Gill Bridge Avenue. The "Avenue" in Gillbridge Avenue was one of the many small local picture houses / theatres that started in the early 1900's. At one time there were six within a half-mile of the "Avenue" but the small worn-out "one-man" units could not compete with the big luxury cinemas opening in the 1930s and like many others the "Avenue" closed in 1933 (see SDTC 017 and 038).
Photo N Kirtlan, info Len Charlton.
Bishopwearmouth Green. The old village green was surrounded by houses and cottages rather than shops and remained virtually unspoilt until the 1950's, identified by the low stone surrounding wall surmounted by posts and chain.
Photo N Kirtlan, info Len Charlton.
High St West was always the first choice for a very popular mix of shops. Varying is size and quality, Strothers and Hepworths (left) were typical and always busy as were the larger stores like Blacketts and Marks and Spencer's further down High St towards Fawcett St (the dome of MacKie's corner is just visible in the distance).
Information, Len Charlton.
High St West ran up from Fawcett St to the junction of Crowtree Rd and Gillbridge avenue where there used to be public baths the chimney of which is just visible in the distance. Silksworth Row started shortly after this junction and the shopping gave way to a more general usage.
Information, Len Charlton.
The great fire of 1898 which destroyed a large area round the corner of HighSt with Fawcett St had run out of control of the police using their outdated handpumps. It took over two weeks to burn out and on this photo workers and onlookers stand back as another section of smoldering building is pulled down. The resulting devastation took many months to clear and rebuilding of over 50 properties in Fawcett St, High St and one end of John St continued for over two years by which time a separate town fire brigade service with steam pumps was being set--up (also see SDTC 007).
Info, Len Charlton.
