Vampire Rabbit

Statue Newcastle City Centre Tyne And Wear

Vampire Rabbit

Statue In Newcastle City Centre, Tyne And Wear

The Vampire Rabbit is a strange and mysterious “grotesque” that can be found above the door at the rear entrance to the historic Cathedral Buildings, adjacent to Newcastle Cathedral.

There are a number of stories about why it was put there ranging from being used to scare away grave robbers who were running rampant in the Cathedral graveyard, to actually being a hare whose ears were put on backwards, to symbolising the coming of spring invoking the Easter Bunny.   

 The hare story seems to be the least far-fetched of these tales, especially when it is known that one of the Architects, William H Wood, was a friend of Sir George Hare Phipson who was a local Doctor and Freemason (as was Wood). Hares often appear in Masonic Symbolism

The Vampire Rabbit was originally in the stone of the building, but in recent years it has been painted black with blood dripping from its claws and fangs... maybe to scare visitors to the local pubs and clubs sober!

The Vampire Rabbit is also right next to the former workshop of famed engraver Thomas Bewick. There is a plaque and bust of Bewick nearby.

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Where Is Vampire Rabbit

Where Is It?

What three words
pigs.star.joins

Lat / Long
54.970367, -1.610367
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Leaving the car park onto Dean Street there is a narrow alleyway between two buildings opposite with steps going up. Pass through here and turn right to the rear of Newcastle Cathedral. The Vampire Rabbit is above the doorway into the Cathedral Buildings.


Where To Park?

What three words
knots.email.mini

Lat / Long
54.970232, -1.609099

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The nearest place to Park is Dean Street Multi Storey opposite the front of the Cathedral Buildings, less than 50m walk from the Vampire Rabbit.

Andrew Gardner

Contributed by Andrew Gardner

I love being outdoors, in nature, and experiencing the relaxation it brings. Wandering through the northern countryside seeing unexpected buildings, historic places and occasionally surprised wildlife is one of life's great pleasures.

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