A-Z of Gateshead

Historically part of the county of Durham, Gateshead lies on the southern bank of the River Tyne, opposite Newcastle. Gateshead has a rich story to tell and its history goes back to Roman times. Coal mining in the area started in the Middle Ages and the settlement expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution as other industries developed in Gateshead. The incandescent light bulb was developed here, as was the turbine engine and underwater telegraph cables. It was an industrial hub during th