Discover Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire

Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ironmarket,_Newcastle-Under-Lyme_-_geograph.org.uk_-_2101001.jpg
Author: Derek Harper


Newcastle-under-Lyme is a market town in Staffordshire, England. The name "Lyme" refers to it being on the Lyme Brook as well as the Forest of Lyme. Incidentally, "lyme" refers to lime trees. The town has a population of 75,000 people (2012 estimate).

As Newcastle-upon-Lyme does not feature in the Domesday Book of 1086, it was probably established after the Norman Conquest. In any case the castle after which it was named was built in the 12th century, replacing an older fortification at Chesterton. The town was granted a market charter in 1173. Its market, known as The Stones, is still operating today.

St Margaret's Church, Newcastle-under-Lyme: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St_Margaret%27s_Church_Spire_2004.jpg
Author: Barlow


Unlike many towns in English, Newcastle-upon-Lyme managed to sidestep the English Civil War. Apart from a Royalist plundering, there was no open warfare between those supporting the king and those supporting the Parliamentarians here.

In 1910, Newcastle-upon-Lyme remained separate when Stoke-on-Trent consolidate with surrounding towns of Stoke, Hanley, Fenton, Longton, Burslem and Tunstall. Since the 18th century, the main economy in town is in the making of silk and cotton. With the Industrial Revolution, it was also a coal mining town, with industries in iron casting and brick manufacturing. Today the economy of Newcastle-upon-Lyme is based on iron working, construction materials, textile, clothing, publishing and electric motors.

Visiting Newcastle-under-Lyme

From London, take the M1 motorway to Junction 19, then continue west on the M6 motorway. Exit the M6 at Junction 15, then continue north on the A519 road to reach Newcastle-upon-Lyme.

Places of Interest in Newcastle-under-Lyme

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