Blyth Genealogical Records

Blyth Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Durham Diocese Bishop's Transcripts (1700-1900)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Northumberland Baptism Transcripts (1578-1918)

Transcriptions of baptisms in Northumberland covering around 50% of Anglican parishes.

Northumberland BMD (1837-2010)

An index to births, marriages and deaths recorded in the county. Includes a facility to order certificates.

British Birth and Baptism Records (1400-2010)

A collection of indexes and transcripts of birth and baptism records that cover over 250 million people. Includes digital images of many records.

Blyth Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Durham Diocese Bishop's Transcripts (1700-1900)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Northumberland Marriage Index (1540-1862)

An index to marriages from over 100 churches in the county of Northumberland.

Northumberland BMD (1837-2010)

An index to births, marriages and deaths recorded in the county. Includes a facility to order certificates.

British Marriage Records (1392-2011)

A collection of indexes and transcripts of marriage records that cover over 160 million people. Includes digital images of many records.

Blyth Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Durham Diocese Bishop's Transcripts (1700-1900)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Durham Diocese Marriage Bonds (1692-1900)

Digital images of marriage bonds ordered by year, not indexed. These bonds record intention to marry and may include details not recorded in parish registers.

Durham Diocese Marriage Bonds Calendar (1594-1815)

Browsable images containing vital details extracted from marriage bonds.

Northumberland Burial Transcripts (1534-1959)

Transcriptions of burials from over 90 parishes in Northumberland.

Blyth Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Northumberland Misc Records (1570-2005)

A wide collection of records, particularly those created by the government and church, such as electoral rolls, court of plea records, petty sessions and parish records.

1901 British Census (1901)

The 1901 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

1891 British Census (1891)

The 1891 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Newspapers Covering Blyth

Newcastle Evening Chronicle (1915)

A searchable newspaper providing a rich variety of information about the people and places of the Newcastle upon Tyne district. Includes obituaries and family announcements.

Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette (1873-1904)

Local news; notices of births, marriages and deaths; business notices; details on the proceedings of public institutions; adverts and a rich tapestry of other local information from the Sunderland district. Every line of text from the newspaper can be searched and images of the original pages viewed.

Newcastle Chronicle (1865)

A record of births, marriages, deaths, legal, political, organisation and other news from the Newcastle upon Tyne area. Original pages of the newspaper can be viewed and located by a full text search.

Shields Daily Gazette (1855-1904)

A searchable newspaper providing a rich variety of information about the people and places of the South Shields district. Includes obituaries and family announcements.

North & South Shields Gazette (1855)

A newspaper containing shipping intelligence, local news and family announcements.

Blyth Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

Diocese of Durham Probate Index (1527-1858)

An index to surviving wills, bonds and inventories proved by the Bishop of Durham's consistory court. The index contains name, occupation, residence, various dates and financial details.

York Peculiar Probate Records (1383-1883)

Digital images, indexed by testor's name, of 28,716 wills, administrations, inventories and other probate documents. The records can shed light on an individual’s relations, possessions, land holdings, legal agreements and more. They cover various jurisdictions throughout the north of England.

York Prerogative & Exchequer Court Probate Index (1688-1858)

An index to 263,822 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, year of probate, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).

York Prerogative & Exchequer Court Probate Index (1267-1500)

An index to 10,195 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, occupation, will & probate year, language, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).

Blyth Immigration & Travel Records

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

17th Century British Emigrants to the U.S. (1600-1700)

Details on thousands of 17th century British immigrants to the U.S., detailing their origins and nature of their immigration.

Blyth Military Records

4th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1908-1918)

A detailed history of the battalion in the early 20th century. It includes photos, biographical details, battle reports and more.

Northumberland Fusiliers Records (1881-1920)

Details of over 94,000 soldiers of the regiment, including name, residence, date and place of enlistment, service number, rank, battalion and more.

North-East Diary (1939-1945)

A chronicle of happenings in the counties of Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire relating to the war in Europe. Contains much detail on ship building.

Prisoners of War of British Army (1939-1945)

A searchable list of over 100,000 British Army POWs. Records contains details on the captured, their military career and where they were held prisoner.

British Prisoners of World War II (1939-1945)

Details on around 165,000 men serving in the British Army, Navy and Air Force who were held as prisoners during WWII.

Northumberland Misc Records (1570-2005)

A wide collection of records, particularly those created by the government and church, such as electoral rolls, court of plea records, petty sessions and parish records.

Northumberland Eyre Roll for 1293 (1293)

Transcriptions of pleas brought before a court. They largely concern land disputes.

