The Mayor presented him with the Sword and Keys with humble duty and submission: which His Highness graciously accepting, he returned them again. He gave also to His Majesty, in token of their love and hearty loyalty, a purse full of gold. His Majesty gave them full power and authority under him as they lately held in Her Majesty's name: ratifying all customs and privileges that they were possessed of, and had a long time held.
And so, passing on, he was conducted to the Mayor's house, where he was richly entertained; and remained there three days.
Upon Sunday, being the 10th April [1603], His Majesty went to the Church, before whom [Dr Toby Matthew] the Bishop of Durham preached. And that day, as it is his most Christianlike custom, being spent in devotion: he rested till Monday, which he bestowed in viewing the town, the manner and beauty of the bridge [over the Tyne] and key [quay]: being one of the fairest in all the north parts. Besides, he released all prisoners; except those that lay for treason, murder, and Papistry: giving great sums of money for the release of many that were imprisoned for debt; who heartily praised GOD, and blessed His Majesty, for their unexpected liberty.
So joyful were the townsmen of Newcastle of His Majesty there being, that they thankfully bare all the charge of his Household during the time of his abode with them, being from Saturday till Wednesday morning. All things were in such plenty and so delicate for variety that it gave great contentment to His Majesty; and on the townsmen's part, there was nothing but willingness appeared; save only at His Highness's departure, but [of that] there was no remedy. He hath yet many of his people by his presence to comfort: and forward no doubt he will; as he thence did, giving thanks to them for their loyal and hearty affection.
And on the bridge, before he came at Gateside; he made Master Robert Dudley [? Delavale, co. Northumb.], Mayor of Newcastle, Knight.
[John Philipot states that the following were also knighted at Newcastle on this 13th of April 1603:
| Sir Christopher Lowther, | co. Cumb. |
| Sir Nicholas Curwen, | co. Cumb. |
| Sir James Bellingham, | co. Westm. |
| Sir Nicholas Tufton, | co. Kent; afterwards Earl of Thanet. |
| Sir John Conyers, | co. York. |
This Wednesday, being the 13th of April [1603], His Majesty set forward towards Durham. And at Gateside, near Newcastle; he was met by the Sheriff of the County and most of the Gentlemen in the same.