I grew up in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, and Jesmond Dene was virtually my back garden. A deep wooded ravine not far from the city centre. Great history and amazing atmosphere.
I found this website showing comparisons between the historical Dene I never knew, and more recent times. These images in particular, grabbed me. You can view the full website here: Post Cards Then & Now – Jesmond Dene.
Lord Armstrong’s Banqueting Hall
And a view of the lower level
Lord Armstrong’s banqueting hall has a special place in my mind. The aging sandstone structure spills out over the edge of the ravine, a cleverly descends down the slope, leading to a vast banqueting hall at the bottom.
It’s a real shame the local council (corrupt during the 1970s) allowed it to fall into ruin. In my novel Iron Man Project, set in the near future, a part of the story takes place here, but the building has been bought and restored by wealthy artists. It’s nice to think this could happen one day.
