Old Images of Barnard Castle, County Durham

Old picture of Barnard Castle in County Durham, published 1800

Enjoy a glimpse of history through old images of Barnard Castle, in County Durham, England, UK.

View from Bridgegate 1857

Barnard Castle from Bridgegate 1857
Monograph showing Barnard Castle from Bridgegate, from page 56 of “The Visitor’s Guide to Raby Castle, Barnard Castle, and the neighbourhood. By F. M. L. With illustrations on steel and wood” published in 1857, in the British Library archives

Old Photos of Barnard Castle

A lovely collection of old black and white photos showing the market town across different decades and from a variety of locations.

Barnard Castle Old Photographs – myteesdale on YouTube

The next video mixed old pictures, old photos, and more modern images to give an impression of change through time. There’s some nice labelling of locations and years too.

Barnard Castle Co Durham video Colin C – COLIN C. THE GEORDIE HISTORIAN on YouTube


North Eastern Cyclists Meet 1929

The title card of this silent black and white newsreel states:

North Eastern Cyclists Parade

Huge crowds enjoy revelry at the Jubilee Meet at “Barney”

Along with the cars and bicycles, there’s a wonderful horse and carriage too.

The final shot is a crowd of men posing in their costumes, including quite a few dressed as Arabs.

N. E. Cyclists Parade (1929) – British Pathé on YouTube


Barney Carnival 1938

According to the commentary, the North Easter Cyclists Meet was known as the Barney Carnival.

In 1938, it was the 59th North Eastern Cyclists Meet.

Children and adults dressed up for the parade, a man walked along with two lifesize puppets attached to him, a skipper wears a homemade version of a fat suit, and a young man in drag does a peculiar dance while holding a plate in each hand.

There are quite a few clear shots of spectators, albeit in the background.

Cyclists Meet At Barnard Castle (1938) – British Pathé on YouTube


Barnard Castle Meet Parade 1978

Originally filmed on Super 8mm from the front of Stoneleigh Home (now Charles Dickens Lodge), this footage captures a lovely sunny day in May 1978 as the long parade went past.

Barnard Castle Meet Parade 1978 – Adrian Carter on YouTube


Old Barnardians Video

The commentary of this film was written in 1995 by Alan Wilkinson, who was a pupil 1937-1944 and a master 1952-1988.

The introduction is given by Frank McNamara, the Headmaster 1980-1997.

Towards the end of the hour long video, commentary is provided by Gerry Camozzi, a pupil 1949-1957 and Vice President of the Old Barnardians.

The video centres on the footage made in 1947 and 1948 by several masters, including Mr RY Kynaston, Charles Hardy and Arnold Snodgrass.

Barnard Castle School Revisited – 1940’s to 1990’s – Old Barnardians on YouTube


The Post Office Directory of Durham and Northumberland

by Kelly and Company

Published in 1879


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