Local author Robert Mitchelson tells the story of this former mining community in North Tyneside with over 140 old photographs.
Backworth Remembered has images of local streets, buildings, shops and churches. Also included are many photographs showing Backworth Hall as well as the school, mining, farming, the railway and images of the two world wars.
Having A Wonderful Time At Whitley Bay
by Bill Mood
This high quality book tells the story of life in the Tyneside community of Whitley Bay in the 1930s and 40s.
It has over 70 unique illustrations many never published before.
The book is A4 and has 40 pages.
Islands of England – North East and Yorkshire
By Geoffrey Berriman
This book, which is the first in a series of six about the islands of England, covers islands in the North East and Yorkshire. The author has travelled widely to visit or see and also research into the history of many different types of island; mention is therefore made of inland islands as well as coastal islands. Some former islands, which have now disappeared, are also included.
The book is well illustrated with photographs and both modern and historic maps.
Monkseaton Village – Volume Two
by Charlie Steel
Local author Charlie Steel continues his history of Monkseaton with this new book.
As well as the history of local schools, churches and streets, one of Monkseaton’s adopted sons, Bobby Thompson is also featured. The legendary Geordie comedian came to live in Monkseaton and was well known in the area.
Also in the book is a section on the damage inflicted by Second World War air raids as well as some of the hidden history of the area that Charlie has discovered in its streets. There is also a section on crime in the area.
Over 200 illustrations of photographs, drawings, adverts and maps.
Monkseaton Village – Volume One
by Charlie Steel
Monkseaton has a long historical past, and dates back to at least the 12th century, when it was simply known as ‘Seton’. This is probably a derivative of the words ‘Sea’ and ‘Tun’, ie: the village being near to the sea, and a tun, meaning a hill or rise. When King Henry I granted lands to the Prior of Tynemouth c.1106, the name was altered to ‘Seton Monachorum’. The prefix ‘Monk’ is often found in connection with places belonging to religious houses, and so in this case it became known as Monk Seaton, or Seaton of the Monks.
Despite the fact that over the past 80 years, Monkseaton Village has been absorbed into the urban confines of the nearby town of Whitley Bay, its history pre-dates that town by many years, and to anyone who resides in Monkseaton, the place is still referred to as ‘The Village’.
This is Volume One, which is illustrated with maps and photographs, and gives an overview of the development of the village from its early origins as a farming community through to the present day.
North East Life in the 1930s, 40s & 50s
Remember the days when Monday was always wash day, tin baths in front of the fire and knitted bathing suits on the beach in a new book by local author Andrew Clark.
‘North East Life in the 1930s, 40s & 50s’ recalls life at home when the washing was done in a poss tub; the wireless was the main form of entertainment; every community had a cinema and a holiday would be a trip to the seaside.
With over 120 old photographs there are also memories of Christmas, childhood games, schooldays, rationing, local dance halls, early television and going to the match.
North East Life in the 1960s
by Andrew Clark & Sharyn Taylor
‘North East Life in the 1960s’ recalls a memorable decade – thought by many to be one of the most exciting periods in our history. The music scene had everything from Beatlemania, to local lads in The Animals achieving worldwide success and some of the great artists coming to the North East. The night scene was vibrant with clubs such as the La Dolce Vita in Newcastle where Tom Jones, at the height of his fame, appeared in 1966. Also in that year there was the greatest day in English football when England won the World Cup at Wembley and had in the team Bobby and Jackie Charlton from Ashington. Other memories include 1960s fashion, work, schooldays, entertainment, holidays and jazz bands.
North East Life in the 1970s
By Andrew Clark & Sharyn Taylor
‘North East Life in the 1970s’ features many local events, people and stories. The music scene had artists such as Geordie, Lindisfarne, Alan Price, Bryan Ferry and Sting. On television people enjoyed Whatever Happened to The Likely Lads and When The Boat Comes In. The region’s industrial past is recalled with shipbuilding and mining as well as industrial action that led to power cuts. Flares and other 70s fashions are remembered. There were also the memorable cup runs of our football teams – Sunderland, Newcastle and Blyth Spartans.
North East Life in the 1980s
by Andrew Clark & Sharyn Taylor
In ‘North East Life in the 1980s’ the authors share their memories of fashions; early computers and video recorders; popular toys and games; happy times at Metroland; first holidays abroad and concerts at Newcastle City Hall. The decade saw many new developments in the region such as the opening of the Metro transport system, the MetroCentre and Nissan’s car factory. Also featured in the book is the music of the 1980s as well as television shows and films set in the North East such as the hugely popular TV series Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. There were also many other days to remember such as the Tuxedo Princess floating nightclub coming to the Tyne and the biggest musicians in the world playing at St James’ Park, Roker Park and Gateshead Stadium.
North Shields – The Old Low Road
by Jack Shotton
This book is a collection of paintings by North Shields artist, Jack Shotton.
Jack explores the Low Road of the town and includes the Bull Ring, Duke Street, New Quay, Clive Street, Liddell Street, Bell Street and Union Quay.
Alongside the paintings is a description of the life of local people, streets, pubs and industry in this fascinating area of North Shields.
North Shields Public Houses, Inn & Taverns – Part One
by Charie Steel
It has often been said that the best way to learn history is to study castles and churches; however it cannot be denied that the best way to learn about the history of North Shields, is to study the pubs.
As a relatively small town in the 1800s, North Shields has probably had the highest number of inns, taverns, ale houses and beer sellers to be found anywhere in the country. The Low Town in particular had an extremely high concentration of pubs, with some inns actually adjoining the next one, with others just being a matter of feet away from the next. From 1822 to the present day, almost 500 public houses have been recorded in North Shields. In 1853 alone, it was estimated there were 217 inns, taverns and ale houses in the former Borough of Tynemouth, the highest concentration of which were situated in North Shields itself.
