A typical 1900s town has been constructed with its cobbled street, trams, shops and pub. As well as adding authencity, the trams carry visitors around the museum site.
Although it is described as a 1900s town, many of the older members will remember similar street scenes 70 years ago.
At the start of the town is Redman Park with its grass, flower beds and bandstand. Public parks were important open spaces for relaxation, exercise and to escape from the industrial environment. Now it hosts regular brass band concerts.
Opposite is Ravensworth Terrace which has been moved here from Gateshead and is typical of housing built for professional workers and their families who had a live in servant. The more expensive houses boasted bay windows. The front is built from brick which which was expensive and very highly desirable. They had a small front garden and decorative metal railings and gate, all an indication of the status of the occupants. (Again those with long memories will remember many of these railings were removed as part of the war effort in World War 2. Many similar houses just have the stumps left.)
As an economy measure, the backs and other areas not on show were built of stone.
A back alleyway lead into the paved back yard with the coal house. This isn’t very different to the back yards of the pit village, except there is no longer an earth closet. Many of the houses now boasted a bathroom and flushing toilet!
Four houses (reviewed separately) have been furnished to reflect the professional and family life of those that may have lived in them.
This is one of a series of detailed “reviews”:https://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/travel-product/attraction/141741-beamish-open-air-museum I have written about Beamish.
A full account with all my pictures can be read “here.”:http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/presocialhistory/socialhistory/social/folkmuseums/beamish/index.html
