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The Time Machine
This section looks at buildings in the past and compares them to today. Then & Now, Large parts of Blyth look much the same today as they did a century ago but some important parts of our history have long since gone.
Scroll right on each photo to take a look in the past. Click to enlarge the image.
The corner of Church Street and Waterloo Road.
The Zion Methodist church which was demolished along with the Central Cinema which was further along the road. The steeple is flat because of damage it received in ww2.
The corner of Church Street and Waterloo Road.
Dominos Pizza and the market place public toilets on the corner of Waterloo Road and Church Street. Then, it's slightly more dignified past.
Checker's chip shop in 2021.
In the sixties was Carlo's Coffee Bar and was obviously a big hit with the local teenagers.
Checker's chip shop in 2021.
The Railway Tavern, on the far right, once stood opposite Blyth's main railway station.
The bridge once carried good trains past the station and onto the Port of Blyth. The shop has had a number of uses over the years, it was Joal Sports when I was a child.
The Railway Tavern, on the far right, once stood opposite Blyth's main railway station.
The King's Arms on Cowpen Road in 2021.
The King's in this time period is part of a row of houses.
The King's Arms on Cowpen Road in 2021.
This building was originally built as a cinema with an adjoining ball room. Both were named Roxy.
The Hippodrome stood on the site before the Roxy cinema and ballroom were built. It was originally a roller skating rink before being converted into a cinema which opened in 1920.
This building was originally built as a cinema with an adjoining ball room. Both were named Roxy.
West Court, Isabella.
Isabella colliery rows are being demolished and will be replaced by more up to date housing. E Wright's shop on the right will follow soon after. This shop was a favourite with children going over the "Bella" to the swimming baths.
West Court, Isabella.
Northumbria House, Waterloo Road.
The old Coop building is about to be extended into the Northumbria House, one of the Co-Op's largest department stores.
Northumbria House, Waterloo Road.
Regent street and the corner of Burt Street in 2022.
About to be demolished are Seghini's Ice Cream parlour with the Gladstone Arms on the far right. The Gladstone was one of five pubs and clubs in Burt Street.
Regent street and the corner of Burt Street in 2022.
Seaforth Street 2021.
Seaforth Street in c1983. The building at the top of the street was Blyth Valley Council's offices. At one point, the town's main fire station was located in this street.
Seaforth Street 2021.
Blyth Enterprise Centre on the quayside/Plessey Road corner.
The Dun Cow public house prior to demolition.
Blyth Enterprise Centre on the quayside/Plessey Road corner.
Regent Street on a wet 2021 morning.
The same spot around c1900. Sproat Street on the left is still visible in the 2021 photo if you look closely at the cobbles at the side of the road.
Regent Street on a wet 2021 morning.
Richard Stannard House on the corner of Bridge Street and Percy Street.
All of the above shops were demolished except for the one on the extreme end of the row. The shop in the foreground was the Newcastle and Gateshead Water Company.
Richard Stannard House on the corner of Bridge Street and Percy Street.
The pathway along the town centre relief road.
This pathway which followed the route of the present day wall used to run from the top of Ballast Hill to King Street. It passed under the railway line via a marble brick lined underpass which locals named the Marble Arch.
The pathway along the town centre relief road.
The Jehovah Witness building at the end of Bath Terrace.
Once a vicarage for a local church.
The Jehovah Witness building at the end of Bath Terrace.
Beaconsfield Street with the restored Albion House (Poundstrether) on the right.
A snowy night taken from the same position. The Essoldo is on the right. The Essoldo became a skate board rink after the cinema closed before being demolished.
Beaconsfield Street with the restored Albion House (Poundstrether) on the right.
What remains of Thompson Street 2021.
The view when Blyth built ships was very different. The Travelers Rest is on the right.
What remains of Thompson Street 2021.
Sussex Street looking onto Quay Road.
Looking forlorn and in need of redevelopment. The building on the left was a bonded warehouse and a part of the Blyth & Tyne brewery company.
The brewery produced beers for it's tied public houses from as early as 1750.
Sussex Street looking onto Quay Road.
Bridge House, the 70's office block in a conservation area.
As the photo says, 1971. The building is being built on the site of a church which had been disused for some time.
Had been used as a pop factory after it closed to worshippers.
Bridge House, the 70's office block in a conservation area.
Seaforth Street 2021
Before the Keel Row was built, Seaforth Street was a much longer street, connecting with Trotter Street which completely disappeared when the Keel Row was built.
Seaforth Street 2021
The old Post Office on the right and the Mecca Social Club at the bottom of the street.
The coke & gas works is the large building at the back with the Roxy Cinema behind the bus station.
