Bessie Surtees House

About

With an incredibly rich history, these two five-storey houses are not only fine examples of 16th and 17th century Jacobean architecture but a great historical site right on Newcastle Quayside. The house contains an exhibition illustrating the full history of the house, alongside rare and unusual examples of Jacobean domestic architecture and splendid period interiors such as fine carved oak panelling, elaborate plaster ceilings and carved fire surrounds.

Sandhill was once a bustling commercial centre of activity in Newcastle, and it was here that Bessie climbed down from a first floor window and eloped to Scotland with John Scott; Scott ultimately becoming Lord Eldon, Lord Chancellor of England. 

To find out more about this Jacobean Romeo & Juliet story, you will have to visit the first floor exhibition where, after browsing the splendid period interiors, you can learn all about this fantastic building and its story. The attraction is free to visit and is also available for free self-led school visits during standard opening hours.