Evolution of a 'pretty' street to shopping hub

THIS was Newcastle's main thoroughfare, Northumberland Street, as it was on a bustling shopping day in 1980. On the lampposts, we see signs marking the city's 900th anniversary celebrations - the 'New castle' having been founded in 1080 by Robert Curthose, eldest son of William the Conqueror.

- By DAVID MORTON

There would be a series of events and displays held across Newcastle throughout the year. On the left, we see two of the city centre's retail heavyweights, Fenwick and Marks & Spencer.

They remain present and correct in 2025. On the other side of the street, however, are once-popular stores and household retail names which have disappeared over the last 45 years - Littlewoods, Callers, C & A, and Jackson the Tailor.

Much further back in time, in the mid 18th century, the street was described as featuring "very pretty houses standing in the middle of gardens and shady fields". But by the beginning of the 19th century, the old houses were "rapidly becoming shops", it was reported.