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Latitude: 54.9396 / 54°56'22"N
Longitude: -1.5922 / 1°35'32"W
OS Eastings: 426221
OS Northings: 560626
OS Grid: NZ262606
Mapcode National: GBR KCBB.22
Mapcode Global: WHC3Y.J30K
Plus Code: 9C6WWCQ5+R4
Entry Name: Underhill
Listing Date: 2 June 1976
Grade: II*
Source: Historic England
Source ID: 1248562
English Heritage Legacy ID: 430228
Also known as: Underhill, Low Fell, Gateshead
99 Kells Lane
ID on this website: 101248562
Location: Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE9
County: Gateshead
Electoral Ward/Division: Low Fell
Parish: Non Civil Parish
Built-Up Area: Gateshead
Traditional County: Durham
Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Tyne and Wear
Church of England Parish: Gateshead Fell
Church of England Diocese: Durham
Tagged with: House
1. KELLS LANE
5099 (east side)
NZ 2660 11/39 2.6.76 No 99 (Underhill)
II*
2.
Substantial house of the 1860's.
Two storeys and attic. Three parallel ridges (slated roofs and fancy ridge tiles)
with gable ends to road, stepped back from North to South. Snecked sandstone rubble
with white brick quoins and dressings. Sash windows, varying sizes, central canted
bay and another on right return. Conservatory at South-east corner. Entrance
lobby on North return has engraved glass with monogram of Sir Joseph Wilson Swan, FRS.
Sir Joseph lived at Underhill from 1869 until 1883, in the conservatory his most
important experiments were conducted those to do with dry plate photography and
engraving and in particular the making of filaments for the first practical
incandescent electric lamp. The house is therefore of more than ordinary historical
importance. It is also relatively unspoilt, retaining its staircase, most of the
interior woodwork, fireplaces and the original bathroom, complete with bath.
Underhill was the first house in England to be wired for domestic electric lighting
and some of the early fittings remain.
Sources: "A Memoir of Sir Joseph Swan" by M E and R K Swan, 1929.
Everyman's Encyclopaedia.
Listing NGR: NZ2622160626
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
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