FEBRUARY 8TH, 2010
By ADMINISTRATOR

Gateshead

Nursing Homes near Gateshead

Tyne and Wear

Approximate Population: 78,403

Located on the southern bank of the River Tyne, little is known about the origins of Gateshead. Always overshadowed by Newcastle, it is thought to have been a minor settlement of little importance, probably a base camp which grew around the gates to the main fort on the southern side of the bridge built by the Romans. Real growth appears not to have started until the establishment of the Norman Bishops of Durham in 1072, when much of the local forestry was used as a hunting reserve. In the Boldon Book survey of 1183, Gateshead is listed as having watermills, salmon fisheries and bake-houses, no longer completely dependent on agriculture.

By the late 12th century, shipbuilding and dyeing are mentioned with the first market recorded in 1246. The land was leased from the bishops and the manors of Whickham and Gateshead became known as the best coal mining areas in Europe, to the envy of Newcastle merchants. Throughout the Middle Ages, wealthy merchants from Newcastle tried to take control to benefit from increasing trade and the bishops of Durham struggled to keep it.

John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland tried to take over in 1553, thwarted when Edward died and Mary became Queen. The coalmines were leased to Newcastle and the town enjoyed some prosperity although the coalmines were exploited and surrounding land suffered. The Industrial Revolution revived the town, adding steel and locomotive works, power stations and foundries and the population grew rapidly.