Memories right up our city Street
OUR striking image of Newcastle’s Grainger Street takes us back to one of the most pivotal years in our history – 1914.
The Great War was ready to ignite, sparking four years of industrialised carnage as the great powers of Europe, as well as Russia and, later on, the United States settled their scores.
Here on Grainger Street, 106 years ago, everything looks peaceful as well-dressed shoppers go about their business in a location that has barely changed since then.
In the distance is the reassuring presence of Grey’s Monument, at the time a relative spring chicken at only 76 years old, while the shiny new Central Arcade, centre right, had been there for little more than a decade, having had a major overhaul after the previous Central Arcade was destroyed by fire.
On the left, the famous Isaac Walton clothing store had traded on Grainger Street since 1887, while the indoor Grainger Market itself with entrances, again on the left, dated back to 1835.
How many folk back in 1914 might have enjoyed a civilised lunch at the Pineapple Grill, on the left, then crossed the road – avoiding the trams and newfangled motor cars – to take in a silent film at the Grainger Picture House?
Grainger Street itself was built in the 1830s and was named after the visionary builder and businessman Richard Grainger.
Working alongside the architect John Dobson, it has been written of Grainger that he “found Newcastle of bricks and timber and left it in stone.”
Grainger Street runs from Grey’s Monument down to Neville Street and Newcastle Central Station.
The section of the street that runs from the Bigg Market/Newgate Street to Neville Street was not completed until 1868. It had been little more than a narrow alley before then.
The bottom of the street is home to the Church of St John the Baptist, which dates from 1287.
As Newcastle has transformed and expanded around it, the church has remained an oasis of tranquillity.