Backworth Miners Welfare Newcastle Upon Tyne

Backworth Hall is a Grade II listed building dating back to the late 18th century and was the home of Ralph William Grey, a wealthy landowner and gentleman. The Grey family originated from Newcastle and after a number of land purchases, they put together a considerable estate covering present day Backworth, Shiremoor, Earsdon, Monkseaton, Holywell and Longbenton.

In the early 19th century, coal mining steadily became big business in this region and following a dispute over the rights to work coal in the Backworth area, the Duke of Northumberland purchased the whole of the Grey Estate.

Over the years, the Hall began to fall into disrepair and in 1934; the committee of Backworth Colliery Miners Welfare Scheme purchased the building and surrounding 85 acres for £8500. A further £4000 was spent on restoration of buildings, additions and alterations and the provision and layout of the recreational facilities including the golf course, cost an additional £4415.

Backworth Hall was the welfare and recreational centre for the whole of the Backworth coal-mining district, which had over 3000 employees. The miners used to pay sixpence out of their wages to the Social Fund to keep the place going.

Over recent years substantial investment has been made to the Hall and grounds and the golf course is now starting to play at its prime.

Backworth Hall organises events throughout the year, Weddings, Christenings, Birthday Celebrations and Engagement Parties are a few of the private events we hold. To showcase the facilities and this hidden gem of a building we have arranged Murder Mystery, Live Tribute Bands, Christmas Parties, Halloween Parties and Medium/Paranormal events. We hope to see you at one of our events soon.

Although the pits have closed and the mining industry all but finished in our region, Backworth Hall still presides over a successful blend of cricketers, bowlers, archers, croquet and not least golfers, all of whom have reason to be grateful to Ralph William Grey.