Not much sympathy for demise of 'dwarf's palace'

Sixty years ago, quirky Doric House was home to a tobacconist and later a watch repairer.

- writes DAVID MORTON

Doric House, with the Black Gate and Castle Keep in the background, under demolition in 1966

But the modernisation and redevelopment of the city spelt the end of the architectural curiosityIt was 1966 and Newcastle’s two ancient custodians - the Castle Keep and Black Gate - were present and correct high up above the River Tyne as they had been through the ages.

But what of the small, white building in the foreground? What was its story and what became of it? For local folk, Doric House was a well-known minor landmark and architectural curiosity - but 60 years ago, when our photograph was taken, that story was coming to an end and the place would soon be demolished and its memory gradually sink into obscurity.