Admiral Collingwood had his home in Oldgate from 1791 until his death in 1810. There was an extensive garden and orchard behind the house. The land was purchased by Father G.A. Lowe for the building of St Robert’s Church, which opened in 1850.

After that a school (St Robert of Newminster Catholic First School) was built to the right of the house. The church and school are dedicated to St Robert, the first abbot of Newminster.

Pupils at St Robert’s tell visitors about their School ‘Bye Laws’ and send everyone scooting towards Oldgate Bridge as the elephant has been seen crossing it early that morning.