A-Z of Gateshead

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.