The old Post Office on the right and the Mecca Social Club at the bottom of the street.
The recently restored band stand on the links.
The band stand was also used as a paddling pool. It had originally been the centre piece in a formal garden.
The recently restored band stand on the links.
Regent Street/Hodgens Road corner.
The Travellers rest is on the left with the shipyard wall on the right. Notice the power station in the distance.
Regent Street/Hodgens Road corner.
The Keel Row shopping centre.
Once one of Blyth's finest churches, demolished to make way for the new shopping centre.
Demolition almost complete.
The Keel Row shopping centre.
Someone, a while ago actually thought this was a good idea. Thankfully the area is being redeveloped in 2023/24.
Once a quite pleasant rose garden and seating area.
The same area but from a different angle. The photo was taken during a flood at the beginning of the 20th century. The sculpture was called Hedley's Fountain, it was removed in the 1950's and although there have been rumors about it's current location over the years, the truth is, it's been lost to time.
Someone, a while ago actually thought this was a good idea. Thankfully the area is being redeveloped in 2023/24.
One of Blyth's many barber shops.
David Hargreaves the jewler.
One of Blyth's many barber shops.
Waterloo Road 2021.
Regent Street had a junction with Waterloo Road and the Central Methodist Church dominates the street.
Waterloo Road 2021.
Plessey Road as it meets the quayside.
The Dun Cow pub on the right.
Plessey Road as it meets the quayside.
Today, this side of Regent Street is pretty much completely walled off.
The view in the 70's was quite different. Earlier still Regent St was a hive of activity. Lined on both sides with shops and other businesses. The junction on the left is Burt Street followed by Clive Street, York Street, Victoria Street and then Kings Street.
Today, this side of Regent Street is pretty much completely walled off.
The building is now used as a used furniture sales room. Named after one of Blyth's former Mayors. Eric's daughter Aileen also went onto become Mayor.
The building was originally named the Assembly Rooms and was later converted into a theatre called the Gaiety Theatre of Varieties. It was also used as a cinema named West's Picture House.
The building is now used as a used furniture sales room. Named after one of Blyth's former Mayors. Eric's daughter Aileen also went onto become Mayor.
Cowpen Road Premier store.
Once Cowpen Post Office, the shop was extended into the adjoining house a few years ago. The Sidney Arms is to the left.
Cowpen Road Premier store.
The entrance to Port of Blyth South harbour.
The two white houses were demolished in the 1980's.
The entrance to Port of Blyth South harbour.
The little sandwich shop on Cowpen Road with Premier Meats further along.
The Percy Arms is next to the Forresters Arms (Kitty Brewster) The sandwich shop on the extreme right, stands on it's own today.
The little sandwich shop on Cowpen Road with Premier Meats further along.
Bridge House with Richard Stannard house to the left.
When this church closed it was used as a pop factory before being demolished.
Bridge House with Richard Stannard house to the left.
Regent Street, King Street junction.
At the turn of the 20th century there was a whole area of the town that was slowly demolished over three decades. The streets stretched from this view all the way to the river.
Regent Street, King Street junction.
Princess Louise Road approaching the Sports Centre Junction. There is a man made dip in the road which is liable to flooding today.
The dip exists because of a railway bridge which ran over it. This bridge used to carry the railway to the station in the town centre.
Princess Louise Road approaching the Sports Centre Junction. There is a man made dip in the road which is liable to flooding today.
An unused patch of land today.
This building was used as a shop and later offices for many years. One of it's later uses was as a prize bingo but shown here is it's final incarnation, Taplows Wine Bar in the 1980's. The building was damaged by fire and demolished shortly after.
An unused patch of land today.
Plessey Road Ridley Street corner.
The shop on the left had many uses, the last being as a car parts sales room. The garage was demolished to make way for new housing.
Plessey Road Ridley Street corner.
The railway crossing, Bebside, opposite the Bebside Inn.
Bebside railway station on the South tracks.
The railway crossing, Bebside, opposite the Bebside Inn.
Street improvements in 2024 are nearing completion.
Bridge Street looking towards the bus station.
The scene in c1900, the houses on the right were owned by doctors etc.
Street improvements in 2024 are nearing completion.
Feameworks was built as a private residence. But it's uses also included the Northern Gas showroom.
Feameworks was built as a private residence. But it's uses also included the Northern Gas showroom.
Bowes Street. 2022.
Seen here in around 1970 possibly. Chisholms on the right was a mecca to many of the children of the time, being Blyth's premier toy shop.
Bowes Street. 2022.
Land now owned by the Port of Blyth and Morpeth Road School, once Bates Colliery.
