A crime of passion on Tyneside
NEWCASTLE City Guides’ opening event of 2017 takes place tomorrow at the city’s Guildhall.
This is now an annual tradition where the guides re-enact and dress up.
Recent years have seen performances of the Trial of the Witches, the Mayor’s Tales, and the Trial of Jane Jamieson.
This year’s offering is titled A Crime Of Passion and tells of the real-life Victorian trial of Marion Morell.
A City Guides spokesman said: “Tragic love affairs are not a modern phenomenon and in 1899 a crime of passion shocked the inhabitants of Newcastle.
“Marion Morrell was accused of murdering her lover James Rule by shooting him with a gun – but was the prisoner guilty or not guilty?
“Would the beautiful and refined accused be sent to the gallows?
“Come along to our re-enactment of the trial that 118 years ago had everyone talking and find out what really happened.”
There are two performances on Sunday - at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
Tickets are £5 and booking is essential via the City Guides website.
Newcastle City Guides have announced their programme of guided tours for 2017.
The guides are a group of trained, knowledgeable volunteers who provide interesting and informative walks taking in the history and heritage of Tyneside.
Tickets for all walking tours are £4 for adults; £3 for over-60s, while accompanied children under 16 go free.
Season tickets are also available, costing £30 for adults and £25 for over-60s. ■■For more on Newcastle City Guides visit www. newcastlegateshead. com/city-guides