Today it sits in the middle of Times Square, but back in time it was the centre point of a huge cattle market. This was the market keeper's house, built around 1842 and designed by the celebrated Tyneside architect, John Dobson. It originally served as offices for the market keeper and the toll collector on the ground floor, as well as providing accommodation for both their families on the upper floor.
Cattle and sheep were first bought and sold at this location in 1830 - seven years before the start of Queen Victoria's reign and markets were traditionally held on a Tuesday. In the 19th century, as many as 10,000 animals a week were handled.
Newcastle was historically renowned for its abundance of markets. As a town, then city, it has been home to the Bigg Market, Groat Market, Flesh Market, Cloth Market, White Cross Market, Herb Market, Fish Market, Milk Market, Green Market and more.
Well into the 20th century, it was not uncommon to see livestock being herded on the streets of the city. The Grainger Market is still going strong today, as is the Quayside Sunday market, of course.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583741328/1742367054/articles/IX42LzSSFDeXH5oHipsys/3068628360.jpg]
The Cattle Market began to decline in the 1960s and this part of Newcastle became neglected and disused. When the area was redeveloped and the Centre For Life was built, the house was retained as a reminder of the location's past and to provide office space.
Our 'then and now' images of the market keeper's house date from 1977 and 2023, much having changed at the location in the intervening years. The pictures were taken by amateur photographer Trevor Ermel.
Born and bred in Gateshe...
Cattle and sheep were first bought and sold at this location in 1830 - seven years before the start of Queen Victoria's reign and markets were traditionally held on a Tuesday. In the 19th century, as many as 10,000 animals a week were handled.
Newcastle was historically renowned for its abundance of markets. As a town, then city, it has been home to the Bigg Market, Groat Market, Flesh Market, Cloth Market, White Cross Market, Herb Market, Fish Market, Milk Market, Green Market and more.
Well into the 20th century, it was not uncommon to see livestock being herded on the streets of the city. The Grainger Market is still going strong today, as is the Quayside Sunday market, of course.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583741328/1742367054/articles/IX42LzSSFDeXH5oHipsys/3068628360.jpg]
The Cattle Market began to decline in the 1960s and this part of Newcastle became neglected and disused. When the area was redeveloped and the Centre For Life was built, the house was retained as a reminder of the location's past and to provide office space.
Our 'then and now' images of the market keeper's house date from 1977 and 2023, much having changed at the location in the intervening years. The pictures were taken by amateur photographer Trevor Ermel.
Born and bred in Gateshe...
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The Chronicle (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 19, 2025