Home Office Prison Calendars (1868-1929)

Records of over 300,000 prisoners held by quarter sessions in England & Wales. Records may contain age, occupation, criminal history, offence and trial proceedings.

Central Criminal Court After-trial Calendars (1855-1931)

Over 175,000 records detailing prisoner's alleged offences and the outcome of their trial. Contains genealogical information.

England & Wales Electoral Registers (1832-1932)

Digital images of ledgers recording those registered to vote, searchable by an index of 220 million names. Entries list name, address, qualification to vote, description of property and sometimes age and occupation.

Blyth Taxation Records

Northumberland Northern Division Poll Book (1841)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Duties Paid for Apprentices' Indentures (1710-1811)

An index linked to original images of registers recording apprenticeship indentures. Details are given on the trade and nature of apprenticeship. Many records list the parents of the apprentice.

Red Book of the Exchequer (1066-1230)

A compilation of records from the Court of the Exchequer primarily dealing with taxes and land. These records are in Latin.

Blyth Land & Property Records

Northumberland Northern Division Poll Book (1841)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Northumberland Catholic Documents (1665-1799)

Contains a register of Roman Catholic estates in Northumberland and the correspondence of Miles Stapylton, a Catholic from a gentry family.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

UK Poll Books and Electoral Rolls (1538-1893)

Poll books record the names of voters and the direction of their vote. Until 1872 only landholders could vote, so not everyone will be listed. Useful for discerning an ancestor's political leanings and landholdings. The collection is supplemented with other records relating to the vote.

Blyth Directories & Gazetteers

Kelly's Directory of Northumberland (1921)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Ward's Directory of Northumberland & Durham (1916)

A detailed directory of towns in the North East.

Kelly's Directory of Northumberland (1914)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.

National Telephone Co's Northern Directory (1904)

A directory listing phone with telephones in Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland.

Kelly's Directory of Northumberland (1894)

A directory of residents and businesses; with a description of each settlement, containing details on its history, public institutions, churches, postal services, governance and more.

Blyth Cemeteries

Northumberland Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Northumberland's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Northumberland Monumental Inscriptions (1700-1985)

An index to vital details engraved on 1000s of gravestones and other monuments across the county of Northumberland.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Mausolea and Monuments (1500-Present)

Profiles of several hundred mausolea found in the British Isles.

Blyth Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Blyth Histories & Books

Victoria County History: Northamptonshire (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Tyne and Wear Photos & Images (2000 BC-2000)

A database of over 15,000 images relating to the Tyne & Wear area. It includes postcards, photos, paintings, ceramics, monuments and more.

A History of Northumberland (1066-1890)

Two volumes detailing the history and geology of Northumberland and some of its parishes.

North-East Diary (1939-1945)

A chronicle of happenings in the counties of Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire relating to the war in Europe. Contains much detail on ship building.

Northumberland Church Photographs (1890-Present)

Photographs and images of churches in Northumberland.

Blyth School & Education Records

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge Alumni Database (1198-1910)

A searchable database containing over 90,000 note-form biographies for students of Cambridge University.

Blyth Occupation & Business Records

Durham & Northumberland Mining Images (1844-Present)

Photographs and other images of Northumberland & Durham collieries.

Collieries of The North (1869-1991)

Profiles of collieries in the north of England, with employment statistics, profiles of those who died in the mines and photographs.

Folk Archive of The North East (1694-1950)

A searchable database of artifacts relating to the history of music in Northumberland.

Northern Mining Disasters (1705-1975)

Reports of mining distastes, includes lists of the deceased and photographs of monuments.

Smuggling on the East Coast (1600-1892)

An introduction to smuggling on the east coast of England, with details of the act in various regions.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Blyth

Victoria County History: Northamptonshire (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Blyth Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

Victoria County History: Northamptonshire (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Northumberland Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Northumberland's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Visitation of England and Wales (1700-1899)

Over 600 pedigrees for English and Welsh families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

Blyth Church Records

Durham Diocese Bishop's Transcripts (1700-1900)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Northumberland Misc Records (1570-2005)

A wide collection of records, particularly those created by the government and church, such as electoral rolls, court of plea records, petty sessions and parish records.

Northumberland Catholic Documents (1665-1799)

Contains a register of Roman Catholic estates in Northumberland and the correspondence of Miles Stapylton, a Catholic from a gentry family.

Hexham & Newcastle Catholic Diocese (2000-Present)

Photographs and profiles of Catholic churches in the Diocese.

