Looking back down the track
THE second half of the 19th century saw the railway system spread across Britain like wildfire.
Tynemouth station opened in 1882, paving the way for thousands of day trippers and holidaymakers who flocked to the fine beaches. Today as a busy commuter stop, it operates as a Metro station, with its ornate Victorian ironwork canopies having helped earn it Grade Ii-listed status.
Our image shows the interior of the station with its striking dual staircases and glass roof as it was 45 years ago in August 1977, three years before it became one of the first stops to be used on the new Tyne and Wear Metro. Local historian Charlie Steel, who specialises in the history of North Tyneside, has written about the station.
He points out Tynemouth over
time has been home to five stations – including three specialising in freight. The first passenger station opened in the town’s Oxford Street in 1847, remaining in use solely as a goods yard until 1959.
The current station, built to a design by William Bell, the chief architect of the North Eastern Railway, began operating just over 140 years ago in July 1882.
The external facade of the station on Station Road was built into three blocks with a glazed central awning.
Tynemouth station was awarded Grade Ii-listed status in 1978 and in 1987 a voluntary group, Friends of Tynemouth Station, was formed.
On Saturdays and Sundays, thousands flock to the station, which becomes home to a bustling market, while a popular craft bar called Platform 2 also operates there.