In the 13th century, Newcastle upon Tyne had a population of around 4,000; and it was difficult for the four parish churches to care for the needs of such a large population. The priests were expected to be educators, doctors and

In 1605, the tower and friary buildings were given by James I of England to George Home, 1st Earl of Dunbar. In the same year, Home was also made a Knight of the Garter and

While the modern site is heavily enclosed by modern constructions, particularly Swan House roundabout, Mackenzie, in 1827, portrays a much more open space:
This hospital is finely situated on a small eminence, which is ascended by steps from the Manor Chare. It

The Holy Jesus Hospital has been the centre of the National Trust's Inner City Project. By August 2004, £800,000 had been spent on renovating the building. Funds for the restoration of the site came from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Tyne and Wear

In 1539, the friary was seized by the crown along with five others in the area including the Dominican monastery of Blackfriars. At the time of its capture the friary had seven brethren and three novices including the prior, Andrew Kell. The monks and nuns were

The Holy Jesus Hospital was built in 1681 by public subscription to house retired Freemen, their widows or unmarried sons or daughters. The hospital was commonly known by local people as

In the late 1960s, the Museum Board was looking to have more museums in Newcastle and thought the Holy Jesus Hospital could be used.