Anglican Churches in Northumberland (1538-1979)

A listing of Church of England places of worship in Northumberland, recording new creations and transfers.

Biographical Directories Covering Blyth

Who's Who in Northern Mining (1852-1910)

Abstract biographies of people connected with mining in the North of England.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

Blyth Maps

Maps of Northumberland (1616-1920)

Digital images of maps covering the county.

Collery Maps of The North (1807-1951)

A number of maps of northern England with the locations of collieries plotted.

UK Popular Edition Maps (1919-1926)

Detailed maps covering much of the UK. They depict forests, mountains, larger farms, roads, railroads, towns, and more.

Ordnance Survey 1:10 Maps (1840-1890)

Maps showing settlements, features and some buildings in mainland Britain.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Blyth Reference Works

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

British Family Mottoes (1189-Present)

A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.

Historical Description

Blyth, commonly called Blyth Nook, a considerable village, situated at the mouth of the river Blythe, and consisting of 183 houses and 1171 inhabitants. This place derives its origin from the coal trade; having some advantage from its situation, which brought it first to be regarded, and has since preserved it in esteem. We find the name in some of our old maps, but it seems probable that it was very little considered, till about the time of the Restoration. In the space of 50 years from thence the vessels loading there were not sufficiently numerous to attract notice; about ten years after they became at least double, though there was no village at the place, nor any tolerable town near it. In the year 1728 it seems to have doubled again, since 207 vessels were that year entered in the custom-house books, as coming from this place; and since that time it has been improving. It is looked upon as a creek to the port of Newcastle, and has a quay, though at low water the sea is fordable at the opening of the creek on horseback.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

BLYTH, or South Blyth, with the lordship of Newsham and the suburbs of Waterloo, Cowpen Quay and Crofton, form a town, seaport and an ecclesiastical parish, with a station on the Blyth and Tyne section of the North Eastern railway. The town is seated on the southern bank of the river Blyth at its junction with the German Ocean, 283 miles from London, 13 north-north-east from Newcastle by road and 14 by railway, 9 north from Shields and 9 south-east from Morpeth, in the borough of Morpeth for parliamentary purposes, Wansbeck division of the county, east division of Castle ward, Bedlingtonshire petty sessional division, Tynemouth union and North Shields county court district, and in the rural deanery of Bedlington, archdeaconry of Northumberland and diocese of Newcastle. The town has much improved in appearance and trade; there are several good hotels and lodging houses and many well-filled shops: the sands are smooth, firm, and, descending gradually, render bathing safe and agreeable: the harbour of Blyth is very safe and there are few instances on record of vessels suffering damage upon entering it, even in the most tempestuous weather; it has a south-easterly outlet, and with the wind in any point, from north-north-east to west-south-west, can be entered by vessels under canvas. The trade of the town having rapidly developed, increased facilities have been made for the shipment of coal from the staiths on the south side of the harbour: there are 14 coaling spouts; eight of these, constructed by the North Eastern Railway Company, load into two hatchways of a vessel at one time; alongside four of them the Harbour Commissioners have provided a depth of water of 29 feet, and at four others 32 feet, at high tide: at the staiths on the north side there is a depth of 29 feet: a new entrance channel from the sea has been formed by dredging, in which a depth of 12 feet at low water or 26 ½ feet at high water is maintained: there are quays for the discharge of ballast, timber and general goods: the east pier has been extended and a west pier constructed, the latter forming a splendid promenade about a mile in length. The River Blyth Port Sanitary Authority was established in 1887 and consists of 12 members. There are two leading lights on the south side and one on each pier head; two lesser lights on the north side are only visible inside the pier heads. The National Life Boat Institution has a station here, with two life boats, one on either side of the harbour. The Local Government Act was adopted Mar. 17,1863, and the town and suburbs are now governed by two Local Boards, South Blyth of 9 members and Cowpen of 12 members: it is paved and is lighted with gas by a company from works on the Slake, and supplied with water from works 2 miles south. The ecclesiastical parish of Blyth was formed from the townships of Newsham and South Blyth, in Earsdon parish, and part of Horton parochial chapelry, Nov. 9, 1883. The church of St. Cuthbert, in the Plessy road, erected in 1885, in place of the chapel of ease built by the Ridley family in 1751, is a building of stone in the Early English style, consisting at present of chancel and nave only: there are sittings for 400 persons. The register dates from the year 1885. The living is a vicarage, gross yearly value £220, in the gift of Rt. Hon. Sir M. W. Ridley bart. P.O., M.P. and held since 1888 by the Rev. Charles Woodhouse James M.A. of Christchurch, Oxford. The church of St. Mary, Waterloo, a chapel of ease to Horton, erected in 1863-4, is a building of stone in the Gothic style, consisting of chancel, nave, west porch and a tower with small spire, containing one bell: there are 300 sittings. The church is served by the clergy of Horton. The Catholic church dedicated to Our Blessed Lady and St. Wilfrid, in Waterloo road, was erected in 1861-2, and is a building of stone in the Early English style, consisting of apsidal chancel and nave, 118 feet long and 36 wide: the reredos is of stone, beautifully carved: there are sittings for 668 persons. The English Presbyterian church, in Bridge street, is a building of stone, and will seat about 600 persons. The English Presbyterian church, situated at the top of Waterloo road, is a structure of red brick in the Gothic style, and has a lofty spire: it contains an organ, the gift of John Tweddell esq.: there are 600 sittings. The Congregational Free church, in Carlton street, is an edifice of brick, seating about 600 persons. The Methodist New Connexion chapel, in Waterloo road, erected in 1865, at a cost, including schools, of £2,800, is an edifice of brick, with a lofty tower and small spire: several of the windows are stained: there are 450 sittings. The Wesleyan chapel, near Blyth Bridge, erected in 1867-9, at a cost of £2,900, is a structure of red brick with stone dressings: the organ was built at a cost of £200: it will seat 800 persons: attached is a Sunday school, with class-rooms, erected in 1882. The Primitive Methodist chapel, at Cowpen Quay, is a large but plain edifice of brick, erected in 1868, and has sittings for 800 persons. The Christians’ Meeting house, in Wright street, erected in 1882, is an edifice of red brick and stone, and will seat about 300 persons. The Free Methodist church, in Bowes street, erected in 1882, is a neat building, seating about 350 persons. The Cemetery for Newsham and South Blyth district is about miles south, near to the sea coast, and contains 6 acres: there are two mortuary chapels: it is under the control of a Burial Board of 9 members. The Cemetery for Cowpen township is about half a mile west of Cowpen Quay and consists of 14 acres, with two mortuary chapels: it is under the control of a Burial Board of 9 members.

