I’ve featured this building various times before, but never focussing on the top. It looks like something Hansel and Gretel would find while wandering through the woods, to me, and I never fail to be surprised when I crane my neck to see it more clearly.
You are so right, Beth. This ornate building is so story book like and I think it is wonderful. Isn’t Fenwicks entrance just underneath this building? Also if I remember correctly, there is an older book shop with loads of character nearby or down the way.
Cassandra-did it take you a lttle while to get used to crossing the roads in Newcastle? It did me. I remember nearly getting hit by a speeding bus on the street in front of this building.
No, it wasn’t really that hard at all. I always look both ways anyway and I started doing things ‘the British way’ well before hand to try and cut down on the shock. I knew there would be some major changes and I wanted to ease into them. There isn’t a public transport system anywhere near where I live and i’ve never spent much time in ones in large cities and even then I had a local friend escort me. Learning the system was the hardest thing. The Metro was easy, the bus system took a little longer.
Glad you didn’t get run over!
Definitely fairytale material. Well worth every detail shot.
On the subject of British traffic, I think it was OK when I came to Newcastle. A couple of years before, I went to London for the first time. I was sort of alright, thanks to the “look left” (or right) signs on most of the sidewalks. I just thought I’d got used to it when a friend of mine grabbed me by the collar to pull me back. and shouted: “Watch out!”. - “It’s O.K.”, I said. “It’s a one way street.” So it was, except for the bus lane that was two-way for some strange reason. That huge red thing came really close…
I reached the advanced stage of driving myself by getting used to it on a bike and then slowly changing to cars. When I went home over Easter, I found it hard to re-adapt. I remember thinking: Mh, have I been riding that bike on the left-hand side for long?
Whilst we’re on the driving theme :) I learnt to drive in a very sleepy scottish village and my first drive into Newcastle I had to stop the car somewhere near Cowgate roundabout and swap with my boyfriend as I found it so scary and 25yrs later I’ve still not driven into town!! Bit sad I know.
Has anyone seen how gorgeous it’s looking this week by the Monument? Christmas lights up - even up Grey’s Monument and the Christmas Market with lots of things to buy. Well worth a visit.
Waterstone’s bookshop occupies the ground floor now and it was previously Dillon’s bookshop. I have seen a photograph of the shop shortly after the building was opened and it sold fur coats, it wouldn’t do now. I have racked my brain to think what it was in between but I have drawn a blank. Where is Mrs. K when we need her?
mrs k is tearing her hair out, taking a trip to London for the first time in 5 years tomorrow (its a meeting of a brand new charity we have set-up) and, as some of you know I don’t get around much. But friends throwing me on the train at Newcastle, friends hauling me off the train Kings X and then doing the reverse. Close family friend has just died. So more friends driving me to Scotland and then back on Thursday next.
Yes Alf, my 21 birthday present, a Beaver fur coat, was bought in that shop - but and it a big but, I seem to remember there was a tea room next door to it called ‘City Cafe’, but mind as my brain is just not operating at all at present. There were two or three of those tea rooms all belonging to the same company and believe it or not, my mother worked in one of them and then walked out and had a ten mile walk home (albit in the twenties. The proper name and place will probably come back on the train.
I love the ‘green twiddly bits’ And I have now seen all the photos since last visit and guess what, I get to see a whole load more when I come back.
I think there must be a psychic connection between us, Mrs. K. I only have to mention your name and up you pop. I hope you enjoy your trip to London and I am sure you are exaggerating about your friends “throwing” you on the train. I am sure your brain is operating perfectly well and you will return refreshed from your trip and reveal more of your memories. In the meantime keep up the good work for your new charity.
I seem to be missing something…Mrs K, what are “green twiddly bits”??? This is the second time I’ve heard this and we cannot come up with what that could possibly be? Mrs K…great story about your mother. Thanks Alf for the book store confirmation…love bookshops!
BTW, I really enjoy this site and everyone who contibutes historical or personal information. Helps keep my Geordie heritage alive and well thanks to you all. Now, let’s hope my Yorkshire puddings rise high for Thanksgiving dinner! ;)
No time to reply to everything right now but I had to solve ash’s mystery…. see here for the first mention of the green twiddly bits, and here for Mrs K’s explanation of what it really is. It’s just become a standing joke.
I should add a link somewhere. Maybe an FAQ….. hmmm. Will go and have a think about that :)
Yes I’m proud to claim the original ‘green twiddly bit’ comment as mine! And as Beth’s link shows, it was this superb building I was on about then.
I think I mentioned a while ago that I remember Turners the camera shop once occupying this building, and they had a branch on Pink Lane too.
ohhhh….now it all makes perfect sense. There’s a history there. Thanks Beth for explaining this, we were truly mystified.
Dave, a perfect description of green decorative twiddly bits on top of Emersons Chambers and no, I wouldn’t like to clean it either…the patina is much too beautiful.
The comments on this site are great! Friends of Newcastle from near and far.
Beth - wait until you get up Greys Monument - as I know you will sometime - and you’ve more wonderful views of Emerson Chambers to look forward to.
Mrs K - you are a star.