Illustration of Forth Tavern, shortly before demolition in 1843. From The Monthly Chronicle of North Country Lore and Legend (1887) [ref: C12/8iii] ©RGS Newcastle
Forth House
The school spent four short years at Forth House, between 1844-1848. With plans for the new Central Station and widening of Neville Street, the old Hospital buildings we had occupied needed to be demolished. The Council had to find a new home for the school. Thus, three rooms at Forth House were converted into our temporary home. This was plenty of space as the school had experienced a great decline, leaving us with only around 12 pupils on the roll.
Newcastle’s Ancient Common Land
Forth House was situated just outside of the town walls in an area called The Forth. This was an ancient piece of common which citizens of Newcastle could use as a place for recreation. Historian R.J. Charlton called it “the people’s park.” It was the play space for the boys of the school when at the Spital site. Perhaps this was also the place where the boys of the St. Nicholas’ Church school in the early decades may have learnt their archery?
Illustration of the back view of Forth Tavern. From The Monthly Chronicle of North Country Lore and Legend (1887) [ref: C12/8iii] ©RGS Newcastle
Plan of Newcastle, 1802 by I.A.Kidd. Courtesy of Newcastle Libraries Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/newcastlelibraries/25631116743
Forth House’s Origins
Forth House was built in the mid-17th century. It was later developed by the Corporation in the 1680’s becoming a tavern (“Forth Tavern”) complete with its own bowling green and balcony. Easier access to Forth House was created in 1705 when a gap was made in the town walls for Forth Gate, allowing Forth Lane to run through. The old Infirmary was built close by on Forth Banks, opening in 1753.
Illustration of the Forth Tavern, Newcastle, after the curtailment of the west wall in 1844. From MA Richardson, The Local Historian's Table Book, Vol III (c.1846) [ref: C18/15] ©RGS Newcastle
Industrial Challenges
Then Headmaster of the school, John A. Wood, was not happy with the new premises. Whilst the Forth must have been a fairly picturesque part of town in former years, now it was in a much less pleasant state. The industrial areas around the quayside were growing, and the construction of Central Station must have created a chaotic environment. In 1848 the school moved again, this time to Charlotte Square.
Town Plan of Newcastle [and Gosforth], 1950. Lithographed and published : Andrew Reid and Co. Scale : 6 inches to 1 mile [1 : 10560] 44 X 30 inches. Courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums [Ref: D.NCP/2/31].
Illustration of the west end of Forth Tavern. From The Monthly Chronicle of North Country Lore and Legend (1887) [ref: C12/8iii] ©RGS Newcastle
Forth House Site Today
The site where Forth House stood is at the west end of Neville Street, where it meets Central Parkway, next to Times Square. It is not to be confused with The Forth Hotel on Pink Lane.