GREY STREET, NEWCASTLE ON TYNE

Went to Newcastle this afternoon to join in with an organised  walk around " Grainger Town".  Around 45 people turned up and we were split into 4 groups.

" Grainger Town " consists of the classical streets built by Richard Grainger,  a builder and developer, between 1824 and 1841. Some of Newcastle's finest buildings and streets lie within the Grainger Town area of the City centre including the Grainger Market, the Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Grainger Street and Clayton Street. These buildings are predominately four storeys, with vertical dormers, domes, turrets and spikes.  Richard Grainger was said to " have found Newcastle of bricks and timber and left it in stone".  Of Grainger Town's 450 buildings, 244 are listed.  The architecture is dubbed 'Tyneside Classical'. One of the streets of Grainger Town - Grey Street  - has been described as 'one of the finest streets in England'.

The building in my shot is in Grey Street and it. was built in 1835 by Richard Grainger for the Bank of England. The Grade II listed building was rescued from disuse and decay with the help of a grant in 1997. Following  extensive repairs, Bar Luga has established itself on the ground floor and fully let offices are located on the remaining four floors.

The walk lasted around 2 hours and it was very interesting.   The weather was dry and quite bright but there was a strong chilly wind.

Popped into Waitrose after the walk. Came home to find Neil was here.  We have both just had a lazy evening watching TV.  Not in the same room though.

Steps today - 8,337