Borough Road

The posh end of Jarrow back in the 1800′s, consisted of big Victorian houses, extra large gardens etc. and was south of the now towns main shopping center. This area was streets like Kent Street and Borough Road. The latter was more like a side street but did have one particular building which was the former rectory of the parish of St. Paul’s, almost in shot, on the right hand side of the road in new photograph. Even today this house retains all it character features as it did back in 1878. The house stills bears the coat of arms above the door associated with the church.

St Pauls Rectory 1949 (on right)

If you don’t count modern technology ie. TV ariels, satellite dish and the car, apart from the row of maisonette type houses, and the two tower blocks further in the distance, nothing else has changed. Well, OK they’re street lights and the road and pavements are nice smooth and flat and newly tarmac, even in the back streets/lanes compared to other areas of Jarrow were the houses are also privately owned and have not received as much attention as one would expect, and the cynical side of me would say I would not be surprised to learn that an elected counselor lives near by this area,… but then what do I know …

Bourough Road, St Pauls Rectory: Present Day 2010

There are three tower blocks within the town center, one called Ellen Court, another Wilkinson Court, and yet another called Monastery Court, which would be off to the right in this picture hidden by the houses and just maybe the angle of the picture taken. The picture of the here and now, shows both Ellen and Wilkinson court. Yes… you guessed right Ellen Wilkinson was at the head of the Jarrow Marchers (to the very end) all the way back in 1936. One hell of a … lady … (with balls if you pardon the expression). The tower blocks in the picture above were built in the late 60′s or early 70′s… Me Thinks!… were named in her honour.