How did Burnopfield get its name? One theory is that it is a combination of Saxon and Scandinavian words: `burn' - a Saxon word for a small stream; `hope' - a Scandinavian word shortened to `op', meaning the head of a dene; and `field' - from the

The Dunston riverside was once a hive of activity, with lots of ships waiting at the river mouth to be loaded with coal from the Keel boats as early as 1671. The Keel men had to be strong, as the Keel boats carried 20 tons of coal with just a square

The Hobson Colliery c1900 December 1849 saw the beginning of a short but very bitter dispute between the owners of Marley Hill colliery and their workmen over low wages. The men were only able to earn between two shillings and sixpence, and three

A HISTORY OF THE TYNE BRIDGES c1250 to 1876 When the wooden built Norman bridge was destroyed by fire in the year 1248, it was essential that it was replaced as quickly as possible. The Officials of Newcastle Corporation and the Bishop of Durham

OLD SUNNISIDE. The layout consisted of 9 houses, then, 'Prospect House' with it's walled garden. The other 5 houses were set around a square, there was also a cottage. The street of houses was surrounded by gardens, very pretty and pleasant, they

BORN:14th FEBRUARY 1909 DIED: 25th JULY 1982 Life begins for all of us in many varied ways, mine began at High Row (pictured above). This was a one street place, one could hardly call it a village, as there was no church or pub, and only a small shop

Our villages sprung up largely because of the proximity of the coal mines. The miners were a close band of brothers whilst working underground and also in the community with their families. They became proud Trade Unionists, members of The National