The Northern Architectural Association was founded in 1858; members included John Dobson.

"The extensive premises known as the Friars Goose Chemical Works were put up for sale, this afternoon, by Mr. Brough, auctioneer, at the Queen's Head Hotel, Pilgrim-street, Newcastle, under the orders of the assignees of Mr. Alexander George Gray, a bankrupt. There was a large attendance of manufacturers and professional men. The works stand on fifteen acres of ground, and were held under a lease of ninety years from the Master and Brethren of St. James's Hospital, at an annual rent of £300. One of the conditions was, that the purchaser should take the material then in the works at a valuation. Mr. Brown, of the Gateshead Iron Works, bid 6,000, simply to dismantle the place for the sake of the material. Several other offers were made, until the bidding reached £12,100, after which the auctioneer announced the reserved bid was £14,000. Mr. Williamson, of Jarrow Alkali Works, immediately bid £14,050, and no advance being offered, the works were knocked down to him at that sum." 27th May 1858.

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

"A race with four-oar skiffs took place on the Tyne this afternoon, between the four brothers Taylor and four of the Clasper family. The race was for £50 aside, and the four- oared championship of the Tyne. It excited immense interest among the sporting classes, and drew together a vast concourse of spectators, who crowded almost every available space on both banks of the river, from Tyne Bridge to Scots wood, the distance rowed in the race. A very fair start was effected, the Taylors being slightly ahead, but, although they contested the ground manfully, the Claspers gradually gained, took the lead a little above the Skinners’burn, kept it, and won an excellent race by about two boat lengths."

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

"The great match between Harry Clasper, of Newcastle, and Campbell, the champion of Scotland, come off on the Clyde, for £100 a-side and the championship. Clasper pulled in a boat built by himself, said to be the finest model he had ever produced. He was then in his 48th year, while his opponent had the advantage of fifteen years on his side. A great deal of betting took place on the event, the odds being slightly in favour of Campbell. The race was a very hollow affair, Clasper taking the lead from the start and winning by 150 yards."

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

Charles Dickens gave reading at Central Hall, Darlington, on the 21st September 1858.

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