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Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, St Nicholas Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, c1955-c1980. An exterior view of St Nicholas' Cathedral Church, seen from the south, most likely from the roof of Castle Garth's keep, showing the west tower and partial view of the south elevation. Originally a parish church, St Nicholas' Church became a cathedral in 1882. Most of the body dates from the 14th century, with some earlier material. The three stage tower is 15th century and has a south door with tall gabled porch and stepped buttress either side. The second stage has stepped buttresses and a clock under a gable and the third stage has paired belfry openings with slim columns with pinnacles dividing them. The taller corner pinnacles have embattled parapets, and have flying buttresses supporting a central lantern with pinnacles and a central crocketed spire. In the foreground is a partial view of an embattled parapet, most likely fron the north-west corner turret of the castle Keep, built between 1168 and 1178. The roof and battlements were added by Newcastle Corporation c1811. The tower is square and has three storeys, with an external stair on the east side, leading to the Great Hall. In the background is a cityscape of Newcastle, looking north. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/English Heritage)