Bessie Surtees House, Newcastle

I visited Bessie Surties house for the first time when I was in primary school on a fun trip out. At a young age I felt the mystery and was in awe of such an old building, which such a unique story behind it. However I recently revisited it and found it slightly dull.

The house is actually 2 houses built around 1500 and 1600. This is classed as the Jacobean period in English history which officially began in 1603, and only lasted for 22 years. This is significantly important as Bessie Surtees house is renowned for its brilliant arcitecture, and true to form it satisfies any pre held conceptions. Inside what hit me first were the wonky floors and of course the beams on the very low celing. At 5’9 I really would’ve been uncomfortable any taller, so I don’t recommend it if your very tall (my dad had a terrible time, as kept banging his head, though he isn’t the most careful of people).

The house is where Bessie Surtees lived, until she ran away and eloped with John Scott who became a chancellor of England in 1771. It just goes to show that even in those days there was illicit affairs and elopment!

Set fairly close to the quayside in Newcastle, there are quite good views from the little windows, and I couldn’t help feeling very unsafe and high up in the house.

This house is owned by English heritage, and so as a member of the English Heritage I found I had certain expectations. The staff were very friendly, though seemed more to regurgitate information, more than have an interest in the building. To be honest though, I guess there is only so much you can say about one building.

The information boards were very informative, though not very appealing to a wide audience. I think they could be made more entertaining for younger people.

All in all, I would recommend visting Bessie Surtees if you live in the area, and if like me you have an English Heritage membership then its free entry . But other than that, unless you have a deep interest in this then I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to visit. Two sixteenth- and seventeenth-century merchants’ houses, one of which is a rare example of Jacobean domestic architecture. The house is perhaps best known as the scene of the elopement of Bessie Surtees and John Scott, who, in 1771, became Lord Chancellor of England.

Opening times – The house is open weekdays between 10am to 4pm. It is closed during holidays and bank holidays.