Photographs Of Newcastle: Jesmond Dene Banqueting Hall

Sir William (later Lord) Armstrong built this Banqueting Hall (now a controlled ruin) from 1860-1862 because his home was too small to accommodate large numbers of business clients he was entertaining. John Dobson was the architect.

It contained an organ powered by water from the Ouseburn which it overlooks.

Alterations and an extension were added around 1870 and in 1883 Armstrong presented the Banqueting Hall along with Jesmond Dene to the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Newcastle upon Tyne, as a Public Park to be maintained for all time as an oasis of natural beauty within an urban setting.

30th April 2024

28th September 2021

Jesmond Dene Banqueting Hall has been fenced off due to safety concerns. Urban Green Newcastle have put up the safety fencing after receiving a draft report from specialist conservation architects.

The charity recently commissioned a Condition Survey on the Grade II listed building which was built by Sir William Armstrong in 1860.

The draft report highlighted areas of concern, including evidence of fallen masonry, so Urban Green Newcastle took the decision to erect fencing around the historic hall and the informal footpath around it.