TouchScreenTravels

Our Touch, your Travels…

This is a preview of the full content of our Newcastle’s Best app.

Please consider downloading this app to support small independent publishing and because:

All content is designed for mobile devices and works best there.
Detailed in-app maps will help you find sites using your device’s GPS.
The app works offline (one time upgrade required on Android versions).

The app will also allow you to:

Add custom locations to the app map (your hotel…).
Create your own list of favourites as you browse.
Search the entire contents using a fast and simple text-search tool.
Make one-click phone calls (on phones).

The Swing Bridge

A briliant idea to allow ships to pass upstream

Constructed in 1876 on the site of the old Roman bridge Pons Aelius to replace the existing Georgian bridge which prevented larger vessels going further upstream. This had required the use of keels or barges to bring coal downstream and load up larger ships anchored well before the bridges. This was an expensive process as the Keelman had to be paid!

The Swing Bridge with the Tyne Bridge Beyond

The arms manufacturer WG, later Lord, Armstrong whose factory was at Elswick about two miles West of the City, designed a bridge which would open to let large ships through. The revolutionary design of his bridge used the technology developed for rotating naval guns and so the deck could swivel 90 degrees - problem solved!

Watch a video clip showing bridge open.

Read the full content in the app

120–410: Roman

Quayside Sights

Newcastle In-a-Day

From the Quayside to Blackfriars and Chinatown