Other seats of learning in the town are the Rutherford College, in Bath Lane, and the Royal Grammar School, which dates from the reign of Henry VIII.  It was reconstituted by Queen Elizabeth, and has had many changes of abode.  At one time it occupied the buildings of the Convent of St. Mary, which covered the space where Stephenson’s monument now stands.  While the Grammar School was located there, the boys Cuthbert Collingwood, William Scott, and John Scott, who afterwards became so famous, attended it; and other distinguished scholars were John Horsley, author of Britannia Romana, and John Brand and Henry Bourne, the historians of Newcastle.  The school is now situated in Eskdale Terrace and its splendid playing fields stretch across to the North Road.

One of the most interesting buildings in Newcastle is the Hancock Museum of Natural History, at Barras Bridge.  It contains a matchless collection of birds, and some unique specimens of extinct species; also the original drawings of Bewick’s British Birds, and other works of his.  The famous Newcastle naturalist, John Hancock, presented his wonderful collection, prepared by himself, to the museum.  Here, too, is a complete set of fossils from the coal measures, including some fine specimens of Sigillaria.  These are only a few of the treasures contained in the museum, which was built chiefly through the generosity of the late Lord and Lady Armstrong, Colonel John Joicey of Newton Hall, Stocksfield, and Mr. Edward Joicey of Whinney House.

The new Victoria Infirmary, on the Leazes, is a magnificent building, and was opened by King Edward VII. in 1906.  It was erected by public subscription, and when L100,000 had been subscribed, the late Mr. John Hall generously offered a like sum on condition that the building should be erected either on the Leazes or the Town Moor.  Arrangements were made to do so, and another L100,000 given by the present Lord and Lady Armstrong.

But fine as all these buildings are, the pride of Newcastle is one much older than any of them—­the Cathedral church of St. Nicholas, with its exquisitely beautiful lantern steeple.  This wonderful lantern was the work of Robert de Rhodes, who lived in the fifteenth century.  The arms of this early benefactor of the church may yet be seen on the ancient font.  The present church was finished in the year 1350, says Dr. Bruce; but there was a former one on this site to which the crypt is supposed to belong.  It has undergone many alterations at different times, and has sheltered within its walls many and various great personages.

[Illustration:  NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE.]