An old drawing looking down High St West. The building with the dome and clock became known as Mackies Corner and Bridge St ran off to the left at that point. Small Publc houses were widespread along HighSt and the covered waggon may well be stopping to refresh both driver and horse.
Photo Norman Kirtlan. Information Len Charlton.
By the 1890s the town centre traffic had outgrown the use of ferries and in 1796 the first Wearmouth Bridge, at that time a marvel in cast iron, was opened. The adjoining railway bridge was built 3 years later. The ferries further down-river continued as they were more convenientfor Monkwarmouth and the East End.
Photo Norman Kirtlan. Information Len Charlton.
The wonderfully ornate buildings on the right with sculptured figures and elephants was Charles Grimshaw's, specialising in tea and coffee. Opposite on the other side of Fawcett St is Robinson the drapers in Havelock House - Photograph taken before the great fire in 1898.
Photo Norman Kirtlan. Information Len Charlton.
The southern end of the Wearmouth Bridge overlooked Austin's Shipyard which was backed by tumbledown properties in West Wear Street.
Photo Norman Kirtlan. Information Len Charlton.
Pann's Bank was virtually under the south east corner of Wearmouth Bridge and often used as an exciting playground underneath the precarious housing above.
Photo Norman Kirtlan. Information Len Charlton.
