Bad planning

I was making my way back across the Tyne to Newcastle station and took the short cut up Castle Steps. Pausing for breath at the top it struck me again - what ever was Henry II thinking when he built his 'new' castle so close to the railway?

The railway line runs along the parapet - it can be identified by the overhead cables and the fine growth of buddleia. Beyond it can be glimpsed the roof of the Black Gate and beyond is the impressive tower of St Nicholas's Cathedral.