Northumberland Street encompasses much of Newcastle's retail history. Created in the 19th Century, it was originally called 'Bath Road' as it led to the old Northumberland Baths opened in 1839 (replaced in 1928.)
Fenwick department store first opened on the street in 1882 and to this day remains a flagship site for both Newcastle retail and the company. Fenwick now incorporates no.45 Northumberland Street, which is the street's oldest surviving building.
In the 1930s large shops took over the street. British Home Stores (now Primark) was built in the 60s replacing a 1931 Art Deco block
Northumberland Street was once a part of the A1, connecting London to Edinburgh, however was pedestrianised completely in 1999. Until then, the northern section remained open to traffic and was a busy bus route. This led to the shops in this section being less popular to shoppers.
So let's have a look at Northumberland Street's past. Here are 17 incredible photos depicting the street's history through the decades.
1. 1970s
Photo: Laszlo Torday/Newcastle Libraries
2. 1980
Photo: Newcastle Libraries
3. 1989
A view of Fenwick Ltd Northumberland Street Newcastle upon Tyne taken in 1898. The photograph shows crowds outside Fenwick's for the great summer sale. Photo: Newcastle Libraries
4. 2020
In the midst of lockdown. Photo: Newcastle Libraries