Newcastle

the chief city of Northumberland, England. It is situated near the mouth of the Tyne which is crossed here by numerous bridges. The site was well known to the Romans, being the eastern terminus of Hadrian's Wall. A Norman castle built in 1080 was long a noted stronghold. During the border warfare between England and Scotland, Newcastle was taken and retaken repeatedly. There are important manufactures of hardware, glass, chemicals, cannon, locomotives, and machinery. Numerous steamship lines ply from Newcastle to London, Leith, and various ports of continental Europe. It is the largest exporting coal market in the world, whence the phrase, "To carry coals to Newcastle," expressive of uselessness.