Between Blaydon and Ryton, on the south bank of the Tyne, is a square mile which is astonishingly packed with rich, varied and significant social and industrial history. The area’s surprising international links are not only due to the presence of Joseph Cowen, but also Stella’s place in the history of English Catholicism.
Local historian and writer Val Scully will explore the area’s many interlinked themes: land ownership, early industry in Blaydon Burn; Crowley’s ironworks and the social background which created the Cowens; mechanics institutes, the Co-operative movement, public services, local philanthropy; infrastructure, including the Tyne River Commission and the building of the railways; associated immigration, particularly of the Irish families who settled in Stella and Blaydon.
A retired teacher of English and History, Val is a member of our society and leader of the Gibside Research Group. As a volunteer with the Land of Oak Iron Landscape Partnership, she has produced books on the wider area of the Derwent Valley: Men of Iron, Crowley’s, Releasing the Genie of Coal, A Legend Evermore, Addison, Clara Vale, Tales of Derwentdale and Brickworks of the North East. She is author of A People’s History of Gibside, Path Head Water Mill, a biography of J.W. Fawcett and three historical novels.
The Wheel of Time and the above titles are available from ValScully.co.uk. Proceeds go to charity.

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