Tyne Bridge 80th Aniversary

The King George V Bridge, known as the Tyne Bridge was opened by King George V on October 10th, 1928. 

In this souvenir DVD celebrating its 80th anniversary, we look in depth at the history connected to this bridge. Using archive footage and still photographs we delve into the history of the previous Tyne Bridges too.

The Romans built the first bridge over the River Tyne in about AD120. It was called Pons Aelius. This bridge stood on a similar site to where the present Swing Bridge is.

There is no evidence that there was a bridge at Newcastle during the Anglo Saxon times but there is some evidence to show that the bridge was rebuilt about 1080. Fire destroyed this bridge in 1248.

It was eventually rebuilt on the same site and stood until 1771.

In 1503 crowds gathered when Margaret, the daughter of Henry VII crossed it on her way to marry James IV of Scotland.

On November 16th, 1771 heavy rain caused two arches on the Gateshead side to be washed away, shortly afterwards a second arch on the north side suffered the same fate.

A temporary wooden bridge was constructed after the disaster but it took ten years to replace it with a permanent stone bridge. This new bridge was opened in April 1781 and became known as the Georgian Bridge.

In 1860 a report by the Tyne Commission said the bridge was obstructing vessels with tall masts and a bridge that opened was required. The report was approved and it was demolished during the years 1866 to 1873.

It was then replaced by the present Swing Bridge which was built in 1876.

It soon became obvious that another bridge was required and plans for a new Tyne Bridge were proposed. Contracts were signed in December 1924 and work on the Tyne Bridge we know today began in August 1925.

The Bridge was designed by Mott Hay and Anderson and Dorman Long of Middlesbrough were the contractors.

The full story is narrated on this DVD. It is very informative and educational.

Join in the celebrations of this famous bridge.