Tyne history unearthed
Local Democracy Reporter
THE remains of buildings that stood on the banks of the Tyne hundreds of years ago have been unearthed at the site of a major housing development.
Work is currently under way to transform Brett Wharf, near the Swing Bridge, with a range of 269 one and two-bedroom apartments, and office space.
This means the Brett Oils depot, which closed in 2004, has been flattened to make way for two apartment blocks.
Now, Durham University archaeologists working on the site have unearthed the remains of buildings dating back as far as the 17th century.
Peter Carne, manager of Durham University Archaeological Services, said among the discovery was the remains of an iron foundry and glassworks.
He said: “Archaeologists have been examining the remains of some of the old industrial buildings along the riverbank at Pipewellgate, Gateshead.
“In the 19th century, the riverside was the heartland of Gateshead thriving industries.
“The remains of an iron foundry and glass works have been found; several of these were known to have been spread throughout the area. In the middle of the 19th century glass making employed around 500 people in Gateshead.”
But that wasn’t the only thing discovered as archaeologists dug further back into time.
He continued: “Beneath the foundations of these factories are the remains of earlier buildings, dating back into the 17th and 18th centuries.
“Uncovering the stone walls and cobbled paths of these structures has shown that the area was densely packed with buildings all along this part of the riverbank.
“The buildings were probably rebuilt from time to time when the area was flooded.
“People lived and worked in this area before the big factories were built, probably since the medieval period, engaged in all sorts of small scale-industries and occupations, reflected in the small buildings uncovered, separated by alleyways leading from the street down to the river.
“The development of the site has given us the opportunity to learn more about Gateshead’s rich industrial past.”
Gary Forrest, chairman of the High Street Group, added: “We knew the site had some historical significance and have teamed up with Durham University to undertake a project to see what lays underneath.
“The remains that have been uncovered on the site are a reminder of the vibrant industrial heritage of the area.
“Through the Brett Wharf development we will be recreating this heritage, establishing a new community on Gateshead’s quayside overlooking the river.”