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.
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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 To Park For Vampire Rabbit?
Lat / Long
54.970232, -1.609099
What three words
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.
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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