This fascinating collection of over 200 photographs of the old part of Gateshead captures the essence of the town in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This was a period of great expansion and change, during which the last vestiges of the area's rural past finally vanished and the great industries, which made the whole of Tyneside famous, reached their heyday. The first part of the book illustrates specific areas of Gateshead as they appeared before modern town and traffic planning transformed the town.

There are public buildings, factories, warehouses, shops and private dwellings, many of which have long since disappeared. The town's transport and bridges are given chapters to themselves. The railways were greatly expanded during this period, and formed a vital link for the town's industry, while the Tyne bridges are given chapters to themselves. The railways were greatly expanded during this period, and formed a vital link for the town's industry, while the Tyne bridges have now become famous landmarks.

The book ends with chapters dedicated to the people of Gateshead. They are seen at leisure, in schools and churches, and at all sorts of town events, from coronations and royal visits to ceremonial openings and VE day celebrations. The photographs are mostly drawn from the extensive collection held at Gateshead Library.