Nineteenth Century
Fire!
The Great Fire of Newcastle and
Gateshead began on the Gateshead Quayside in Oct.1854 and an explosion spread
fire across the river to Newcastle. 53 were killed : 800 families homeless and destitute.
Later Newcastle organised
a fire service making fire cover available to all.
Security
Newcastle
had suffered workers Riots and high crime. Policing was done by soldiers.
Early 19 century a group of around 30 men were appointed to walk the town
during the night. In 1836 a Police Force
was established in Newcastle. With
The River Tyne Police being
formed in 1845.
Building Development
In the late 18th early 19th century new buildings were to be seen everywhere. New houses, shops, schools, theatres,
river bridges, public houses, markets, arcades and
a railway station.
Theatre Royal. Grey Street.
Blackett Street, Eldon Square, The Royal and
Central
Arcade were all built.
Transport
In the late 19th century the whole town had a horse drawn tram network. The early 20th century saw the horse being replaced by electric trams. Trams which ran from West to East some 7miles. As well as the introduction of the new electrified coastal railway.
Poverty
19th Century. The population increased from 28,000 in 1801 to over 215,000 a
century later. People moved in to fill jobs. The Town was not prepared for this
mass influx. The rich merchants, moved either ‘up Town, or out of the old Town
Walled area. Leaving family mansions in areas like the
Quayside for poor
families. Families moved in into small cramped filthy conditions. Disease was
inevitable due to poor food, water and sanitation. Parliament, in 20th century
finally improved conditions. New housing estates were built outside the old
town.
In 1882 Newcastle was awarded City Status.
