Lost South shields

The coastal town of South Shields, lying on the south of the mouth of the River Tyne grew massively during the Industrial Revolution. Industries such as coal mining, alkaline production and glass making generated wealth and brought in many people. By the twentieth century the town was also known for shipbuilding, but in recent years the landscape has changed markedly with the closure of many heavy industries and the move to more service-based commercial development. Areas of the town that had been destroyed by bombing during the Second World War or left empty by departing industries have been regenerated and the town is now a popular tourist destination. Lost South Shields presents a portrait of this corner of North East England over the last century to recent decades that has radically changed or disappeared today, showing not only industries and buildings that have gone but also people and street scenes, many popular places of entertainment and much more. This fascinating photographic history of lost South Shields will appeal to all those who live in the area or know it well, as well as those who remember it from previous decades.

Eileen Burnett is a local historian who lives in Tyneside and has written several books on the area, including the history of pubs.