There was a monastery in the area in 653 (believed to be on the site of St. Mary's Church). Town developed slowly during the Middle Ages. Several parish churches existed there by 1080.
In 1164 Gateshead received a borough charter from Hugh du Puiset, Bishop of Durham. The Battle of Gateshead Battles took place near to St.Mary's Church.
By 1246 there was a weekly market and a fair in the Town. Water was carried from pants (public water fountains) situated in places such as Oakwellgate, and Pipewellgate (Swing Bridge area). Early industries were farming, fishing, milling and coal mining (1344).
In the mid 16thC together with Whickham (3miles West) it was the most productive coal field in the country. While all the mills of Gateshead have disappeared, the remains of one windmill still standing in Chase Park, Whickham.
At the end of the Bridge is 'Bottle Bank' (once Botl (Viking)) Walk on Half Moon Lane, right of the Central Bar: on Half Moon Lane pass Mirk Lane site of old Tannery. Under the rail bridge: above once stood 'Gateshead East Railway Station'. Wellington Street turn right. See the stone arches of 'High Level Parade'. At Ali G’s stood the entrance to the railway station. On The High Level Bridge above runs the main East Coast Mainline. Before crossing/entering the bridge walkway, on the railway above, to the left, stands the disused 'Gateshead West' rail station. On the development site, once The Gateshead Railway Works (closed 1933) prior to which stood the ‘Brandling’ rail station.
To be continued...contributions welcome.