Sept. - The foundation of the Roman wall, built by the emperor Severus nearly 1600 years before, was taken up at Byker, east of Newcastle, in order to repair the highways.

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

"August 7. Wednesday, the neighbourhood of Newcastle was enlivened by the firing of guns and other tokens of joy, at the loading of the first vessel with coals from the low main seam at St. Lawrence colliery, near Newcastle, called Picton Main. The pit was begun from the surface on the 3rd of December preceding, and was completed to the low main, a depth of 94 fathoms, in the short period of eight months. The seam is in great perfection, is six feet thick ; and, as a proof of the spirit of the parties, notwith- standing that the coal work was only commenced on Monday, they raised on the following day upwards of 120 tons of coal." 1833

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 building of the Byker Wall and estate in Newcastle was completed in 1982. Designed by architect Ralph Erskine, the development began in 1969. The development replaced dilapidated Victorian terraced housing, and had the aim of maintaining the strong sense of community in Byker. The Byker Estate is home to around 9,500 people.

The East End Library in Byker was opened in 2000 by Newcastle Libraries. Bobby Robson (NUFC manager),  Councillor Keith Taylor, three children and a man dressed as 'Grainger' the cat are shown here at the official opening.

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