The steeple of this church, which is considered by architects and men of taste to be its most admirable feature, is a very ingenious and elegant specimen of art. It rises to the height of sixty-four yards; and consists of thirteen richly ornamented pinnacles, and two massive stone-arches, supporting a large and beautiful lantern surmounted with a tall spire. This magnificent piece of architecture is constructed upon the original tower, which appears to have formerly been terminated by a battlement of open stone-work. Its erection is ascribed by some authors to David king of Scotland, but the character of the structure refers to the period of Henry the Sixth. Frequent repairs have been effected by the corporation, who have from time immemorial been charged with this expense. The tower contains a peal of eight musical bells, and an excellent clock; the latter, which has chimes connected with it, was completed by Mr. Walker in 1761.

"May ne'er

That true succession fail of English hearts,

That can perceive, not less than heretofore
Our ancestors did feelingly perceive,
What in these holy structures doth exist

Of ornamental interest, and the charm
Of pious sentiment diffused afar,
And human charity, and social love.

Thus never shall the indignities of time

Approach their reverend graces unopposed;

Nor shall the elements be free to hurt

Their fair proportions; nor the blinder rage
Of bigot zeal madly to overturn."

There is a tradition, that during the siege of Newcastle in the year 1644, the Scottish general threatened to demolish the steeple of this church, unless the keys of the town were immediately surrendered to him. The mayor, on hearing this, immediately ordered the most distinguished individuals amongst the Scottish prisoners to be taken to the top of the tower, and then replied to the threat of the besieger, "Our enemies shall either preserve the steeple, or be buried in its ruins." This reply had the desired effect.

A valuable library is attached to the church of St. Nicholas, and occupies a handsome fabric over the vestry built for the purpose, by Sir William Blackett, in 1734.

Middle-street is a narrow but picturesque avenue, which unites with the Old Butchers' Market, and at this point of junction it takes the name of Union-street.

THE BLACK GATE, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE,

NORTHUMBERLAND.

The Black Gate, at Newcastle, is the only remains of the outer line of circumvallation to the castle. For a general history and description of the building, the reader is referred back to page 31.

This gate was erected by the government in the year 1248, and during the reign of Henry III., at the cost of five hundred and fifteen pounds. Its arch, extending to the gloomy length of thirty-six feet, is low and narrow, and flanked by two circular towers. Besides its iron doors, it formerly had two portcullises and a drawbridge within and without. The eastern tower is still very perfect towards its base; but the rest of the structure is enclosed within masses of building, and its original character disguised by conversion into dwelling-houses. The inner wall of the castle extended from the Black Gate round the great tower, and again joined the outer wall north of Bailey Gate.

The strength of the outer works of the castle is evidenced by the resistance it offered to the entrance of the Scotch army in 1644. By effecting some few repairs, and by planting ordnance on the top of the tower, it was enabled, under the gallant Sir John Marley, then mayor of Newcastle, to hold out several days after the town had surrendered to the Scots.

AXWELL PARK,-DURHAM.

Axwell Park, in the township of Winlaton, six miles west by south of Newcastle, is the seat of Sir T. Clavering, baronet. Serlo de Burgh, the ancestor of the Claverings, came into England with the Conqueror; and Edward I. conferred upon his descendants the name of Clavering, from their barony in Essex. They were first seated here in Queen Elizabeth's reign; and their old mansion, called White House, stood half a mile west of the present residence.

This mansion is an elegant modern building, occupying a pleasant and elevated site, and surrounded by grounds beautifully diversified by irregular swells, and judiciously embellished with plantations of forest trees. The east front commands a rich prospect of the Tyne, and the busy towns of Newcastle and Gateshead: the view from the south front of the woodlands of Gibside and the adjacent country, is also exceedingly beautiful.