or Newcastle
City and metropolitan borough (pop., 2001: 259,573), metropolitan county of Tyne and Wear , historic county of Northumberland, northeastern England, on the River Tyne .
It dates from the Roman period and derives its name from the Norman castle built in 1080 by Robert II of Normandy, the oldest son of William I (the Conqueror). At first an important wool trade centre, it became a major mining area and coal-shipping port in the 16th century. It was among the world's largest ship-repairing facilities; its economy now rests on associated marine and heavy engineering industries. The city is also an educational centre and features a 14th-century church.