In the 1920s and ’30s, there were over 20 public houses in Jarrow. The Albion pictured here was purpose-built for the job in 1865. The license for running the Albion Public House back in 1925, when this picture was taken, was in the safe hands of S Pattinson.
like all these types of buildings the proprietor’s name appeared on a panel above the main entrance. Windows of public houses and Turf Accountants were partially draped to avoid the young prying eyes of the times, it also allowed customers their privacy. This particular public house has served ale/beer for some 140-plus years.
The picture of the Albion Hotel (top photo ) above in the Here and Now is no longer known as the Albion reflects the history of the area and takes its new name The Jarrow Crusaders as a tribute to the men and women who took part in the 1936 Jarrow Crusade to London march by unemployed workers.
The owners have changed the name from The Jarrow Crusaders to its original name. Sadly before I could take a recent photo to update my web page I heard an investigation had been launched into a fire that had all but gutted the place.
A fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning, October 31st, 2023. Eight fire engines attended the blaze. It had been reported that 34 firefighters and two officers worked to bring the blaze under control. No one was believed to be in the building at the time of the fire.
A joint investigation with Northumbria Police is underway to determine the cause of the fire. (nobody was hurt in the fire)
The ghosts of the Jarrow Marchers who I presume would have frequented the public house back in the day must not like the idea of the name change (Ho Ho Ho).
The Albion Gin & Ale House (its new name) is in Jarrow town center (Walter Street), some 3 miles from South Shields. The pub and the surrounding area have undergone a face change. The area behind the photographer had seen 1970s-type council maisonettes now replaced with modern-day tower blocks and townhouses.