One of the first things I do when researching a new project is to do some reading and web browsing. Structuring investigations is important so that research is informed and fruitful. Gateshead Heritage located in St Mary’s old church, high above the River Tyne close to The Sage Gateshead was a good starting point a few months ago. The airy spacious building (its interior has been completely stripped out to return it as far as possible to its original state) houses an exhibition about Gateshead and its history, and a reference section of books and publications (including family history section which focuses on the church and the nearby area). Gateshead Heritage runs a programme of exhibitions/activities, and I met Anthea Lang the Local History & Heritage Manager who gave me a short guided tour of the old church and its resources. Browsing a number of books on Gateshead’s architecture, industry, cultural, natural and social history then provided the background information which enabled meaningful web investigations.

An initial Google search for Gateshead reveals the first page full of ‘official’ links – the Council, Sage, Metro Centre, Gateshead FC, as well as a Wikipedia entry. Of course these are useful starting points – info on public spaces parks events etc… but its often ploughing though the following pages that reveal hidden gems or obscurities – the local historian sites, (Wardley Colliery, Gateshead Times, for example). Another really useful port of call is ebay – I’m interested in objects, images and souvenirs so this auction site can often unearth the unexpected. Informed browsing is the most fruitful – just entering ‘Gateshead’ in ebay reveals postcards and memorabilia (lots of pics of buses), but doesn’t usually bring up the ceramics, glass and other artefacts created in Gateshead – for these to appear ou need to know that the glass was made by Davidson, or Sowerby, and the pottery at Sherriff Hill.

Anyway here are a list of some web links to do with Gateshead – its varied history, photostreams….

‘Official’ sites’ and more to follow another day….

Wardley Colliery
Gateshead Times
Pelaw Photos
Dave Webster’s Bill Quay and Pelaw
Gateshead Photos
Gateshead Pubs