We had a good turn out, to the extent that there were customers lined up in the cafe because we had taken up a few of the seats, it was exceptionally busy because it was half term. Val gave us a little talk on Steel in the North East and you can read about this below, it was full of local knowledge and well researched also Val has exceptionally good hand writing, a lost art these days.
The early Iron and Steel Industry in the North East
By Val Coleman
The various iron and steel industries of North East England
have sometimes been of national and occasionally international standing.
The medieval period has not been fully researched but what
industries there were seems to have been charcoal charged, water powered and
not very long lived.
There were however, some internationally renounced 18
Century iron working enterprises in the region not dependant on local ores but
on imports from Sweden, Russia and America. Most especially in the Derwent Valley
where the imported irons were reworked to produce manufactured goods or
converted into steel.
The cutlers of Sheffield were pleased to import what they referred
to as Newcastle Steel and by 1740 Tyneside had six furnaces whereas Sheffield
had only two and Birmingham three. The most famous of the Derwent Valley enterprises was
Ambrose Crowley established in 1690’s and described in 1770 as the greatest of
its kind in Europe. The Crowley Works were unique in having a written
constitution known as the Law Book very much ahead of its time in that an
insurance scheme was set up to pay for social services to which both employee
and employee contributed. The scheme provided benefits for employees during
sickness, unemployment, old age and to families in the event of death. There
was a doctor and a school and in the event of disputes over wages and
conditions an arbitration court settled matters. Housing for workers and their families
was provided in Winlaton. The Law book not only governed working practises but
social order both in and outside hours of work. Mr. Crowley did not approve of
drinking strong liquor before dinner. In
this it is foreshadowed the efforts of Robert Owen by more than a century.
In 1747 George Hawkes established works in the Baltic Saltmeadows
area of Gateshead. They were the main contractors for the High Level Bridge. In
1797 the Tyne Iron Company was established in Lemmington. It was the first integrated
iron works in that it smelted iron ore and converted the pig iron into wrought
iron.
In 1809 Losh, Wilson and Bell founded works in Walker and in
the Close in Newcastle. They provided the casings in the approaches carrying
the railway onto the bridge. They were pioneers in the construction of steam
engines and colliery pumping engines.
In 1836 Abbots of Gateshead (established in 1700’s) developed
the Park Works (sage). They supplied the main rib for the High Level Bridge.
The site featured two large foundries that could produce castings ranging from
a few ounces to 30 tons, in 1900 they employed 2000 people.
In 1810 John Spence was making engineers files and springs
in the Fighting Cock Yard in the Bigg Market.
In 1822 he opens a steel works Newburn and by 1900 employed 1800 workers. They made the steel plates for the Mauritania.
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| These large metal files were made by John Spence and son Newburn |
In 1822 he opens a steel works Newburn and by 1900 employed 1800 workers. They made the steel plates for the Mauritania.
 |
| The picture shows the Newburn Steel Works in their heyday in 1920. (Pic - BYGONE Newburn, A.D. Walton) |
In 1821 Bedlington Iron Works perfected wrought iron rails
which triggered the railway age. The first passenger train to leave Kings Cross
was hauled by a Bedlington Locomotive as was the first in Holland and Italy.
Book Review
Periodic Tales
I remember as an A Level Chemistry student spending hours
looking over the Periodic Table of Elements hoping something would sink in; a precipitate
of insight, a crystallisation of knowledge, perhaps even a fractional
distillation of interest but there was nothing. I had two short periods of working
in science and chemistry laboratories which just about killed my interest in
the subject. However, my interest was rekindled when I read Periodic Tales by
Hugh Aldersey-Williams. It’s a successful Sunday Times bestseller and radio
series. Its several years old now (2012)and can be bought at most Book sellers
for around £7.98 (Amazon) but you can always get it from Derek’s lending
library for nothing if you promise not to break the spine of the paperback.
It’s an easy entertaining read that contains something
essential that was and probably still is missing in teaching chemistry and that
is historical, geographic, social, and artistic context. Every element he describes
contains all of these and what a rich history is unfolded in the Periodic Table.
