We enjoyed our brief visit to Jesmond Dene and hope to return soon to further explore the tranquil delight.
In the 1850s, William Armstrong acquired the land which is now known as Jesmond Dene:
It is probable that the area we know as Jesmond Dene has always been wooded but, prior to the mid 1800s the wood was probably straggly and interspersed with a heavy undergrowth of gorse, brambles and the like. The trees present were mostly oak, ash, holly and hazel, all indigenous to this country, and this tree selection can still be seen near Castles Farm Bridge at the North end of the Dene.
In the 1850s, William George Armstrong (later Lord Armstrong) the armament manufacturer, acquired at various times the land which now forms Jesmond Dene. He enclosed the land and planted it with exotic trees and shrubs, laid paths and built bridges. Lord Armstrong used the Dene as his own private parkland but allowed access to it by the public twice weekly, on payment of a small entrance fee which went to the local hospital.
In 1883 Lord Armstrong presented the main area of Jesmond Dene to the Corporation of Newcastle upon Tyne for the benefit of its citizens and in 1884, the park was formally opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales. To commemorate the occasion, the Princess planted a turkey Oak near the Banqueting Hall.
This tree, now mature, can still be seen adjacent to the South end of the Banqueting Hall, near to a second tree planted by Alderman H Benson in 1933 to mark the 50th anniversary of the occasion. Since then, the Dene has remained a popular resort for the citizens of Newcastle and, despite heavy pressures put upon it, still retains a particular charm of its own.
I love that moss covered bridge very much. It looks like a wonderful trail in the forest and so quiet. And to know that somebody planted this forest makes it even more nice. A good man that Lord Armstrong…..
The moss covered bridge was magical
I especially like the view across the bridge with the moss-covered parapets.
So do I
It’s good to know that some of the original woodland still exists, Cherie
The bit we walked in was lovely. It was next to Jesmond Dene House. We didn’t have time to explore the Dene further.
i think this place provides innumerable photo opportunities, CP.
It does Ayush, I need to go back when I have more to time
It looks so delightful there – love the bridge
A lovely set of photos – it looks a great place for a walk.
We enjoyed our brief walk there
>on payment of a small entrance fee which went to the local hospital.
They should re-introduce this practice today.
Yes
The large car parking fees these days go to private company and not to the hospital!!!
Looks like nice smooth sand and I like the greenery of the surrounding area.
It is dusty soil paths rather than sand. It is wonderful countryside location, perfect for walking
How lovely this place is dear friend!
i bet visiting here is pure delight
the master of land worked hard to shape it like this and we can see this clearly as natural beauty untouched delivers peace to soul!
This place is a tranquil delight, the master of the land certainly created a place to soothe the soul
It is a wonderful place, sad to say I haven’t been there for decades although I drive over it every day for work at the north end. The Mill, waterfall and most things involving the Dene lend itself to photography.
This was my first excursion into the Dene. I didn’t have enough time to explore it to its full as we were meeting with a friend later in the morning.