History of the Grainger Market

Grainger Market Timeline

"The workmen of Mr. R. Grainger, in digging foundations in the Nuns'-field, Newcastle, for his new buildings, dug up the foundations of some old buildings, and in connexion with them, an ancient burial ground. Among other things a stone coffin, two lead coffins, and the decayed wood of several others were found, from three to four feet deep, most of them embedded in clay. From the number of human bones discovered, it may fairly be inferred, that it has been the regular place of burial of the nuns of the order of St. Bartholomew, which takes a distinguished stand in the history of Newcastle. This ground, after passing into different hands, was sold on the demise of Sir Walter Blackett, its previous proprietor, to Mr. G. Anderson, in 1783. In 1834, it was bought by Mr. R. Grainger, for his new markets, etc., in digging the foundations for which the above relics were found. Several entire skulls were also found and two of the most perfect were preserved. It would seem from the size of the bones and the thinness of the skulls, that the remains of the sisterhood had been chiefly hurled there." March 1835

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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The Grainger Market in Newcastle was opened in October 1835, and was originally divided into a butchers’ market and separate vegetable market. John Dobson was the architect who designed and oversaw construction of the market. The market was named in honour of Richard Grainger, who was the developer who led the redevelopment of 19th century Newcastle, in which the market was a key development.

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On the 22nd of October 1835, 2,000 men, including John Dobson and Richard Grainger, sat down to a celebratory opening banquet in the Grainger Market. The whole building was decorated with flags there were two massive stone fountains inthe centre of the market. Over 300 ladies watch the proceedings from a temporary gallery, where the band played, but were not permitted to dine.

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The Marks and Spencer's Penny Bazaar in the Grainger Market at Newcastle, opened in 1895. It is still open today and is the last surviving example of the Penny Bazaar shops which gave birth to the well known Marks and Spencer's chain of stores. The stall in the Grainger Market is notable as the world's smallest Marks and Spencer's store!

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The present steel girded and glazed barrelled roof of the Grainger Market was built in 1901. The new roof, reminiscent of a Victorian railway station, was required when the original 1835 timber roof of the Grainger Arcade was damaged by fire.

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Ancient Burial Ground Discovered During Grainger Developments

Grainger Market opens

Celebratory opening dinner - Grainger Market

Marks and Spencer Penny Bazaar

New roof - Grainger Market

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