The book is long, 428 pages: but the sections are short and informative, in
half an hour you can learn about the controversial history of Chlorine; how
Fritz Haber discovered it and its tragic use in the first world war and its
effect on Global warming in CFCs and as a pollutant in DDT. In the section
Chromatic Revolution, he describes the use of the elements in painting and how
the artists Monet, van Gogh and Matisse brought paintings to light with the
vivid yellow of Cadmium. Another section looks at Platinum and how it became
the preferred metal for jewellery, how its symbolism gave rise to Platinum
Blond and Platinum records although there is no mention of the Platinum Mall
at the Metro Centre. It puts together a good picture of how the Periodic Table
of Elements have influenced humanity on every level.
Derek
Another Celebration is by the Embroiders Guild, again you can find out more at the following web address:
Whats on and about this month
The National Trust are celebrating Capability Brown and have talks and
guided walks at Wallington Hall all during the summer, here is the web
address for more information:
This year we're
marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of local boy Lancelot 'Capability'
Brown and exploring his connection to the Wallington estate, with a number of
events and exhibitions throughout the year.
KirkHarle have various activities and exhibitions which you might like to visit about Capability Brown you can find out more at the following address :
The Square & Compass: A Folksong Cycle for St Marys Island and Its Surrounds
City Library, Tuesday 10th MayBewick 1 & 2 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm.
An Evening of words and music with Gordon Phillips and John Bushby.
'Phillips has the enviable skill of making songs out of small moments in history.' Bushby's arrangement support and retain the interest without interfering in the story-telling process.'
(Folking.com)
The Sawdust Jacks 'Northern Voices Community Projects'
Another music link which you may like is from a friend of mine called John Leslie who I worked with for many years and for many years he has been a talented musician and Local Historian, he co-authored Down Our Streets with his farther Jack and has written and performed many celebrations of Newcastle and the North East with his group The Sawdust Jacks.
The Sawdust Jacks are:
John Leslie (Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica and Keyboard)
John Mitchell (Lead Guitars)
Karen Mitchell (Vocals)
John Leslie Jnr. (Bass).
Song written by John Leslie.
Song produced and recorded by John Leslie and John Mitchell on 16 track home studio.
Here are a few words and links to some of Their music :
John Leslie (Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica and Keyboard)
John Mitchell (Lead Guitars)
Karen Mitchell (Vocals)
John Leslie Jnr. (Bass).
Song written by John Leslie.
Song produced and recorded by John Leslie and John Mitchell on 16 track home studio.
Here are a few words and links to some of Their music :
We have been
commissioned by Dr Keith Armstrong, to develop a song as part of a new heritage
project sponsored by 'Northern Voices Community Projects' and North
Tyneside Council.
This heritage
project is designed to mark the bicentenary of George and Robert
Stephenson's sundial at Dial Cottage, West Moor, Killingworth.
The project is
entitled 'FOLLOW THE SUN' and will be unveiled as part of the 2016 Heritage
Open Days in September.
Our song is called 'And the Sun' - you can hear it by
following the Youtube link below. We hope you like it.
The second of our
commissions for Dr Keith Armstrong is now on line.
The song is entitled
'Ode to Thomas Spence' and it celebrates the life of this writer, land reformer
and 'campaigner for the people', who was born in the Newcastle Quayside area.
His is a fascinating life story which includes his arrest for High Treason,
i.e. speaking up for working people against a corrupt state.
Hope you like it.
Here is the link to the video produced by John Mitchell to accompany the song:
In Memorial
It is with great regret that I have to inform you of the death of one of our most cherished and respected members the late Eric Larkham.Eric passed away on 20 th of April. His funeral was well attended with over 120 of his friends. The service was on the 4 th May , 12.30 at St. Ann's on City Road. The co-officiants were Bob Langley and the vicar Allan Marks. He was buried in Jesmond Old Cemetary and a wake was held at the Cluny afterwards.
Here are just a few of many respects given by our group:
What a
marvellous man, I feel so privileged and honoured to have known him.
It is very sad news.
Eric was a lovely man.
Eric was a wonderful
man so intelligent down to earth but self effacing and always encouraging us
lesser mortals the group were lucky to have him if only for a short time
Eric was always in
our thoughts and we talked about him when we meet up each week. Eric was a
great guy kind and generous, intelligent and a greater seeker and spreader of
knowledge, he has left us with that knowledge and experience and it will always
be with us as he and you will be in our thoughts.
Let his soul swim free in a sea of light
Unchained from time
From day and night
Next meeting
The Hancock Museum 10.30 upstairs cafe Wednesday 11 May.
Bring along any work you have done or anything you have found interesting even a friend , all are welcome.
