Historical Publications

There are a number of good books on the history of Newbiggin by the Sea, but some are becoming increasingly hard to find. Possibly the best pictorial history books are the Newbiggin by the Sea in Old Picture Postcards - Vols 1 & 2 edited by William Harrison (ISBN 90 288 4886 x / CIP & 90 288 3000 6 / CIP published in conjunction with Appleby's Book Shop, Morpeth). At present, I believe Volume 1 is out of print - but you might be lucky and pick up a second hand copy. Volume 2 is priced £7.99, and is available from Margaret's Card Shop.

Another excellent book is John Robinson's Newbiggin by the Sea - a fishing community, published by Northumberland Library (ISBN 1 874020 00 0). A real local history book, with a focus on the fishing community within the village. Over 100 years of fascinating photographs. As John, born and bred in Newbiggin by the Sea readily admits, to be able to dedicate a book to the people that he knows so well is the realisation of a lifetime's love for the history of the town and it's traditions. Priced £3.95, the book is available from Amazon and other book shops.

Alan Godfrey Maps publish an interesting Newbiggin by the Sea Ordnance Survey map, dating from 1896 (Northumberland Sheet 65.10 - ISBN 0 85054 550 1). Not only is this fine reproduction of the original map, but on the reverse is a detailed account of the life in the village in that year, including a comprehensive list of trades and professions, and the addresses of all business premises. Available for £3.95, along with many other North East historical maps, from Alan Godfrey Maps, 57 Spoor Street, Dunston, Gateshead, NE11 9BD.

Well known local writer and historian Mike Kirkup's book, Through the Needle's Eye, takes its name from the once visible passageway through a rocky outcrop to the south end of the bay. Mike describes the book as a 'series of snapshots in time, and it contains accounts of notable incidents and events in the village's past, as well as numerous photographs and press cuttings. Priced £5.00, available from Margaret's Card Shop.

Another important book, now almost impossible to find, is Newbiggin's Democracy, published in 1913 by the pioneers of the co-operative society. If anyone knows of other books dealing directly or in part with the history of Newbiggin by the Sea, please contact Jason Thompson.