Fawcett Street 1910? In the 1880s Fawcett St still consisted of expensive terraced housing and institutes but it quickly developed into the the commercial centre of Sunderland. Less than half a mile long with the Town Hall in the centre it ran from the southern end (photo foreground) to Mackies corner where it crossed High St West and became Bridge St. The railway lines and central station ran parallel to and behind the properties on the west (photo left) side. By the 1900s it was a very busy street with libraries, clubs, banks restaurants and quality shops. Many premises had their own commissionaire welcoming their more affluent customers by name.
Information from Len Charlton.
High St Sd 1904
This photo shows the junction of High St with Fawcett St (left). Bridge St is concealed on the right. It was taken just after the whole foreground area in the picture had been completely rebuilt following a major fire in 1898 which started in Havelock House, then a drapers shop (left). The handpowered pumps held by the police could not cope and the fire spread out of hand to destroy nearly 50 shops and properties. National ridicule resulted in a belated decision to establish a fire brigade in its own station with steam powered pumps. Havelock House changed again in 1915 when the Havelock Picture House was built.
It is Friday 30th October 1953 and it is raining in Derwent Street as tram 63 makes its way towards Stockton Road as it works the Circle route. The outward bound service originally ran through Vine Place but this was too narrow for two tracks so the track was diverted through Derwent St and Mary St before rejoining the main route at the Star Hotel in New Durham Road. Information from Len Charlton and Malcolm Fraser.
Junction of High Street West and William Street.
SDTC 010
A very early photograph (1865?) showing the premises of "The Sunderland Times", the first local ( weekly ) newspaper. The " Sunderland Echo" started as a daily in 1873 and after a slow start circulation built up. Although "The Sunderland Times" started a daily edition it could not survive the competion and eventually collapsed.
Information from Len Charlton.
Norman Kirtlan
