Spital Tongues

Spital Tongues, located northwest of Newcastle upon Tyne’s city centre, derives its distinctive name from a historical association with the St Mary Magdalene Hospital. The term “spital” is a contraction of “hospital,” and “tongues” refers to outlying parcels of land. King Edward I granted two such pieces of land to the hospital, leading to the area’s name, “Spital Tongues.” 

Historically, Spital Tongues maintained a semi-rural character, accentuated by the Pandon Burn, a stream that emerged from a spring in what is now Fountain Row. This watercourse contributed to the area’s pastoral ambiance, complemented by orchards and the grazing of cattle on the Town Moor—a practice that continues today. 

A significant transformation occurred in 1836 with the opening of Spital Tongues Colliery, also known as Leazes Main. To facilitate coal transportation from the colliery to the River Tyne, the Victoria Tunnel was constructed between 1839 and 1842. This subterranean wagonway, approximately 2.5 miles long and up to 85 feet deep, allowed loaded wagons to roll downhill to the river, while a stationary steam engine hauled empty wagons back to the pithead. The colliery ceased operations in 1860, and during World War II, the tunnel was repurposed as an air raid shelter. 

The late 19th century saw further industrial development with the establishment of Robson’s furniture factory in the 1880s, prompting the construction of additional housing to accommodate workers. Streets such as Chippendale Place and Sheraton Street emerged during this period, reflecting the area’s growing industrial significance. 

Several notable structures contribute to Spital Tongues’ rich architectural heritage:

• Chimney Mill: Constructed in 1782 on Claremont Road, this Grade II listed smock mill is the only surviving example in the region and was the first five-sailed smock mill in Britain. Designed by civil engineer John Smeaton, it ceased operation in 1892 and has since been repurposed for various uses, including serving as a clubhouse for Newcastle City Golf Club. 

• Fenham Barracks: Established in 1806, these barracks housed the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers until 1962. Today, the site accommodates student housing, with the Queen’s Own Yeomanry (Territorial Army) maintaining a presence. 

• St. Luke’s Church: Located on Claremont Road, this parish church, completed in 1890, showcases 13th-century architectural style with its brick construction and ashlar dressings. 

• Whiteknights: Originally known as New House, this building opened as a lunatic asylum in 1766 under the name St. Luke’s. Renamed Belle Grove Retreat in 1795, it reverted to a private residence in 1857 and assumed its current name in 1900.

In the 20th century, Spital Tongues continued to evolve. The Benson Memorial Church, opened in 1867 on Ancrum Street, served as a Sunday school and now functions as the home of the Apostolic Church. Additionally, the BBC Broadcasting Centre, affectionately known as the ‘Pink Palace,’ opened in 1986 at the corner of Hunters Road and Barrack Road, consolidating the BBC’s TV and radio operations in Newcastle. 

Today, Spital Tongues retains a unique village atmosphere, balancing its rich historical legacy with the demands of modern urban development. Its proximity to Newcastle’s city center, combined with the preservation of green spaces like the Town Moor, continues to make it a distinctive and cherished part of the city.