This is a fascinating illustrated history of a relatively modern county, one created from the boundary changes implemented in 1974 by the Local Government Act 1972. Tyne and Wear was created from the most populated areas of the Tyne and Wear valleys originally in Northumberland and County Durham, and this book provides a nostalgic look at the area's rich historical past and some of its most important historic sites.

The photographs are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique collection of over 12 million photographs, drawings, plans and documents covering England's archaeology, architecture, social and local history. Pictures date from the earliest days of photography to the present and cover subjects from Bronze Age burials and medieval churches to cinemas and seaside resorts.

'Historic England: Tyne and Wear' explores every part of the county from the shipbuilding of Sunderland and Newcastle to the coal-mining villages surrounding the larger towns, from the ports to the historic monasteries and castles. The region is steeped in Anglo-Saxon history with the influence of Bede, known as 'the father of English history', and his time at the monastery of St Paul at Jarrow. The later history of Tyne and Wear is one of industrial growth and innovative industrialists, involving the coal, rail, ship and the weapons industry. The county has its fair share of icons in the form of bridges or sculptures and has a strong identity based on the main cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, but at its heart are the two mighty rivers that are the lifeblood to its growth while creating a beautiful and stimulating place to explore. This book presents a different view of the North East and will enable you to uncover its vibrant and fascinating history.

Contributions by: Historic England