Far north
Newcastle
In the twelfth century
Newcastle takes its name from the 'new castle' built in 1080 by Robert Curthose, the Conqueror's eldest son, on the site of the Roman fort of Pons Aelius, guarding the lowest good crossing of the Tyne. A town grows up beside it, living off the garrison and the traffic between England and Scotland. From 1139 Northumberland is held by the Scottish royal house, and the Scots seem to have controlled Newcastle for much of the time until Henry II recovers the north in 1157. Between 1172 and 1177 Henry II replaces the timber castle with a great square stone keep, designed by Maurice the engineer. The riverside is being reclaimed for quays in the later 12th century. The town trades wool and hides by sea. Its famous coal trade belongs to later centuries.
Landmark: The stone castle keep, built 1172–77 by Henry II (still standing); before that, a timber motte-and-bailey castle.
Known for
- Wool
- Hides
- Seaborne trade on the Tyne
- Supplying the garrison and border traffic
Caveats (confidence: medium)
Coal is deliberately left out: Newcastle's coal exports are recorded from the 13th century on. The town's borough customs are traditionally said to date from Henry I's reign, but survive in a later copy, so they are not stated as fact. How far the Scots held Newcastle itself between 1139 and 1157 is disputed; the 1139 treaty is often said to have kept Newcastle and Bamburgh out of Scottish hands. Do not draw the Black Gate (1247–50) or the town walls (late 13th century).
Sources: en.wikipedia.org · sitelines.newcastle.gov.uk · historic-uk.com · localhistories.org
Playtest: in development, may be reset
In the playtest world now
What the test world shows at Newcastle, as of Year 12, autumn, month 8, day 15. About the playtest
Last season's market
Summer, year 12. Each good's price at the close of last season, against its usual price in this town: dear, usual or cheap.
- Usual
- Ox cart, Pick, Pit saw, Barrel, Adze, Axe, Iron hammer, Awl