Blakelaw
- Not to be confused with Blakelaw, Roxburghshire
| Blakelaw | |
| Northumberland | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | NZ211666 |
| Location: | 54°59’38"N, 1°40’16"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 11,507 (2011) |
| Post town: | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Postcode: | NE5 |
| Dialling code: | 0191 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Newcastle upon Tyne |
Blakelaw is a Northumberland village which has now become little more than a poor, western suburb of the county's great city, Newcastle upon Tyne. The population of the village (going by ward boundaries) has been calculated at 11,186.
Blakelaw was developed in the early part of the 20th century in order to meet demand for more housing in the Newcastle area.
During the Second World War a secret war centre was built in the old quarry and extended many levels below ground. This was the headquarters for No 13 Group, who played a vital part in the Battle of Britain.[1] Five posts have been installed in Blakelaw Park as part of a 'listening trail' which tells the story of the life of the bunkers and people who worked in them.[2]
About the village
The Blakelaw Centre houses a library, a community centre and a community café. The centre is operated by the Blakelaw Ward Community Partnership.
Open green spaces in the ward are Blakelaw Park and the Cowgate sports ground.