Mansion House Jesmond – free tour for Heritage Open Days
September 16 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
About this event
Community • Heritage
Meet at the Mansion House, Fernwood Road, Jesmond NE2 1TJ
Led by Newcastle City Guides visitors will enjoy a conducted tour of the building, its contents and gardens. Visitors will hear about the history of our great City and the Kings, Queens, Presidents and Judges who have stayed here.
The present Mansion House was bequeathed to the City in 1953 by the former Lord Mayor Sir Arthur Munro Sutherland. He was born in the City, attended the Royal Grammar School and became a successful ship-owner and philanthropist.
Newcastle was the first town outside of London to build a Mansion House in 1691, reflecting the wealth of the area fuelled by coal.
Following the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835, which introduced votes for the property owning ratepayers in the town, the first Mansion House was abandoned and its contents sold off, because the new electors would not pay for its upkeep. Sadly the Mansion House, which was on the site of the present day Copthorne Hotel, was turned into a warehouse and burnt down in 1891.
The Council in 1837 moved the Mayor to Ellison Place, which became the second Mansion House. Sir Arthur Sutherland, who was brought up in what was to become the third Mansion House, felt the City and the Lord Mayor needed a more prestigious residence and gifted the city his home.
Visitors will have the opportunity for the first time to explore this hidden gem and view its rooms and paintings an experience not to be missed!
Near Jesmond Metro station
Not accessible for wheelchair users
Booking essential.
Tour lasts approx 1 1/2 hours
Safety Information
To attend our walks you need to be reasonably fit, prepared to be responsible for your own safety, and to supervise any children in your care. Appropriate clothing and footwear is recommended. A bottle of water, an umbrella and an extra layer wouldn’t go amiss. The British weather is notoriously changeable! Newcastle is an historic city with uneven pavements and narrow passages add to its unique character. There are also often steps to navigate. Our walks take approximately 90 minutes, are you comfortable walking and standing for that length of time? If there’s any activity you are unable to do or if you have a concern, please contact us at newcastlecityg@gmail.com before booking. We try to stick to footpaths and use pedestrian crossings where available. If you have any pre-medical conditions or injuries that may affect you walking or feel unwell during a walk, please let your Guide know.
Standard Disclaimer
Your participation in the guided walk is at your own risk and we shall not be held liable under any circumstances for any matter arising out of your participation. We accept no responsibility or liability for loss or injury (other than for matters for which we are not legally able to exclude or limit liability). We have public liability insurance.
