Old Images of Killingworth, North Tyneside

Glimpse history through old images of Killingworth, in North Tyneside, North East England.

During the Victorian era, settlement in the immediate area centred around the West Moor Colliery, and the beautiful stone homes in Killingworth Village.

Coal Mining at Killingworth

Coal mining was one of the major industries of North East England for about 150 years, and the region powered much of the Industrial Revolution.

West Moor Pit Killingworth c1850 — West Moor Pit Killingworth, c.1850; photo from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

Killingworth Colliery c1850 — Killingworth Colliery c.1850; photo from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

George Stephenson’s Cottage

There is a National Trust property at Wylam called George Stephenson’s Cottage, but not many realise that not too far away is a home near Killingworth where the world famous inventor and engineer lived at a different stage in his life.

George Stephenson had designed the Locomotive Number 2 for the waggonway between Killingworth High Colliery and the Tyne, where the black coal would be loaded onto ships at the staithes, ready for export to other parts of the UK and beyond.

Killingworth Locomotive Number 2; image from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

George Stephenson's Cottage, Killingworth, 1895 — George Stephenson’s Cottage, Killingworth, 1895; photo from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

George Stephenson's Cottage Killingworth c.1910 — George Stephenson’s Cottage, Killingworth, c.1910; photo from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

Killingworth Village

Killingworth Railway Station Crossing c.1900; photo from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

Closeup of old photo of Killingworth Village c.1905; original from Newcasle Libraries’ Collection

St John's Church Killingworth c.1905 — St John’s Church Killingworth, c.1905; photo from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

The 1960s New Town

When the site of Killingworth Village was greatly expanded as a Planned Town, or New Town, it was originally called Killingworth Township.

One mile south east of the Northumberland border, the town has easy access to the countryside, Newcastle City Centre, and the office and industrial estates of North Tyneside.

The town’s lake was created in 1964, during the reclamation of the derelict site of Killingworth Colliery. It’s a popular location for fishing, sailing, or just a pleasant walk.

Killingworth’s award winning brutal architecture was less well received, and later developments stuck to more traditional styles.

Killingworth towers and lake, Aug 1969 — Killingworth towers and lake, August 1969; photo from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

Horns of Minos Norgas House Killingworth 1969 — Horns of Minos, Norgas House, Killingworth, 1969; photo from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

Ryder and Yates Ltd Killingworth Trading Estate Killingworth North Tyneside 1969 — Ryder and Yates Ltd, Killingworth Trading Estate, Killingworth, North Tyneside, 1969; photo from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

Williamson, Faulkner Brown and partners, Dobson House, Killingworth, Aug 1969 — Williamson, Faulkner Brown and partners, Dobson House, Killingworth, August 1969; photo from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

Killingworth Lake; photo from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

Lion Brush Works company 1969 — Lion Brush Works company, 1969; photo from the Newcastle Libraries’ Collection

The Post Office Directory of Durham and Northumberland

by Kelly and Company

Published in 1879

The extract shown below from a book published in 1879 tells us about some of the people, places and history connected with the following settlements and areas of this part of Northumberland:

Kilingworth

Killingworth Colliery
Dudley, North Tyneside
Benton Square

Annitsford
Hazlerigg
Weetslade

Seaton Burn
Wideopen

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About the author

Hi, I’m Debbie. I’ve enjoyed books, films, and documentaries about history for more than 30 years. My favourite trips with friends and family are to museums, historic houses, archaeological sites, and I love unearthing old photos and archive film bringing history to life.