Book raises
ANYONE who has enjoyed a drink in Gateshead’s Central Bar will agree it is one of Tyneside’s finest drinking holes.
Located on the town’s atmospheric Half Moon Lane, a short distance from the High Level and Tyne Bridges, the pub has somehow escaped the ravages of ‘progress’ and (with the help of some major renovation work over the last decade) retained its original Victorian charm.
The unique coffin-shaped building dates from 1856 and, indeed, step into its horseshoe buffet bar for a pint and it is like stepping into the past.
The Central Bar is just one of the things the town has to shout about and which is featured in a new book called Celebrating Gateshead.
Gateshead has not always enjoyed the best of press and often existed in the shadow of its illustrious neighbour on the other side of the River Tyne.
The famous Dr Johnson in the 18th century described the town as “a dirty lane leading to Newcastle.”
Two centuries later, in 1934, the writer JB Priestley claimed: “No true civilisation could have produced such a town,” adding it appeared to have been designed “by an enemy of the human race.”
However, much has changed and improved since then and Celebrating Gateshead – written by local historians Sandra Brack, Margaret Hall and Anthea Lang – redresses the balance and shows the town in a positive light.
The richly-illustrated book is divided into chapters such as Gateshead Firsts, Entertainment, Local Heroes, and Restoration and Rejuvenation.
Each chapter is then further divided into accessible chunks of interesting information. Gateshead has a rich heritage and distinctive identity.
Today It is a vibrant cultural centre and home of the 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 the coal from nearby collieries.
It also pioneered the development of wire rope and the electric light bulb.
The authors say: “Celebrating Gateshead chronicles the proud heritage of Gateshead, its important moments and what draws so many to the town today.
“We look at inventions, industry, landmarks, leisure, newsworthy events and notable achievements.
“New buildings and structures such as the award-winning Millennium Bridge, arts centres and Gateshead Quays have won awards and other historic areas have been regenerated for the 21st century.
“Within the fields of industry, sport, philanthropy, art, music and literature, many Gateshead people have made an impressive contribution.”
The book also recalls royal visits to the town, significant anniversaries and local traditions, as well as landmark events such as the 1990 National Garden Festival.
The images here, all recalling elements of the town’s unique history and character, are a selection of the 100 illustrations in the book.
Celebrating Gateshead by Sandra Brack, Margaret Hall and Anthea Lang, published by Amberley, is on sale now, priced £15.99.