Bessie Surtees House
Encyclopedia
Bessie Surtees House is the name of two merchants' houses on Newcastle's
Sandhill
that were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The buildings are a fine and rare example of Jacobean
domestic architecture
. An exhibition detailing the history of the buildings can be found on the first floor. The site is also home to the North East
regional branch of English Heritage
.
The house is best known as the scene of the elopement of Bessie Surtees and John Scott
, who later became Lord Chancellor
.
In July 2009 it was targeted by graffiti
vandals
who extensively spray-painted the roof with the tags "LG", "GRIM" and "KAME".
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne is a city and metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, in North East England. Historically a part of Northumberland, it is situated on the north bank of the River Tyne...
Sandhill
Sandhill
A sandhill is a type of ecological community or xeric wildfire-maintained ecosystem. It is not the same as a sand dune. It features very short fire return intervals, one to five years. Without fire, sandhills undergo ecological succession and become more oak dominated.Entisols are the typical...
that were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The buildings are a fine and rare example of Jacobean
Jacobean architecture
The Jacobean style is the second phase of Renaissance architecture in England, following the Elizabethan style. It is named after King James I of England, with whose reign it is associated.-Characteristics:...
domestic architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
. An exhibition detailing the history of the buildings can be found on the first floor. The site is also home to the North East
North East England
North East England is one of the nine official regions of England. It covers Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear, and Teesside . The only cities in the region are Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland...
regional branch of English Heritage
English Heritage
English Heritage . is an executive non-departmental public body of the British Government sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport...
.
The house is best known as the scene of the elopement of Bessie Surtees and John Scott
John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon
John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon PC KC FRS FSA was a British barrister and politician. He served as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain between 1801 and 1806 and again between 1807 and 1827.- Background and education :...
, who later became Lord Chancellor
Lord Chancellor
The Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, or Lord Chancellor, is a senior and important functionary in the government of the United Kingdom. He is the second highest ranking of the Great Officers of State, ranking only after the Lord High Steward. The Lord Chancellor is appointed by the Sovereign...
.
In July 2009 it was targeted by graffiti
Graffiti
Graffiti is the name for images or lettering scratched, scrawled, painted or marked in any manner on property....
vandals
Vandalism
Vandalism is the behaviour attributed originally to the Vandals, by the Romans, in respect of culture: ruthless destruction or spoiling of anything beautiful or venerable...
who extensively spray-painted the roof with the tags "LG", "GRIM" and "KAME".
External links
- Bessie Surtees House - English Heritage