Football heritage takes centre stage
A city’s castle and football club have united to mark a shared heritage. Tony Henderson reports
Football and fortress are to be combined to represent the heart of Newcastle.
For centuries it has been the Castle which gave the city its name and which sits on top of the Roman fort of Pons Aelius and an Anglo-Saxon graveyard.
But more than 130 years ago a new kid on the block, Newcastle United, arrived to stake its claim.
Now the two are to forge a pairing which will see an exhibition open on Saturday (November 22) at the Castle Keep titled Brave Defence, Heraldry, History & Heart, which will run until November 30.
The Keep and the adjoining Black Gate and Newcastle Cathedral form the Heart of City Partnership, and recently appointed chief executive Mick Wilkes said: “We want people to be proud of and enjoy the castle.
“It is fair to say that the Castle will be flying NUFC flags at any given opportunity to illustrate our connection.”
The Castle and club are joined by the city’s historic motto, Fortiter Defendit Triumphans, which means Triumphing by Brave Defence, earned by Newcastle’s resistance in 1644 against a Scottish army.
The sentiment is shared by United winning through the quality of its defenders.
The exhibition will feature a replica of the Carabao Cup won last season and which visitors can handle, flags, and the various crests used by United at a time when proposals to alter the current crest have met with controversy.
Rebecca Whittaker, programming and engagement officer at Newcastle Castle, said: “Newcastle Castle has long been intertwined with the story of football in the city, standing alongside the club as a symbol of identity, resilience, and community spirit.
“We share a place at the very heart of Newcastle – and it’s this connection that inspired us to create the exhibition.
“Visitors are invited to explore authentic St James’ Park flags from across the decades, treasured football memorabilia, and displays that highlight the deep heritage shared between the Castle and the game.
“The exhibition also uncovers how the language of heraldry echoes through the flags and crests that continue to shape our collective identity.
“Guests can also hold – and be photographed with – a full-sized replica of the Carabao Cup, celebrating the courage, pride, and passion that unite Newcastle Castle, Newcastle United, and the people of our city.”
Meanwhile, another city could be on to a winner with its latest museum venture.
A pop-up football museum has opened in the heart of Durham City after council grant funding.
Fans Museum CIC, which currently operates a football museum in Sunderland, has opened a similar but smaller venue in Unit 41 to 42 at Prince Bishops Place Shopping Centre.
The museum will display a collection of football memorabilia and visitors will be able to try on shirts and other items.
The new museum has been possible thanks to a grant from Durham County Council, alongside the North East Combined Authority.
The support ensures that vacant buildings are brought back into use temporarily while new tenants are sought.
Earlier this year another empty unit was opened for a pop-up display of items from the collections of the volunteer-run Durham Museum, which has also been known as Durham Heritage Centre, which closed after being based for years in the Grade I listed Church of St Mary le Bow, near Durham Cathedral.
Another unit is home to the recently funded Seven Stories pop-up.
Coun Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “This football pop-up museum will be a fantastic addition to Durham City and provide a unique experience for shoppers. The scheme is a great way of bringing long-term vacant buildings back into use.”
Michael Ganley, founder of Fans Museum, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Durham County Council and the team at Prince Bishops Shopping Centre for the opportunity to set up in the city, allowing the Fans Museum’s vision to expand. Their support in this has been remarkable.
“We will also welcome students from Durham University, who will have an opportunity to participate with outreach projects.
“Supporting dementia, veterans and Alzheimer’s campaigns, one of the main purposes of the Durham unit will be the making of memory boxes, with help from the community. These include photos, personal mementos, favourite objects and memorabilia and will be used in care homes.”