About Us

Connecting people to the city, and inspiring discovery of the past.

So you want to know a bit more about us?

We are a living historic site at the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, bringing together centuries of history, heritage and community. 

Our aim is to connect people to Newcastle and inspire discovery of its past, while creating a welcoming space for learning, creativity and enjoyment. As a place shaped by the city's history and continuing to evolve alongside it, the Castle is here for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Following an extensive, multi-million-pound Heritage Lottery-funded project, Newcastle Castle reopened to the public in March 2015. We are operated by The Heart of the City Partnership, a registered charity (#1165434) and joint venture between several Newcastle organisations. 

The Heart Of The City Partnership and Newcastle Castle work hard to uphold several key charitable objectives. These are a cornerstone to all we do:  

  • We do this in particular in relation to the history and heritage of the area around St Nicholas’ Cathedral, in particular Newcastle Castle in Newcastle upon Tyne.

  • This is facilitated by the encouragement of the local community and visitors to the city to appreciate and enjoy the history and architecture of these buildings.  

  • With the Castle being of historical interest and public importance, and particularly the Grade 1 listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument known as the Black Gate and Castle Keep.

Meet the Team

  • Mick Wilkes

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

  • Georgia Wilkes

    DIRECTOR OF EXPERIENCES

  • Rebecca Whittaker

    PROGAMMING & PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

  • Karyan Coates Nieto

    COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION & VOLUNTEERING MANAGER

  • Zoe Ray

    COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS OFFICER

  • Verity Anthony

    WELCOME MANAGER

  • Julia Scott

    FINANCE OFFICER

Meet the Board

The board of 12 trustees is formed from 3 member bodies, Newcastle City Council, The Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne and Newcastle Cathedral, who have two representatives each and 6 independent board members with expertise in specific areas of need for the partnership.

Newcastle City Council

Newcastle City Council has long safeguarded the well-being of the Castle, ever since the Society leased the Black Gate from the newly-created City to house its museum in 1883. The Keep was administered by the Society on behalf of the City until 2013.

The Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne

The Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne is the oldest provincial antiquarian society in the country, founded in 1813. When, in 1847, the Keep was in danger from the development of the railways, the Society successfully campaigned against proposals to demolish both the Norman Castle and the surrounding Garth. In the following year, the Antiquaries were given a long lease on the building for a nominal rent, and the Society celebrated its new acquisition with a Grand Antiquarian Banquet in the Great Hall.

Newcastle Cathedral

Newcastle Cathedral is a stunning medieval building, first established in 1091, a few short decades after the Norman invasion of England. Originally, the parish church for the small, emerging town, much of the architecture today dates back to the 14th and 18th centuries. The Cathedral and Castle have been constant neighbours, and this contiguous relationship has thrived right through to the present day.