At some stage during the fifteenth century, a group of seafarers formed a charitable guild on the quayside of Newcastle to support the town’s growing maritime community and their dependents.

Originally named the “Guild of the Blessed Trinity of Newcastle upon Tyne”, they formally came into being on 4th January 1505, securing some land, previously known as Dalton’s Place, in Broad Chare on Newcastle’s Quayside, from Ralph Hebborn, in exchange for a “peppercorn rent”, being a red rose, to be paid yearly on demand, on the feast of John the Baptist (now known as Midsummer’s day).

An order was made on that day for the building of a hall, chapel and lodging rooms on the site. This same document required the appointment of Aldermen and Wardens of the fellowship and of a priest “to sing and say mass and other divine service”. Poor persons admitted to the Chapel were required to pray for the good estate of Ralph Hebborn and his relatives, the soul of John Dalton and his ancestors and for Brethren past and present. Up to this time, we know that the Brethren had their own altar, or chantry, in All Hallows Church, which stood where All Saints Church now stands, on the hill overlooking the eastern end of the Quayside.