Here's a Rod of Aesculapius, displayed on the facade of the old Barber Surgeons Hall in Newcastle upon Tyne, built in 1851. Aesculapius was the Greek god of medicine (as Asclepius), imported by the Romans during a plague epidemic in 292 BC. Aesculapius is associated with snakes, which represent healing. I have a whole Fabulous Folklore episode about him!
#Aesculapius #GreekGods #RomanGods #GodOfMedicine #BarberSurgeonsHall #NewcastleUponTyne #History #Asclepius #NewcastleHistory #JohnDobson

Welcome to the Lit and Phil in Newcastle upon Tyne! Founded in 1793, this purpose-built library later opened in 1825 on Westgate Road. It's the largest independent library in the UK outside of London.

It's reputedly haunted! Both visitors and staff have reported hearing footsteps when there is no one around, while others have felt watched from the gallery...

#FabulousFolklorePodcast #LitAndPhil #LiteraryAndPhilosophicalSociety #NewcastleHistory #NewcastleUponTyne

This is officially my favourite Christmas decoration.

Nothing says festive fun like the Vampire Rabbit of Old Newcastle.

#NewcastleUponTyne #NewcastleHistory #VampireRabbit #Folklore #FolkloreThursday