A view of the exterior of Fenwick's Blackett Street Newcastle upon Tyne taken in 1932. There is a large illuminated sign on the exterior 'We'll See Fenwick's First'. There is a lane to the right of Fenwick's with Emmerson Chambers on the opposite side. A view of the exterior of Fenwick's Blackett Street Newcastle upon Tyne taken in 1932. There is a large illuminated sign on the exterior 'We'll See Fenwick's First'. There is a lane to the right of Fenwick's with Emmerson Chambers on the opposite side.
A view of the exterior of Fenwick's Blackett Street Newcastle upon Tyne taken in 1932. There is a large illuminated sign on the exterior 'We'll See Fenwick's First'. There is a lane to the right of Fenwick's with Emmerson Chambers on the opposite side.

17 retro photos of Blackett Street in Newcastle through the decades

By Evie Lake
Published 7th Jan 2024, 06:00 BST

Let's look at Blackett Street's past through these 17 photographs.

Blackett Street follows the line of the lane that ran outside Newcastle's Town Wall between its New Gate and Pilgrim Gate.

With the wall removed in the 18th Century, the street was then developed by Richard Grainger in 1824 and named after John Erasmus Blackett (1728-1814) a former Newcastle mayor.

The street which runs through the city centre boasts some of Newcastle's most beautiful and historic buildings- including Emmerson Chambers (now Waterstones) which was built in 1903.

Connecting the city to the likes of Northumberland Street, Grey Street and St James' Park and lined with shops, restaurants and bars, Blackett Street is one of the busiest streets in Newcastle.

But what did it used to look like?

Here are 17 photos spanning a hundred years. See what you can recognise.

The street which runs through the city centre boasts some of Newcastle's most beautiful and historic buildings- including Emmerson Chambers (now Waterstones) which was built in 1903.

A photograph of Blackett Street Newcastle upon Tyne taken c.1903. The view is looking down Blackett Street from the junction with Grey Street.

5. 1903

A photograph of Blackett Street Newcastle upon Tyne taken c.1903. The view is looking down Blackett Street from the junction with Grey Street. Photo: Newcastle Libraries

A view of Blackett Street taken c.1948. The photograph has been taken from the middle of the road looking down Blackett Street to New Bridge Street.

6. 1948

A view of Blackett Street taken c.1948. The photograph has been taken from the middle of the road looking down Blackett Street to New Bridge Street. Photo: Newcastle Libraries

7. 1960s

Photo: Torday/Newcastle Libraries

A view of Blackett Street taken in 1901. The photograph shows the laying of electric tram lines at the junction of Blackett Street and Grainger Street. In the centre left is 'The Royal Photographic Co.' building with 'J.R. Bone'.

8. 1901

A view of Blackett Street taken in 1901. The photograph shows the laying of electric tram lines at the junction of Blackett Street and Grainger Street. In the centre left is 'The Royal Photographic Co.' building with 'J.R. Bone'. Photo: Newcastle Libraries

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