I have been compiling monthly local history columns for the ‘Roundabout Monkseaton’ magazine since October 2007. Just over a year later, the success and popularity of this magazine saw the launch in 2009 of its sister magazine ‘Roundabout Tynemouth’, which is similarly distributed in that area.
Besides writing the Monkseaton articles, I have also written over 60 editorials for the Tynemouth magazine, many of which have received favourable and positive feedback from a number of readers over the years. Inspired by their popularity, I decided to enlarge on these features and present them all together in one new publication. The result is a new book which will be launched later this month entitled ‘Tynemouth Remembered’.
Although the book is not intended to give a comprehensive history of the area, it contains several features which have previously been included in ‘Roundabout Tynemouth’. All the individual subjects have been expanded on, so as to include more detail, information and pictures along with previously unpublished features, photographs and images which give a general overview of Tynemouth’s past, along with those aspects which may be deemed to be of general local and historical interest.
Tynemouth is situated on the North East coast of England at the entrance to the River Tyne. It was once part of a violent and turbulent kingdom, but now in the quietude of what was once a part of Northumberland, it is a beautiful village steeped in history. For centuries it has inspired writers, poets, artists, photographers and historians.
The ruins of the famous Castle and Priory sit on the headland, dominating Benebal Crag. The piers guard the entrance to the River Tyne and the imposing statue of Lord Cuthbert Collingwood looks out to sea with an ever watchful eye.
The Long Sands have attracted holidaymakers and visitors since the 1800s, King Edwards Bay and The Haven were places of peace and tranquillity, and to a certain extent, remain as such.
The entrance to the River Tyne itself affords some beautiful views; however a dark shadow lies beside the nearby Black Middens, which over the years have taken a grim toll on numerous ships and have claimed the lives of many mariners and rescuers.
Many other aspects of Tynemouth, particularly those from the Victorian and Edwardian eras are also included and illustrated in this book.
Today, Tynemouth still retains much of its history. It is now a conservation area and although the village has undergone many changes, most of these have been sympathetically moderated in an effort to maintain its traditional warmth and character.
The book will be launched in the Oak Room of the Grand Hotel, Tynemouth at 10.30am on Friday 21st March. This is a free event which everyone is welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided and copies of the book will be available afterwards.
‘Tynemouth Remembered’ is published by Summerhill Books at a cost of £9.99.
by Charlie Steel © 2014
Local historian and writer Charlie Steel has lived in Monkseaton for most of his life.
His published books include ‘Monkseaton Village’ Vols 1 & 2, and ‘North Shields Public Houses, Inns & Taverns’ Parts 1 & 2, all of which are available from most local booksellers.
Further details can be found on Charlie’s website at www.monkseaton.info or he can be contacted at charlie@monkseaton.info.