The house dates from the last quarter of the 18th century. It is two storeys high, retains its original doorway with circular columns and stone porch and stuccoed projecting cornice with low parapet with typical 18th century stone balls with moulded bases. The mock Gothic tower and turret is a19th century addition. It was built around 1790 by Matthew Taylor, the founder of Swalwell Brewery. The name Taylor of Swalwell appears in parish registers from 1576. The family were engaged in prosperous trade in the 18th century - they owned wherries, conveyed coals and other goods from Swalwell staithes to the ships on the Tyne. It remained in the family until the death of Henry E. Taylor in around 1910. The house was then occupied by a Dr James Osterley McCreery. In 1924 the occupant was William Campton of Norwood Cokeworks. By 1925 the building was the centre for the Durham County Council activities in the Whickham district. In January 1951 it became a home for retired men. DESCRIPTION / STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Hermitage was built for Matthew Taylor, of a well-known brewing family who had their business at Swalwell. It is a grand stuccoed 2 storey residence with classical proportions and detailing, although it has been altered. The façade is asymmetrical (with new windows added to the left side): 4 bays to the left side and 3 to the right. Unfortunately the windows have been replaced, and whilst being sashes are spoilt by drip vents to the top floor. The original entrance porch is simple but elegant with Tuscan columns, and now sits aside a large square bay added in the later 19th century. A cill band to the 1st floor and heavy stucco cornice and parapet create a strong horizontal impression. Some quirky, slightly exuberant mock Gothic features, including a squat castellated tower to the ground floor and a small 1st floor turret, were also added in the Victorian period. The tall chimneys are attractive and unusual, with stone bases and brick uppers topped with buff clay chimney pots. In the past it has been used as a library, but its future use is currently uncertain. It is therefore significant in terms of its age and association to an important local family, as well as its architectural interest.
MATERIALS White stucco, brick
DATES 1790. Proposed to be converted into 4 flats and 2 houses (2012).

Coin of AD 351-54 of Constantius II found at No. 184 Mile End Road about 100 years ago. Obv: DNCONSTAN TIVS PF AVG Bust r, pearl diadem, draped Rev: RE-PARATIO Emperor stabbing falling horseman. Dated C4.

Five acre cemetery opened in 1857. When built it was accessed from the Newcastle-Carlisle turnpike down a minor road between the workhouse and Wingrove House. This is now the back lane of Wingrove Avenue. Nearly 23,600 people are buried here. Notable graves - Rev. Clement Moody (1811-1871) last vicar to occupy the vicarage in Westgate Street, Dr Joseph Collingwood Stewart (1881-1958) surgeon at Coxlodge Hospital during World War One and first consultant at Wingrove Hospital (NGH) in 1921. Contains two chapels, a gatehouse and west and south entrances. The west entrance is Gothic in style, supporting octagonal piers of the vehicle gate, and low relief carving of ships on a shield held by seahorses. The ships refer to St Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, and the seahorses to the Newcastle coat of arms. The gate piers, gateway, walls and gates (HER 8686) are Grade II listed by A.M Dunn. The chapels (HER 9954) are also by Dunn.

Shown on Ordnance Survey second edition. Built by Weldon Watts. Opened on 27th July 1896 with "The Taming of The Shrew". Described as a very fine building, which could seat 2,500 people. Occupying a corner plot, there were separate entrances for the pit and gallery. A large handsome marble staircase to the circle. The stage measured 58 ft by 44 ft 6 inches and it could accommodate the largest productions. It had "a commodious suite of dressing rooms on each side fitted with every convenience for the comfort of the artistes". The principal entrance was surmounted by an imposing turret. Inside the main entrance was a spacious vestibule. The tip-up chairs were upholstered in "terracotta plush". William Hope, architect, Mr S.F. Davidson, builder, decorations and furnishings, Mr Dean, Birmingham, electric lighting by Messrs Tweddle, heating by Messrs Dinning and Cooke. The theatre closed in August 1954. Used as a store by builders' suppliers Henry Moat until 1964. Demolished in 1989 (Manders says 1964). Nos. 10 and 10a (Byker Bride Housing Association hostel) is probably the former workshops for the theatre. Impressive façade, brick with ashlar detailing including a carriage entrance. Shaped pediment with finials, dated 1898. Kenneth Moore, who acted at the Grand in 1938 with the Charles Denville Famous Players said in his autobiography 'More or Less', 'everything inside the theatre was beautiful. The auditorium was all gilt, with red plush seats. In the midst of poverty and broken-down houses and mean, shabby streets, the Grand glowed like a temple of enjoyment'.

An aerial photograph held by North Tyneside Council and taken in 1980 (no. 3024108) shows possible rectangular features in this field. However photos taken in 1973 (OS 73265), 1990 (OS 90136), 1992 (OS 92057), 1999 (North Tyneside Council) doe not appear to show these features. Should be investigated if this plot comes up for development.

Shown on 1st edition Ordnance Survey map. Now school field.

Shown on 1st edition Ordnance Survey map.

Shown on 1st edition Ordnance Survey map.

Shown on 1st edition Ordnance Survey map.

Shown on 1st edition Ordnance Survey map.