About Us
The Birtley Heritage Group is a small local history group based in Birtley Library. We encourage people to delve into the hidden past and unearth some of the stories of Birtley's heritage to discover how the area has changed over the years and pass on that information to today's residents. Originally in 2009 we were a learner led and new partnership with Gateshead Libraries & Arts Service but are now a fully constituted group, encouraging people to learn, develop and share our fascination with Birtley's history.
We maintain our strong links with Gateshead's Library Service, to whom we are indebted for professional help and advice. We have regular, advertised talks in Birtley Library with speakers covering a variety of subjects and everyone is welcome, in addition to our own talks, guided walks and exhibitions.
If you have any information, queries, items of interest or photographs relating to Birtley we would love to hear from you.
Our Videos
All the videos were created from photographs in the Heritage Group Collection.
Birtley In Old Pictures
Take a nostalgic wander through Birtley of old. Many of the buildings have now gone, but there are still some featured you will know and recognise from the old photographs.
Watch VideoWar Graves
We remember the men buried in Birtley who died in service or as a result of conflict, and are commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). Birtley New Cemetery, St. John's Churchyard, St. Joseph's Churchyard and the Elisabethville RC Cemetery.
Watch VideoLeisure And Recreation
Using old photographs, we see how the people of Birtley spent their spare time. In 1910 Birtley's roller skating rink was acknowledged as one of the finest floors in England. Do you remember Bolam's Picture House?
Watch VideoBirtley Belgians
The unique story of Elisabethville, a purpose-built and self-contained settlement in Birtley, home to over 6,000 Belgian refugees and wounded soldiers who came to work at the National Projectile Factory during WW1.
Watch VideoA Walk Around Elisabethville
We take you on a walk around Elisabethville, from the comfort of your own chair! See where the village was situated and where the buildings stood compared to the present day: the hospital, the barracks, the food store, the school…………
Watch VideoBirtley Industry
Birtley has a long industrial history, and was mainly known for its mining, brick making and iron works which flourished from the middle of the 19th century and resulted in an increase in the town's population.
Watch Video