Bates Colliery seen from the employee car park.
Land now owned by the Port of Blyth and Morpeth Road School, once Bates Colliery.
Today a part of Morrisons car park.
The corner of Regent Street and Station Street shortly before demolition. The famous Marmaris takeaway, owned by the Behic family is on the far left.
Today a part of Morrisons car park.
The Thomas Knight care Home in Beaconsfield Street was once the site of Blyth's Main hospital - The Thomas Knight Memorial Hospital.
The Thomas Knight care Home in Beaconsfield Street was once the site of Blyth's Main hospital - The Thomas Knight Memorial Hospital.
Eddie Ferguson house on the Quayside.
Eddie Ferguson house on the Quayside.
Tate Street and a large building that stood on Ridley Street, housing shops and offices.
Tate Street and a large building that stood on Ridley Street, housing shops and offices.
Ridley Street and a view in the 1980's when the area was being cleared.
Ridley Street and a view in the 1980's when the area was being cleared.
Lennon estate agents was for many years the site of the NatWest bank, but even before that it was the Pineapple Inn.
Lennons estate agents was for many years The Pineapple Inn before becoming the Natwest bank.
Lennon estate agents was for many years the site of the NatWest bank, but even before that it was the Pineapple Inn.
Lennon estate agents was for many years the site of the NatWest bank, but even before that it was the Pineapple Inn.
The Fox and Hounds which was also named the Wagon Way stood on this small patch of land which was a part of Kings Street.
Lennon estate agents was for many years the site of the NatWest bank, but even before that it was the Pineapple Inn.
Lennon estate agents was for many years the site of the NatWest bank, but even before that it was the Pineapple Inn.
The top of Bridge Street in the 1930s and 2022.
Lennon estate agents was for many years the site of the NatWest bank, but even before that it was the Pineapple Inn.
Lennon estate agents was for many years the site of the NatWest bank, but even before that it was the Pineapple Inn.
This mall triangle of land used to be the home of the Boer war memorial, it was later moved to Ridley Park.
Lennon estate agents was for many years the site of the NatWest bank, but even before that it was the Pineapple Inn.
The shuggy boats were a popular attraction as shown here in the 1960's
The Land Lubber with the Mermaid cafe in the background.
A technology research centre today, this factory was once a clothing manufacturer.
The Ship Inn, Albert Street.
A technology research centre today, this factory was once a clothing manufacturer.
Front Street Bebside with the Bebside Inn on the left
The same view around 1900.
Front Street Bebside with the Bebside Inn on the left
Beaconsfield Street 2022 and the view around 1900 with the Empire cinema at the bottom on the left
Corner of Church Street and Waterloo Road showing the market public toilets and the Zion Methodist being demolished.
The Sand dunes looking towards the bandstand.
Two views of the Kings Head.
A rather nice corner in a pretty normal street in Cowpen.
Was the exact position of Red House Farm. The Percy Arms which was originally named The Red House was named after this farm.
A rather nice corner in a pretty normal street in Cowpen.
St Cuthberts Court near to the old police station.
Once the location of Blyth's main post office.
St Cuthberts Court near to the old police station.
The path leading to the footbridge over the Bella Heap.
Once the entrance to Isabella Colliery, The Bella Heap is in the background.
The path leading to the footbridge over the Bella Heap.
This Google Earth view of Bridge Street shows the Arriva bus garage which is itself earmarked for demolition.
Was the site of some of Blyth's finest houses. You would have been very well heeled to have lived in one of these.
This Google Earth view of Bridge Street shows the Arriva bus garage which is itself earmarked for demolition.
A view of Church Street in 2022.
The same view c1960's, Northumbria House is at the end of the road.
A view of Church Street in 2022.
Cowpen Road looking into the dip.
c1900 The Sidney Arms in on the left and Tweedy Street is behind, note this is the back of the side of Tweedy Street which has since been demolished.
Cowpen Road looking into the dip.
The smaller of the two High Street car parks. Currently being used as a store depot for the Bowes Street refurbishment.
in the 1960's terraced houses were on both sides of the street. High Street Social Club was located on one of the terraces until the area was cleared and a new club was built.
The smaller of the two High Street car parks. Currently being used as a store depot for the Bowes Street refurbishment.
Bowes Street looking from Wanley Street, in 2022 the street is being refurbished.
The view in the early 1950's. The large building in the centre of the photo are the gas works which were behind the bus station and Mecca bingo building.
Bowes Street looking from Wanley Street, in 2022 the street is being refurbished.
Church Street with Ebor house which housed the Argos store.
Until the early 1980's the site was occupied by a school.
Church Street with Ebor house which housed the Argos store.
