Eileen Burnett – författare

The coastal town of South Shields, lying on the south of the mouth of the River Tyne, grew massively during the Industrial Revolution. Industries such as coal mining, alkaline production and glass making generated wealth and brought in many people. By the twentieth century the town was also known for shipbuilding, but in recent years the landscape has changed markedly with the closure of many heavy industries and the move to more service-based commercial development. Areas of the town that had been destroyed by bombing during the Second World War or left empty by departing industries have been regenerated and the town is now a popular tourist destination. Lost South Shields presents a portrait of this corner of north-east England over the last century to recent decades that has radically changed or disappeared today, showing not only industries and buildings that have gone but also people and street scenes, many popular places of entertainment and much more. This fascinating photographic history of lost South Shields will appeal to all those who live in the area or know it well, as well as those who remember it from previous decades.

The 1950s proved to be a period of great change in South Shields, when residents were beginning to put their lives back together after the Second World War. New housing estates and factories were built, bringing increased prosperity to the area. The decade also brought rock ‘n’ roll and late nights out on the town, allowing young people to experience the new nightclubs opening up in the area. Now a time of nostalgia, it was a period when people began looking forwards to the future, not back at the horrors of war, to kick up their heels and have fun.In South Shields in the 1950s, local author Eileen Burnett explores this significant period in the area’s history and brings it to life. The book contains evocative images that will transport the reader back to these joyful, progressive years.

North Shields and Tynemouth, historically united, lie on the north bank of the River Tyne. North Shields grew up as a fishing port serving the Priory of Tynemouth on the headland. As other industries moved into North Shields, particularly shipbuilding, the town expanded from its site along the riverbank to accommodate the workers, absorbing villages nearby. Latterly, much of the town, including its historic quayside area, has been regenerated. Nearby Tynemouth remained smaller and today attracts many visitors to its beaches and historical landmarks, particularly the castle and priory.In North Shields & Tynemouth Pubs, author Eileen Burnett takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the towns’ watering holes. Many of the pubs have retained features and traditions of previous ages, and she reveals the variety of North Shields’ and Tynemouth’s pubs, including the characters that have frequented or run the public houses over the years. Brimming with quirky tales and fascinating facts, this carefully crafted guide initiates readers into the history of North Shields’ and Tynemouth’s pubs.