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People who live by the river or the sea are more conscious of their place in nature than those bred in a landlocked city. In this way the romanticism of the banks of the Tyne is embedded in the culture of the community, not simply rooted in nostalgia but has as its source Tyneside's deep heritage. The natural abundance that made the river worth fighting for, from Roman times for nearly 1800 years, was also the root of growth and invention. Each phase of the history of the river and its people has seen a rise and fall of energy and development that reflects this tidal river. After each period of development or disaster there has been a natural recovery and, while nothing is permanent, the river and man's ancient tracks appear to have a constant course.
This is echoed by urban growth which grew from small settlements by the banks of the river and were for centuries protected and enclosed by defensive walls to keep out invaders. The Romans, Saxons, Vikings, Normans and Scots each made their mark and fought for the river and its assets. Newcastle grew as a Royal protectorate, a border City, but closer to Europe by sea than London and proud of its independent rights of trade and industry. For centuries the order of things evolved; trade in coal, salt, shipbuilding, iron and glass grew but not dramatically; but once the English wars with the Scots and the French were over a new era of ambition was released. The demand for coal, transport and ships accelerated the need to mechanise industry and exploit the power of steam.
next - the industrial age and - post war to the future Exhibition - 16th April - 8th May at Newcastle Arts Centre 2010
Text and Pictures ©:
Mike Tilley 2010 |
