Newcastle upon Tyne, 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.
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