Newcastle: St James' Park Timeline - A Visual History

Back in Victorian times, St James Park was merely a rough patch of grazing land that had a notorious slope, dropping fully 18 feet from the north to south goals. Local butchers were still allowed to graze their animals on the pitch before leading them to slaughter.

Newcastle's participation in the Football League meant major developments needed to take place. A small stand was erected on the Barrack Road side of the ground and tiny bankings were put in place.

This picture shows workers levelling the notorious sloped pitch.