Sandra Brack

Gateshead, on the southern bank of the River Tyne, has a rich heritage and distinctive identity. It is a vibrant cultural centre in the north-east of England, home of Sage Gateshead, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Angel of the North. During the Industrial Revolution the town was renowned for its shipbuilding and ironworking industries, fed by nearby collieries, and it also pioneered the development of wire rope and the electric light bulb. Celebrating Gateshead chronicles the proud heritage of Gateshead, its important moments and what draws so many to this vibrant town today, from inventions to industry, landmarks to leisure, and newsworthy events to notable achievements. New buildings and structures such as the award-winning Millennium Bridge, arts centres and quayside have won awards, and other historic areas regenerated for the twenty-first century. Within the fields of industry, sport, philanthropy, art, music and literature many Gateshead people have made an impressive contribution. The authors look back on the royal visits to the town, significant anniversaries and local traditions, and special events such as the National Garden Festival in 1990. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous insight into Gateshead’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments, and will be a valuable contribution to the history of the town and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Historically part of the county of Durham, Gateshead lies on the southern bank of the River Tyne, opposite Newcastle. Gateshead has a rich story to tell and its history goes back to Roman times. Coal mining in the area started in the Middle Ages and the settlement expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution as other industries developed in Gateshead. The incandescent light bulb was developed here, as was the turbine engine and underwater telegraph cables. It was an industrial hub during the nineteenth century and was an early railway town, producing a locomotive as early as 1805 with a passenger service running from 1839. It was also noted as a centre for Jewish education. In recent years Gateshead has come to the fore with landmarks such as the Sage Gateshead, the Angel of the North, Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. It also has the Gateshead International Stadium and an award-winning Victorian park. This fascinating A–Z tour of Gateshead’s history is fully illustrated throughout and will appeal to all those with an interest in this town in the north-east of England.