Bessie Surtees House, Newcastle (Newcastle upon Tyne)

Introduction

Bessie Surtees House is two merchants' houses on Newcastle's Quayside that were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The buildings are a fine and rare example of Jacobean domestic architecture.

The Surtees house is best known as the scene of the elopement of Bessie with John Scott, later Lord Chancellor of England. An exhibition illustrating the history of the houses is on the first floor. This site is maintained by English Heritage.

Open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.

History to the present day

Bessie Surtees is a unique group of buildings surviving from Tudor Newcastle. Originally rich merchants' houses and shops, it is now the North East Regional Office of English Heritage. Three rooms are open to the public and these are richly decorated with elaborate plaster ceilings, 17th century panelling and important unique fireplaces. Exhibitions about the history of the remarkable buildings including the elopement of Bessie Surtees and famous 18th century love story are also inside.

Arrival information and how to find us

41-44 Sandhill, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3JF

The House is located at the bottom of Dean St. Close to the park.

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