Discover a tale of forbidden love at Bessie Surtees' house

In 1772 Bessie Surtees, an It Girl of 17th century Newcastle, climbed out of the first-floor window of this historic house to elope with John Scott, a coal merchant's son who Bessie's father did not approve of, but who later became a prominent local and national figure whose name lives on in the city today.

Step inside to find out what became of Bessie's suitor, and see if you'd be willing to fall head over heels in love through the famous first-floor window.

The house contains an exhibition illustrating the full history of the house, alongside rare and unusual examples of Jacobean domestic architecture and splendid period interiors such as fine carved oak panelling, elaborate plaster ceilings and carved fire surrounds.

As the regional base of English Heritage, it is the perfect place to begin your exploration of the history of the North East.

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