Whickham

Whickham is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead, North East England, 5 miles (8 km) southwest of Newcastle upon Tyne. The town is on high ground overlooking the River Tyne. The 2011 Census recorded its population as 16,652.

For other uses, see Wickham (disambiguation).

Whickham
Whickham
Location within Tyne and Wear
Population16,652 (2011 Census)
OS grid referenceNZ205605
Metropolitan borough
Metropolitan county
Region
CountryEngland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townNewcastle upon Tyne
Postcode districtNE16
Dialling code0191
PoliceNorthumbria
FireTyne and Wear
AmbulanceNorth East
UK Parliament

Whickham is a semi-rural, middle class suburban town and former civil parish. Built on a large hill, it overlooks a large part of the northern and western horizon, including the MetroCentre, and contains a mixture of large suburban housing estates and private streets for the local residents. The main street that goes through the town contains some shops and retailers, a few pubs and restaurants, and St Mary's parish church, the oldest building in Whickham.[1]

History

Whickham underwent some expansion in the 1950s when the Lakes Estate was built just off Whickham Highway. Then later in the decade the Oakfield Estate just off Whaggs Lane was built. However, house building in the early 1960s transformed the then village into a small town. Grange Estate began the long-term development by JT Bell, (Bellway), the builder, who went on into Clavering Park, Clavering Grange, the Cedars and then Fellside Park. Even after this expansion, there is some debate that the old spirit of the village was finally lost when the main street of Whickham was redeveloped.

Southwest of Whickham, above the River Derwent, are the ruins of Old Hollinside, a fortified manor house[2] once owned by the Bowes-Lyon family.

Awards

Whickham has been a national finalist in the RHS 'Britain In Bloom' competition over fifteen times, and, as of 2012, has twice been awarded 'Outright National Winner' in its category.

Schools

Whickham has six primary schools, one secondary school and one school for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND):

Primary schools:

Secondary schools:

Special schools:

See also

References
  1. "Whickham: Village with history at its heart". Evening Chronicle. Reach plc. 26 February 2013.
  2. Historic England. "Old Hollinside  (Grade I) (1025137)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 14 March 2020.

Media related to Whickham at Wikimedia Commons


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