral and, in its shadow, you’ll come across Amen Corner. This is where regular religious processions undertaken by the clergy would come to an end, and prayers would be said. The location is also home to the so-called ‘Vampire Hare’ - a curious architectural feature over the rear entrance to cathedral buildings.

Pink Lane

Today home to some of the city’s most popular pubs, the lane derives its name from the Pink Tower - one of 17 towers around Newcastle’s 25-foot high former town walls. The tower was demolished in 1852.

High Bridge

Named after one of two bridges that crossed the Lort Burn, a dirt-filled stream which ran from Castle Leazes down to the River Tyne through the middle of the town where Grey Street and Dean Street stand today. The bridge connected the Bigg Market and Pilgrim Street.

Side

Usually referred to as The Side, the old Quayside thoroughfare is properly known as just Side. Today home to popular bars and restaurants, it was the historic main route linking the town centre and the bustling riverside area.

Gallowgate

Many have stood - and later sat - at Newcastle United’s famous Gallowgate End. Famously, the name has dark origins. Gallowgate was the route taken by convicted criminals from the town centre to the gallows which stood on Newcastle’s Town Moor. There were grim spectacles over the years. In 1650, 22 people - including 15 witches - were hanged in one day. The last execution took place in 1844.

Blackett Street

Named after another of Newcastle’s eminent citizens, John Blackett, who was mayor on several occasions in the 18th century. Once a muddy lane, Richard Grainger’s much-improved version was built in 1824, following the Northern section of the old Town Wall.