The Dominican Friary was established in Newcastle in 1239. The Dominicans were referred to as the Black Friars because they wore black cloaks and hoods.

By 1250 the friars had acquired land and built a church (no longer existing) south-west of St Andrew’s Church. The Friary lands were split in 1265 with the building of the Town Walls which went through the middle of the friary grounds.

In 1539 with the Dissolution of the Monasteries the Friary became Crown property. In 1552 the mayor leased the remaining Friary buildings to nine of the town’s Craft Guilds. Merchant Guilds were very powerful trades people responsible for every aspect of a specific craft.

By the 19th Century the power of the Guilds had declined and the buildings were no longer being maintained. In 1950 the buildings were declared unfit for human habitation and the area was earmarked for redevelopment. It was finally decided to restore the buildings in 1974 and the completed restoration was celebrated in 1981, when the Queen Mother officially re-opened Blackfriars. Today it is one of the most complete Dominican Friaries existing in England.

Blackfriars is tucked away between the day-time bustle of shopping on Newgate Street and the evening mystique of Chinatown. It has been brought back to life, with arts and craft shops, galleries, and other services hidden inside the ancient walls.