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The northwestern Stafffordshire borough grew around the construction of a new castle situated along the edges of Lyme brook. Newcastle received a royal charter in 1173 and the status of borough in 1235. Many streams flowed in and around the borough, but have all now disappeared. The crown owned the land, which passed from one wealthy landowner to another.
By the 1600s, Newcastle was renowned for its hat industry. Production grew and flourished until at one point Newcastle had 20 felt hat factories that employed a third of the borough's population. Coal mining, brick making and iron casting followed. Tobacco pipe manufacturing began in 1637 and continued until the late eighteen hundreds.
Newcastle also had an earthenware, table china industry, but production ceased in the mid 1700s, when the business proprietor went into brewing. The production of earthenware tiles continued at various locations within the borough. The bone china industry re-emerged in the 1960s. Modern industries include electronics and engineering along with clothing and machinery. Public transportation includes a bus service and a railway station located between Newcastle and Stoke on Trent.
Activities and Attractions
Take an afternoon and explore the Newcastle Borough Museum and Art Gallery. Exhibits include military weaponry through the years, artefacts dating from the 13th century and a collection of children's toys. The venue also houses a replicated nineteenth century neighbourhood. The property has an adventure playground, aviary and aquatic pond. Those looking to spend an entertaining evening might attend a live performance at the New Vic Theatre. The theatre in the round regularly presents a variety of live plays, musical concerts and stand-up comedy.
The regions long history of pottery making continues at the Bridgewater Factory Shop, located in nearby Stoke on Trent. The facility offers a full line of Emma Bridgewater Pottery, or visitors may indulge in creating their own unique pieces. Upon completion, the factory glazes and fires the works, shipping them to the customer. The Etruria Industrial Museum allows visitors the opportunity to explore the workings of a Victorian bone and flint mill. Interactive exhibits tell the story of the once important mill, which was heavily linked to farming and pottery.
Guests might also venture off to the Trentham Estate where the remains of a once grand country home exist. The estate encompasses hundreds of acres that include gardens, floral labyrinths and a lake. Visit the local resident primates in the Monkey Forest or soar along the treetops in the Aerial Extreme adventure zone. The location also hosts a shopping village complete with eateries.
Places to Stay and Dining
Guests may find accommodations at any number of historic coaching inns. Some once contained their own breweries. Relax and enjoy the comfort of luxurious ensuite guest rooms providing the modern amenities of home.
The Bombay Club Restaurant offers the finest in Indian cuisine. Try a salmon filet, lightly spiced and slow cooked in a clay oven. Feast on tender lamb chops seasoned with herbs and spices.
Accommodation in Newcastle Under Lyme
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