Info from the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas guide book:
In World War II, after the fall of Denmark and Norway in 1940, Newcastle became the home of the Danish merchant fleet. About 4,000 Danish seamen sailed from here and 1,406 gave their lives. the memorial in natural slate and stainless steel, designed in 1982 by Ronald G. Sims, the cathedral architect, is imaginative and arresting. The Westmorland slate represents the Danish islands and the remembrance book came originally from the Danish Seamen’s Church in Newcastle via the Danish Seamen’s Church in London. In October 2002 the memorial was augmented by the fine window above. Its simple but powerful images include the coats of arms of Newcastle and three Danish ports; crosses for ‘faith’ anchors for ‘hope’, and the heart for ‘charity’, all set in clear but textured glass. The designer was Mike Davis of Durham and the glass is Northumbrian with two clear roundels of Danish glass in the shaped beads of the outer lights.
The plaque underneath the memorial window, seen to the right of the second photo reads:
Dedicated on 26th October 2003 in the presence of Tom Risdahl, his excellency the Danish Ambassador. The window displays the virtues of faith, hope and charity. And the arms of some of the ports of the Danish Seamen; Arhus, Marstal and Copenhagen together with those of Newcastle Upon Tyne.
My only grandchild’s name is Nicholas, Cherry. For that reason alone I would enjoy visiting this cathedral.
That is a good enough reason
Historically, there is evidence to suggest that local culture and language takes its influence from invading countries from the east & north east. Shipping & trading links still exist to these countries albeit in a more minor form with the advancement of time, ever increasing times of economic hardship and more importantly difficult exchange rates.
Contact by shipping is bound to have an influence on both cultures.
Thank you