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A small historical reference
Geography: Newcastle upon Tyne - commonly known as Newcastle, is a city in Tyne and Wear, North East England, 103 miles (166 km) south of Edinburgh and 277 miles (446 km) north of London on the northern bank of the River Tyne, 8.5 mi (13.7 km) from the North Sea. (Wiki)
Date of foundation: 2nd century
History: The city developed around the Roman settlement Pons Aelius and was named after the castle built in 1080 by Robert Curthose, William the Conqueror's eldest son. The city grew as an important centre for the wool trade in the 14th century, and later became a major coal mining area. The port developed in the 16th century and, along with the shipyards lower down the River Tyne, was amongst the world's largest shipbuilding and ship-repairing centres.
Population: 289 835
Sights: Among its icons are Newcastle United football club and the Tyne Bridge. It has hosted the Great North Run, the world's biggest and most popular half marathon, since it began in 1981. The run follows a route from Newcastle to nearby South Shields.
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