Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

Newcastle Upon Tyne Austin Friary
Hob Uid: 24984
Location : Newcastle upon Tyne Non Civil Parish
Grid Ref : NZ2524864191
Summary : An Augustinian friary founded by 1291 and dissolved in 1539, with later post dissolution use as a military storehouse. Excavations carried out in 1971 found that the Holy Jesus Hospital (now a museum), lies within the site of the friary church. The cloister lay to the north of the church, the south cloister wall having been found, along with the east claustral range, probably including the chapter house. A tower from the Friary survives, now attached to the back of the Museum. The tower was built in the Tudor period and is thought to contain work from the 13th and 16th centuries. The tower has three storeys and is constructed of large sandstone blocks. Its west elevantion features a double chamfered 2-centred arch. The ground floor of the tower contains a Medieval cross slab and the effigy of an armoured knight; these were relocated there after being excavated.The friary was utilised by the Council of the North after the Dissolution, and was used as a military storehouse, until it was sold in 1605 and dismantled.
More information : NZ252641. Austin Friary Tower measuring circa 20 feet square and dating from the 13th century with 14th century and 18th century additions, is situated at the back of Holy Jesus Hospital in City Road. (See map diagram with NZ26SW21 for Augustine Friary 1290-1539). (1,2) The tower measures 6.8m east-west by 6.2m north-south. The Holy Jesus Hospital has been converted into the John George Joicey Museum, opened in 1971. Published survey (1:1250) correct. (3) Additional sources (4-6). The Friary tower survives as a Listed Building, for the Listed Building description please refer to the relevant designated data. (7) At the time of amending this record in 2011, online access to information relating to the designation (listing) noted above is available through the National Heritage List for England. (8) The history and archaeology of Newcastle Austin Friars is discussed in an overview of friars' houses in the north of England published in 1993. (9)

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Source details : ONB Northum 94 SE plan 16
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Source details : History of Newcastle 2 vols 1789 (J Brand)
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Source details : Friars of Old Newcastle 1907 (J Mc Quillan)
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Source details : F1 ISS 14-Dec-1978
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Source Number : 7
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Source details : Newcastle Upon Tyne: first listed 14-JUN-1954, amended 30-MAR-1987
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Source Number : 8
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Source details : English Heritage 2011: 'The National Heritage List for England' <> [Accessed 28-NOV-2011]
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Source Number : 9
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Page(s) : 37-39
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Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Use as friary 1291-1539
Monument End Date : 1539
Monument Start Date : 1291
Monument Type : Augustinian Friary, Church, Cloister, Chapter House, Tower
Evidence : Sub Surface Deposit, Extant Building

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Military use 1540-1605
Monument End Date : 1605
Monument Start Date : 1540
Monument Type : Storehouse
Evidence : Documentary Evidence

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Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : Listed Building List Entry Legacy Uid
External Cross Reference Number : 304463
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : Unified Designation System UID
External Cross Reference Number : 1355203
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External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : NZ 26 SE 47
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Related Warden Records :

Related Activities :

Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1920-01-01
End Date : 1920-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1970-01-01
End Date : 1971-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1978-12-14
End Date : 1978-12-14

Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 2008-01-01
End Date : 2009-12-31

Historic England Research Records

Newcastle Upon Tyne Austin Friary