"This place of recreation was built, by shares of £25 each, in 1822, and opened in the following year. The Racket Court, which is covered, is 112 feet in length, and 62 feet in breadth. Parallel to this is a large Billiard Room, with four dressing-rooms, a convenient bath, and other necessary accomodations. Above is another large Billiard Room, with a dome light. A gallery adjoins, from which spectators may view the progress of the game in the court below. This building is approached by an entry in Newgate Street, and communicates by a private door with the Assembly-rooms, to which gentlemen may retire for refreshment. It is well lighted with gas, and is open from nine o'clock in the morning until nine o'clock at night. "

A Descriptive and Historical Account of the Town and County of Newcastle by Eneas MacKenzie, kindly supplied by Steve Ellwood