These 1970's houses stand on Ridley Street. This view of the rear of the properties is taken from Bridge Street.
Until the 1960's the site of the Ridley Arms. This pub closed when the Seahorse opened on Plessey Road and was then demolished.
These 1970's houses stand on Ridley Street. This view of the rear of the properties is taken from Bridge Street.
Wensleydale Terrace in 2022.
The view around 1900, the railway bridge which carried freight to the harbour is on the right.
Wensleydale Terrace in 2022.
The top of the Market Place looking over Waterloo Road.
A crowd is gathered around Hedley's fountain looking on at the devastation of a huge fire in 1904.
The top of the Market Place looking over Waterloo Road.
The Eric Tolhurst Centre looking from the corner of Sussex Street. This building has had a very colourful history which will be looked at in more detail soon.
While being used as a plastics factory in the 1960's it was severely damaged by fire.
The Eric Tolhurst Centre looking from the corner of Sussex Street. This building has had a very colourful history which will be looked at in more detail soon.
Not a great deal has changed but the transport has moved on a little. Note the back entrance to the Globe and it's beer garden.
This bridge was a footway over the railway line which ran from Newsham into Blyth town centre.
The buildings on the left are situated next to Blyth Battery and were used to house POW's in world war two.
In the 1980's this plot of land was part of Kerry Close which is directly behind the grass. The houses proved so unpopular that they were demolished after around twenty years.
Prior to the housing development, the site was occupied by a large imposing church. One of Cowpen Quays main places of worship.
In the 1980's this plot of land was part of Kerry Close which is directly behind the grass. The houses proved so unpopular that they were demolished after around twenty years.
The corner of Trotter Street and Bridge Street.
The church is the Zion Methodist church and the building on the right is the Central Hall which was destroyed by fire in 1923 and was replaced by the Central cinema.
These shops were themselves replaced by a garage and car showroom before that in turn was demolished to make way for the present day housing.
This view will soon be replaced once again.
The Theatre Royal which stood behind the garage has already disappeared and both will soon be replaced by the Keel Row shopping centre.
This view will soon be replaced once again.
The upper floor is a hairdressers in both time periods although the name has changed once or twice.
One side of the road is almost gone, the street is soon to be replaced by 1960's flats.
One of Blyth's grandest houses is located in Middleton Street.
Built in 1889, the building has had many uses, once serving as an office for Blyth social services. Happily it has returned to the use it was intended for.
One of Blyth's grandest houses is located in Middleton Street.
The corner of Rosamond Place and Park Road.
The same location c1900 showing the milkman making his way through floods that have affected a large area of the town.
The corner of Rosamond Place and Park Road.
Regent Street in 2024.
Maynards confectionary shop and Woodhouse furniture showroom with Gallons squeezed between them. The railway station is in view on the far right.
Regent Street in 2024.
The new estate is nearing completion. These houses were cutting edge at the time with luxuries such as indoor plumbing.
The Buffalo community centre is on the left.
In this time period shops extend to this point on Regent Street. The large shed is a part of Blyth shipyard. The building on the right survives and was most recently the Reef Hotel.
The Buffalo community centre is on the left.
Herrons the jeweler is shown on the right.
The building on the left had many uses in it's life time, eventually becoming a wine bar. Wilsons chemist is in the centre of the photo, now used as a barber shop. Wright Street school is a little further along the road.
Herrons the jeweler is shown on the right.
Looking along the quayside from the corner of Quay Road.
Blyth was a major coal exporting port in the first half of the 20th century and these structures were used to load ships which came to be loaded with that coal.
Looking along the quayside from the corner of Quay Road.
A view of Cowpen Road in 2024 showing some grand old houses, one of which has been used as a dentists for many years.
A much quieter place to be in this time period. Cowpen is still a village in it's own right. The only traffic is the occasional horse and cart.
A view of Cowpen Road in 2024 showing some grand old houses, one of which has been used as a dentists for many years.
Front Street in Bebside. Construction work is underway on the right and the entrance to one of Blyth's new railway stations is under construction further down the road.
Around 1900 Bebside was a thriving mining village quite separate from Blyth. The stone cottages were cleared in the slum clearing program c1950's. Oddly, Bebside has a railway station in this time period, closed c1964
Demolition is underway.
Front Street in Bebside. Construction work is underway on the right and the entrance to one of Blyth's new railway stations is under construction further down the road.
The Enterprise centre and car park are on the left in 2024.
In the 1980's the car park is occupied by industrial units, The Dun Cow pub stands where the enterprise centre is now and is awaiting demolition.
The Enterprise centre and car park are on the left in 2024.
