The Newcastle Eccentrics of the 19th century

The Newcastle Eccentrics were a group of unrelated people who lived in and around the centre of Newcastle and its Quayside between the end of the 18th and early/mid 19th century.

Around the end of the 18th century and the early and mid 19th century there were many characters frequenting the town centre and quayside of old Newcastle, These were characters who were described as "Worthies", "Props" or "Eccentrics" and would later be more gently described as "unfortunates". All had some form of physical or mental disability, but were looked upon as "unfortunates" and generally liked, respected and looked after by the population of hard working inhabitants.

There was a famous picture painted in c1817 by Henry Perlee Parker, showing 14 of the characters (and a dog), all persons living in the area at the time. The painting is now known in some quarters as Hells Kitchen, (an alernateive name for "Newcastle Worthies", "Newcastle Props" or "Newcastle Eccentrics"), which was the room in which the group were positioned, a room in The Flying Horse, a “down market” drinking house. The property in the Groat Market, Newcastle, has since gone through several name changes including "The Princess Hotel" and "The Golden Bengal Indian Restaurant".

Some of these appeared in songs of the time, some in several songs. Below are listed some of these (and other) "Worthies" :-

The person is In the song Newcassel Props written by William Oliver, but not in the painting

One of the Eccentrics in the painting Aud Judy, real name Judy Downey (or sometimes Judy Downing) The Monthly Chronicle of North Country Lore and Legend 1887 states "There is in the City Treasurer's office a half-length portrait in oils, by H. P. Parker, of Judith Dowlings, or "Old Judy" the messenger to the Council Chamber.

She is represented leaning upon the formidable stick which she was carried to keep the precinct of the town's chamber clear of loitering boys or others having no business there.

Drucken Bella Roy was a well-known street trader, selling all kinds of food from fruit and vegetables to fish etc. She was an attractive and neat young woman but sixty years later was an object of pity, thanks to the abuse of alcohol. Robert Nunn wrote of her in his song "Drucken Bella Roy, O!", sung to the tune of "Duncan M'Callaghan".

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Wikipedia