High Street

Once Gateshead's main street, the High Street has suffered from a lack of development in recent years. The northern end was demolished to make way for the Tyne Bridge, and other parts have disappeared under road junctions and flyovers. What remains, particularly at the southern end are shabby, boarded up buildings. The High Street was once renowned for the number of pubs along its length (27 are listed in the 1895 edition of Ward's directory). The pictures on this page constitute a trip from north to south along the road.


High Street

Looking South. Photographed 19th February 2001



High Street

Photographed 19th February 2001



High Street

Photographed 19th February 2001



High Street

Photographed 19th February 2001



The Metropole

Originally the pub was part of part of a much larger building which constituted the Metropole Theatre. In 1919 it became the Scala Cinema. This closed in 1956, and was demolished in 1960 apart from the pub. Photographed 19th February 2001



High Street

Looking South. Photographed 19th February 2001



High Street

Photographed 19th February 2001



High Street

Photographed 19th February 2001



William IV

Photographed 19th February 2001



High Street

Looking South. Photographed 19th February 2001



Ye Olde Fleece

Photographed 19th February 2001



High Street

Many of the old buildings on the High Street are in a poor state of repair, and look shabby. Photographed 19th February 2001



Former Regal Cinema

Opened in 1937 as Black's Regal Cinema, this was renamed the Odeon in 1949. After closing in 1975 it became the Top Rank Bingo Club. For a number of years it has been closed and boarded up. Photographed 19th February 2001



Former Regal Cinema

Photographed 19th February 2001



High Street

Looking North. Photographed 19th February 2001



High Street

Photographed 19th February 2001



Blue Bell

Photographed 19th February 2001



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