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Category Archives: local history
Oystershell Hall, Newcastle
Although considered something of a gastronomic indulgence now, Oysters were once staples of the English diet. In 1910 the British Government estimated that the oyster trade was the most important industry in the world and in Victorian metropoles oysters were … Continue reading
Guerilla Heritage in Newcastle
Newcastle does not boast much in the way of Czech heritage so it’s surprising to see a blue plaque dedicated to Jára Cimrman, the famous inventor, traveler, philosopher, detective, amateur obstetrician, writer and poet. Cimrman’s national acclaim was recognised when the Czech people voted … Continue reading
Ghost Roads / Astroturf Proving Grounds / Dead Railways
Trying to take a shortcut from housing estate to industrial estate in Gateshead on my way to walk the abandoned Leamside railway line from Follingsby and end up walking down a dead end path that only leads to a fence … Continue reading
Posted in local history, psychogeography
Tagged gateshead
Ordnance Survey History in the Walls of Newcastle
Chiseled into the walls of buildings around the UK are marks which might seem strange—even mysterious—if you’re not familiar with their purpose. [1] The symbols comprise a horizontal line with three lines pointing toward it to create an arrow. Although … Continue reading
Posted in local history, research
Tagged newcastle
Secret Architecture of the Tyne & Wear Metro
I was fascinated when I first read Geoff Manaugh’s post about New York City’s fake house. 58 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn has all of the appearances of a Greek revival townhouse but is in fact an elaborate façade for a … Continue reading
Posted in local history, planning, research
Tagged gateshead, newcastle
Cartography of the Tyne & Wear Metro
There’s a very strong relationship between a transit system’s cartographic representation and its user efficiency. Henry Beck’s iconic London Underground map was an instant success with the public precisely because it showed a ‘clear and consistent visual of the lines, … Continue reading
Posted in local history, research
Tagged gateshead, newcastle, north east, sunderland
Photoessay: Derelict Newcastle
This is a portrait of city in perpetual stasis. The collection shows an unauthorised narrative of Newcastle behind fences, over walls and in places you’re not meant to look. Images of the Tyne Bridge are cultural shorthand for Newcastle. The greeny-blue steel … Continue reading
Posted in local history, research
Tagged newcastle