Looking in this direction down Regent Street it's hard to imagine what a busy shopping area it once was.
This image, from around 1900 shows a very different scene. Station Street is on the left and stood around the entrance to Morrisons car park.
Few of these building survive today, however Dixon and Baston and Heron the jewelers are in view on the right.
Looking in this direction down Regent Street it's hard to imagine what a busy shopping area it once was.
Coffee Republic and amusements has been empty for a number of years. The building has also been uses as a prize bingo in the past.
The building was originally the White Swan public house. This photo was taken in 1904 the morning after a huge fire had destroyed a large part of the street.
The White Swan is on the far right and as only just survived the devastation, although the upper floor has been badly damaged.
Coffee Republic and amusements has been empty for a number of years. The building has also been uses as a prize bingo in the past.
A very tired looking and often forgotten about little Street seen in 2024.
In the 1980's this shop held legendary status, the sandwiches they served were on another level. Photo by Eldred Routlege.
A very tired looking and often forgotten about little Street seen in 2024.
Looking towards the river, today this area is mostly vacant grass areas.
Even in this time period the buildings are falling into disrepair, the general dealers seems to have been abandoned for many years. The building on the right had been used as a dinner hall for a local school and then a wet fish sales room.
Looking towards the river, today this area is mostly vacant grass areas.
The Arriva bus depot in 2024. he road to the left has been closed for months for street improvement works. Some of the new paving has been relocated from the market place which is also being redeveloped.
The United bus depot which has recently relocated from Plessey Road.
The Arriva bus depot in 2024. he road to the left has been closed for months for street improvement works. Some of the new paving has been relocated from the market place which is also being redeveloped.
A modern office block which houses a number of small businesses as well as a part time police station.
These buildings were once used by a blacksmith and went onto have many uses. The site was once a part of the salt pans which was one of the first industries in Blyth.
A modern office block which houses a number of small businesses as well as a part time police station.
At the other end of Regent Street.
The Commercial Hotel with Burtons the tailors next door.
At the other end of Regent Street.
Looking East along Waterloo Road in 2024.
Probably around 1965, The Silver Library and Haxons clothing shop will be familiar with some of Blyth's older generations.
Looking East along Waterloo Road in 2024.
Wasteland behind the Newsham Hotel.
Once the site of the Miners Arms, shown in this newspaper article while it was being used by Newsham Boys club.
Wasteland behind the Newsham Hotel.
The corner of Ridley and Tate street.
In the early 1980's the site is occupied by a petrol station and garage. The police station is on the left with the back of the Steamboat building in the centre.
The corner of Ridley and Tate street.
The new housing on the left was built in 2022/23 and further down the street is the Commissioners Quay Hotel.
A Ford Anglia is parked outside where the new houses stand. The seven Stars pub and small row of houses are in view on the other side of the river, these were demolished in the 1980's.
The new housing on the left was built in 2022/23 and further down the street is the Commissioners Quay Hotel.
The corner of Cowpen Road and Tynedale Drive.
Until the 1960's this was the site of one of the many fine old houses Blyth has lost over the years.
The corner of Cowpen Road and Tynedale Drive.
The car sales forecourt and Coastline chippy in 2024.
The car showroom is being built as a filling station in the early 1960's. Link House on the right is being demolished. Yet another fine old building lost.
The car sales forecourt and Coastline chippy in 2024.
The Keel Row shopping centre is closed in March 2024 and awaiting demolition and the market place is being redeveloped with the building of the culture hub.
The view in the early 20th century. The large building centre, close to the bus station is the Central Methodist Church which was demolished to make way for the Keel Row.
The Keel Row shopping centre is closed in March 2024 and awaiting demolition and the market place is being redeveloped with the building of the culture hub.
The corner of Parsons Street and Bridge Street. Last occupied by Bruno's wine bar, this building was once Page's womens clothing shop and for many years was Universal building society.
The same corner in March 1905 after a huge fire had swept through the building. This building had to be demolished and the present structure replaced it
The corner of Parsons Street and Bridge Street. Last occupied by Bruno's wine bar, this building was once Page's womens clothing shop and for many years was Universal building society.
The current Central Methodist Church on the corner of Beaconsfield and Carlton Street.
The Empire cinema around 1925, opened in 1911 it had a short lifespan, closing in 1937 and demolished to make way for the Esoldo Cinema.
The current Central Methodist Church on the corner of Beaconsfield and Carlton Street.
Looking a little neglected in 2024.
A view in the 1960's, The dairy and house to the left were demolished not long after this photo was taken. The milk float driver wouldn't have been very popular that day.
Looking a little neglected in 2024.