Newcastle-under-Lyme

Newcastle-under-Lyme is an administrative district in Staffordshire in west-central England, containing residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and public green spaces. The district spans a substantial area next to Stoke-on-Trent and serves as home to thousands of residents.

The town grew around a castle built by King Stephen in the 12th century and received its first charter for market rights in 1173. This early royal recognition helped establish it as a trading center for the surrounding region.

The Guildhall, constructed in 1713, stands as a central architectural element in Newcastle-under-Lyme, hosting various municipal and community functions throughout the year.

The district is connected by public transport links and bus services to nearby towns and cities. Visitors can find parking, shops, and leisure facilities spread throughout the area.

Philip Astley, born here, created the first modern circus with a standardized ring size of about 42 feet, which became the global standard used in circuses everywhere. This measurement remains the accepted size for circus rings to this day.