On this Day in 1839

Newcastle Central Exchange and News Room - Opening

"The Newcastle Central Exchange and News Room, one of Mr. Grainger's most splendid erections, was opened by a public dinner. The magnificent interior of the exchange was tastefully fitted up on the occasion, seven large tables were laid out on the promenade for dinner, an excellent band played appropriate airs, an admirable bust in marble of the duke of Northumberland, by Tate, and several other busts, presented by Messrs. Robson, Farrington, Barrow, Dodds, &c., were placed in various parts of the spacious building, and the dinner party, consisting of 360 gentlemen, forming altogether a scene of the most gratifying description. The chair was ably filled by the mayor of Newcastle (John Fife, esq.), and the vice presidents were Dr. Headlam, John Brandling, John Clayton, and Armorer Donkin, esqs." 17th June 1839

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

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1830s 1839 Redevelopment of Newcastle 1824 to 1841 Grainger Town Central Exchange Buildings