Blaydon Burn Nature Reserve :: Shared Description

From the C19th industrial development expanded rapidly along the Blaydon Burn to include a number of industries related to the processing of coal. The supply of cheap local fuel and good transport links led to the development of coke works, steelworks, iron foundries and brickworks making Blaydon Burn one of the most industrialised parts of the region.

Sir Joseph Cowen (1800-1873) and his son, also Joseph (1829-1900) made their money manufacturing bricks and clay products in the Blaydon Burn yards LinkExternal link

Joseph Cowen, the elder, was a leading advocate of parliamentary reform and was Liberal MP for Newcastle from 1865-1873. Joseph Cowen junior NZ2464 : Cross House, Westgate Road was MP for Newcastle 1873-1886, and because of a reputation for plain speaking was given the nickname ‘The Cowen Brick’ NZ1763 : Cowen firebrick and iron slag, Blaydon Burn

Large areas of former industrial activity were reclaimed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with some subsequent landscaping. A footpath and cycleway runs through the valley, approximately following the course of the former Blaydon Burn Waggonway. Today, the remnants of the area's industrial history can still be seen in the 108 different stone and brick-built features which are scattered throughout the area of the heavily wooded nature reserve. The remains and historical records make Blaydon Burn one of the most important sites for the study of industrial archaeology in the north east.

Impoverished grassland managed for wild flowers, wetlands and mature trees in small areas of ancient woodland make the valley an important area for wildlife. Butterfly species included the rarities: White Letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak and Dingy Skipper.

Gateshead Council began the three year long Blaydon Burn Project in 2007 to conserve, improve and promote Blaydon Burn for people and wildlife.

Whickham Area News: LinkExternal link
Blaydon Burn Trail leaflet: LinkExternal link
Blaydon Burn Industrial Landscape Assessment: LinkExternal link
Roly Veitch's Website: LinkExternal link
Joseph Cowen by Brickfrog: LinkExternal link
The Flipside of Regeneration: LinkExternal link Archive LinkExternal link
by Andrew Curtis
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34 images use this description. Preview sample shown below:

NZ1662 : West exit from Blaydon Burn Nature Reserve by Andrew Curtis
NZ1763 : Remains of vaulted ovens near Massey's Forge by Andrew Curtis
NZ1763 : Former entrance to Edward Pit and Tar Tunnel by Andrew Curtis
NZ1662 : Retaining wall and ruined building, Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1763 : 'Lily' bricks, Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1763 : Summerhill from the south by Andrew Curtis
NZ1763 : Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1763 : Electricity Substation south of Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1863 : Field west of Blaydon by Andrew Curtis
NZ1762 : Detail of former reservoir wall, Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1762 : Pathway below Valley Crescent, Winlaton by Andrew Curtis
NZ1763 : Road bridge over Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1762 : Retaining wall and remains of Coal Drops, Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1763 : Reclaimed industrial land above Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1662 : Blaydon Burn Waggonway by Andrew Curtis
NZ1763 : Site of Massey's Forge, Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1863 : Bridges over the lower Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1763 : Waterfall at Massey's Forge dam by Andrew Curtis
NZ1762 : Blaydon Burn valley by Andrew Curtis
NZ1863 : Blaydon Burn from road bridge by Andrew Curtis
NZ1762 : Steps on east side of Blaydon Burn valley by Andrew Curtis
NZ1762 : Bridge over Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1763 : Site of Massey's Forge, Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1763 : Hobby's Mill Pond, Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis
NZ1762 : Bessie Pit Drift Mine Entrance, Blaydon Burn by Andrew Curtis

... and 9 more images.

These Shared Descriptions are common to multiple images. For example, you can create a generic description for an object shown in a photo, and reuse the description on all photos of the object. All descriptions are public and shared between contributors, i.e. you can reuse a description created by others, just as they can use yours.
Created: Tue, 21 Feb 2012, Updated: Sat, 8 May 2021

The 'Shared Description' text on this page is Copyright 2012 Andrew Curtis, however it is specifically licensed so that contributors can reuse it on their own images without restriction.

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