This book is an illustrated gazetteer and directory, which provides a fascinating insight into the many licensed premises that have existed in North Shields over the past two centuries.
North Shields Public Houses, Inns & Taverns – Part Two
‘North Shields Public Houses, Inns & Taverns Part Two’ completes the story of the area’s pubs by local author and historian Charlie Steel. Part One of the series covered the pubs in the centre of North Shields. This second volume includes the many public houses, inns and taverns in the surrounding area.
This book features the coastal area of North Tyneside and the nearby villages which include Percy Main, Chirton, and Preston along with neighbouring Tynemouth, Cullercoats, Whitley Bay, Monkseaton and Earsdon Also included are those villages just over the North Tyneside boundary, namely; Old Hartley, Seaton Sluice, Seaton Delaval and Holywell.
The book is a history of the local pub and brewing trade spanning almost two centuries. The author brings the story up to date by including the many pubs that have closed in recent years and the changing nature of how we drink in this country. As many traditional pubs have slowly disappeared, this book gives a glimpse into the various licensed premises present and past, which were and, in some cases still do, form an important part of our local community.
North Tyneside During the Second World War
The story of North Tyneside’s experiences during the Second World War is told by local author, Ron Curran. He recalls the days of evacuation, rationing, the Home Guard, air raids and VE Day with the help of local people who share their memories of the conflict.
North Shields, Tynemouth and Cullercoats suffered greatly in the war and there are unique pictures showing the damage caused in the area by the German bombing raids.
The book is illustrated with over 100 wartime photographs from North Tyneside Libraries excellent Discover: North Tyneside collection.
Memories of Tynemouth Borough Police and the communities it served. North Shields, Tynemouth & Cullercoats
by Ken Banks
’Offbeat’ recalls the old days of Tynemouth Borough Police from its inception on the 1st January 1850 until its demise on 31st March 1969.
The author is a former policeman – Ken Banks, PC 7 Tynemouth Police – and he tells the story of the force’s early days when there were bobbies on the beat and police boxes instead of radios. Ken also recalls the part the police played in the local community and the acts of bravery carried out by local officers. The early days of police cars are remembered as well as some of the funnier moments experienced by police men and women.
It seeks to highlight the part played by the police, not only in law enforcement, but perhaps more importantly, as an integral part of local society over a period of 119 years.
by Mike Kirkup
Pit ponies were a faithful companion to the men who worked in the coal mines of Northumberland and Durham. Former Ashington miner Mike Kirkup tells the story of these ponies with over 100 illustrations and many local mining memories. Also included is a brief history of the industry that once dominated the region.
Featured are stories of the training of pit ponies and the lads who worked with them; the ponies at shows and races; the dangers that men and the ponies faced; and finally the day when horse power came to an end when the last pit pony left Ellington Colliery in 1994.
by Mike N. Coates
This book tells the story of Northumberland Park, North Shields, from its creation in 1885 to the present day.
Featured are the birds, mammals, amphibians, dragonflies, butterflies, trees and flora of the park.
Also included are historical notes of the surrounding area of Spital Dene, The Pow Burn and the Medieval St Leonard’s Hospital.
The Tyne Training Ship Wellesley Remembered
by Brian Godfrey
A familiar and welcome sight to any mariner entering the Tyne from the fearsome North Sea during the late 19th and early 20th centuries would have been the Training Ship ‘Wellesley’. Moored at North Shields, her white banded hull was home to thousands of homeless and destitute boys who were trained for a sea faring life.
With over 70 illustrations this book describes the training and instruction received on board as well as featuring the story of the ship’s band; the bravery of the boys; the personal memories of an ‘old boy’; the fire that devastated the ship; the move to the Palace at Tynemouth; and finally the Wellesley Roll of Honour.
Wartime Memories Stories of the Second World War in the North East
by Andrew Clark
Although the Second World War ended over seventy years ago, many of the storytellers in this book have vivid recollections of their experiences of evacuation, the Home Guard, air raids, rationing, the black-out or VE Day.
Alongside people’s memories, are also unique old photographs as well as wartime memorabilia that many will remember – Identity Cards, Ration Books, Propaganda Posters and Public Information Leaflets. These documents give first hand information available at the time of the war and are an insight into the lives of people in the 1930s and ’40s.
Whitley Bay Remembered Part One – The Coast
Remember happy days at the seaside with over 150 old photographs of Whitley Bay.
The book includes the Spanish City Fairground, The Empress Ballroom, Cinemas and Theatres, Cafés, Punch & Judy Shows, Bands and Sideshows, Seaside Entertainers, Shuggy Boats, Donkey Rides, and of course the beautiful beach which has attracted residents and visitors from far and wide since the early 1900s.
There was quality and cost-effective accommodation, with hotels and countless guest houses offering bed and breakfast to the thousands of holidaymakers that once flocked to the town.
This was once a bustling and beautiful area which has been loved by generations of families and visitors over the years.
Whitley Bay Remembered Part Two – The Town by Charlie Steel
Whitley Bay Remembered Part 2 focuses on the town centre and former village of Whitley, by examining its development through the streets, buildings, shops and trades which have existed here over the years and have been fundamental in its evolution. In the ‘Good old Days’, Whitley Bay flourished with almost every kind of business and shop imaginable; Butchers, Bakers, Cobblers, Tailors, Jewellers, Cafes and Drapers – the list is practically endless. These businesses were once a vital part of the community and rendered the town almost self-sufficient. This book reflects on those years where happy memories will be recalled and good times are remembered. With over 160 illustrations.