Hill Street Jarrow

Palmer’s shipyard brought much needed work to Jarrow. With the transport system being most irregular it followed that his work force must live near by. The photograph below shows Palmer’s Street where some of his work force lived.

Hill Street: Early twentieth century

Transport links into Jarrow during this time were very poor, realising this and the need for his workers to be within reliable distance of his shipyard, workers lived in these type of terraced houses typical of those available in Jarrow in the first quarter of the twentieth century and could be found throughout Jarrow, making for perfect accommodation for most of Palmer’s 10,000 plus workforce.

These terraced buildings were poorly lit, cramped terraced houses and could be found through-out Jarrow. Then years later the 50s and 60s saw them demolished, being replaced by modern dwellings. In the distance you can see Hill Street Railway bridge, being a very low bridge many a double decker bus lost its roof.

Hill Street: Present Day

This is the same view some 50 plus years later. On the left is a modern council estate . To the right the houses built in and around the 60s has since been demolished. The trees lining the right hand side of the roadway have been allowed to grow and act as a useful screen blotting out a new industrial estate.

Again in the distance can still be seen Hill Street Railway Bridge, that particular eye sore has never changed (my personal opinion) is no different now than it was in Palmers days. even today an occasional bus has lost its roof because the driver has been unfamiliar with the route.