The Society was established in the 1970s. It aims to encourage the study and enjoyment of architecture, buildings, their contents and settings by organising lectures and visits. It usually holds its lectures in the Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, and enjoys a close association with the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape of Newcastle University. (Read our constitution, revised October 2018).
'Waters Meet to Haydn Brigge' Steeplechase
St. Aidan's, Fourstines, © Hugh Dixo - St. Peter's, Newbrough, © Hugh Dixo - St. Cuthbert's, Haydon Bridge © Chris Downs
Hugh Dixon's latest meanderings will take us from Wall, near the Wall, by Chollerford Bridge, skirting the Chesters Estate but noticing the Stables (and what happened when the horses left) to secluded St Michael's at Warden, with its Anglo-Saxon tower and near destruction through Georgian ambition. Then we pass Hexham's West Boat with its West (no longer suspension) Bridge and upriver to Fourstones, with more Georgian ambition but here successful in papermaking, and St Aidan's, a rare survival, a wooden mission church. Surrounded by pocket demesnes enjoying the rich land on south-facing slopes of the valley, Newbrough is a village of charm and surprises including a Town Hall. To the west, St. Peter's, occupies a 1st century fortlet connected with the Stanegate, the original, pre-Wall, inter-coastal route created by the Romans. The church shows how sympathetic to surroundings High Victorian builders could be.
In Haydon Bridge a swift walk across the South Tyne will be rewarded with tea, scones and cake at the former Oddfellows Hall. Please note that numbers are limited, so booking is on a first-come first-served basis
Details of our 'steeplechase'; .
Regular lectures are held in the Fine Art Lecture Theatre of Newcastle University; instructions and map of how to find our lectures.
