A 1995 photograph of Tilley's restaurant at the junction of Westgate Road and Thornton Street. The view is of the side of Tilley's on Thornton Street. To the left are the exits for the Stalls and Gallery of the Tyne Theatre.A 1995 photograph of Tilley's restaurant at the junction of Westgate Road and Thornton Street. The view is of the side of Tilley's on Thornton Street. To the left are the exits for the Stalls and Gallery of the Tyne Theatre.
A 1995 photograph of Tilley's restaurant at the junction of Westgate Road and Thornton Street. The view is of the side of Tilley's on Thornton Street. To the left are the exits for the Stalls and Gallery of the Tyne Theatre. | NL

Take a look at these 33 retro photos of Westgate Road down the years

Jason Button
By Jason Button

Search and Trends Writer

Published 29th Jul 2024, 06:00 BST
Updated 29th Jul 2024, 15:39 BST

Let's look at Newcastle's past through these historic photos of Westgate Road.

Westgate Road got its name from the old Town Walls; the West Gate was one of the main entrances into Newcastle in Medieval times.

It's one of the city's central roads, starting near the Castle Keep and stretching out to the West End of Newcastle.

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It forms part of the A187, running through the Big Lamp, Summerhill and Arthur's Hill areas, continuing on to Benwell and Fenham where it becomes West Road.

There are many notable landmarks on Westgate Road, including Neville Hall, The Lit & Phil, Union Rooms, George Stephenson Monument, St John's Church, NX , and Tyne Theatre. So let's look through these incredible 33 photos depicting Westgate Road's past and development.

Let us know what you recognise.

A view of the Stoll cinema Westgate Road Newcastle upon Tyne taken in 1934. The photograph shows people queuing outside the Stoll to see the film 'Damaged Lives'. The 'Brandy Vaults' pub is to the left of the Stoll. 'Damaged Lives' was a film about the effects of V.D.

1. 1935

A view of the Stoll cinema Westgate Road Newcastle upon Tyne taken in 1934. The photograph shows people queuing outside the Stoll to see the film 'Damaged Lives'. The 'Brandy Vaults' pub is to the left of the Stoll. 'Damaged Lives' was a film about the effects of V.D. | NL Photo: Newcastle Libraries

A view of the bottom of Westgate Road the photograph is taken near to its junction with St. Nicholas' street. The building on the left hand side is the Parcels Depot . Various advertising hordings can be seen on the wall to the right these include posters promoting Oxo and the Royal Navy Collection

2. 1950

A view of the bottom of Westgate Road the photograph is taken near to its junction with St. Nicholas' street. The building on the left hand side is the Parcels Depot . Various advertising hordings can be seen on the wall to the right these include posters promoting Oxo and the Royal Navy Collection | NL Photo: Newcastle Libraries

The photo appears to have been taken from the bottom of Westgate Road (in front of the Lit & Phil Library). Westgate Road continues to the right of the picture and Neville Street is to the left.

3. After 1962

The photo appears to have been taken from the bottom of Westgate Road (in front of the Lit & Phil Library). Westgate Road continues to the right of the picture and Neville Street is to the left. | NL Photo: Newcastle Libraries

The photograph shows a view along Westgate Road. a tram is travelling along lines.

4. 1912

The photograph shows a view along Westgate Road. a tram is travelling along lines. | NL Photo: Newcastle Libraries

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