The Waterside in The 1950s
I lived at High Barmston Farm down the Waterside and had a fantastic childhood there before moving to Alnwick when I was 11. In the 1950s there were loads of houses down the Waterside and Coxgreen. Sadly not much remains of the Waterside I knew. I remember Blast Row, Wilden Terrace, Middlefield Row and many other houses in the area. A friend of mine lived in Staithes House which is still there. It is a lovely old house and I was lucky enough to be invited there last year by the present owners. I remember Finlays shop in Wilden Terrace and going over the Iron bridge to Biddick School. You could go another way up the 'Tanks' as the road was called, probably beacause of the tanks at the Chemical Works. My family the Potts farmed at Middle Barmston from around 1850 with my great-grandfather taking over High Barmston around 1888. How I wish I still lived at High Barmston, such an idylic place. Sadly it was pulled down after we left but I still have very strong memories of it.
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RE: RE: The Waterside in The 1950s
Hello Jean I've been taking a look at these posts and it is interesting to think you may have lived at High Barmston Farm where I live now. I live in what was known then as The Red House, we have lived there approx 35 years. The farm however, is now called Low Barmston Farm, I am unsure of why the name ever changed. The grey stone house is still here and the some of the farm buildings, but it would be very interesting to see what the place used to look like before we were here. Was it your great-grandfather who used to run the farm? Do you have many old photos or clips of what it all looked like as we are still yet to find any photos of this area of Washington. Many thanks.
Comment from Margaret Blake on Friday, 6th August 2010.
RE: RE: The Waterside in The 1950s
Hi Margaret. High Barmston Farm was further up from Low Barmston. It was opposite Coxgreen and right next to the river. It was demolished around 1968. We moved out in 1963 as it was in a bad state by then and the landlords NCB wouldn't do anything about it. Sad really as the farm buildings were still ok. My great-great-grandfather farmed at Middle Barmston. I am in touch with Jeg from Low Barmston about local history. I will sort some pics out for you. I am coming down to the Heritage Festival in September.
Comment from Jean Potts-Atkinson on Friday, 6th August 2010.