The trade of Blyth is chiefly carried on with ports in France, Germany, Holland and the Baltic and Mediterranean. The principal business is in coal, of which large quantities, of excellent quality, are brought down from the neighbouring collieries: the quantity of coals shipped from Blyth from Nov. 1891 to Oct. 1892 was 2,157,140 tons. Shipbuilding is carried on to some extent and the yards possess ample accommodation for the repair of vessels: there are four graving docks, two of which belong to Blyth Shipbuilding Co. Lim. and are respectively 350 feet and 320 feet in length; the other two belong to the Blyth Dry Dock Co. Lim. and are similarly 345 feet and 285 feet in length: there is also a floating dock. There are rope, chain-cable, mast, block, anchor and sail manufactories, gasworks, waterworks, steam saw mills and a brewery. There are upwards of 20 collieries within a radius of 4 miles from Blyth and about 20 more to the north and west, connected by rail with this harbour, which is the natural port of shipment. Many persons are engaged in the salmon and herring fishery during the months of July and August; the fishing is also prosecuted on a smaller scale at other times. A small market for butchers’ meat, vegetables and fish is held on Saturday. The Mechanics’ Institute was first established in 1847, and in 1858 transferred to the premises of the old Phoenix inn; the present building, in Bridge street, erected in 1882, at a cost of about £2,000, on a site given by Sir M. W. Ridley bart. who also subscribed £200, is an edifice of brick, with a central clock tower containing a clock, costing £150, the gift of Robert Bell esq. ship owner: the building comprises, on the ground floor, a reading room, well supplied with newspapers and periodicals, a library containing 5,500 volumes, and the offices of the Local Board for South Blyth.; on the upper floor is a lecture hall, 56 feet by 26, and three class rooms. Petty sessions for the Bedlington petty sessional division are held in the Mechanics’ Institute, on the second Monday in each month, and at Bedlington on the first Thursday in each month. [For list of magistrates and places in the division, see Bedlington.] The Blyth Church Institute, in Northumberland street, was established in 1885, for instruction and recreation. The Blyth and Cowpen Central Hall, at Waterloo, was erected in 1857, on a site given by the trustees of the Thoroton and Croft estate, at a cost of about £3,000: the building proper is 40 by 80 feet and contains on the ground floor a small lecture room and other rooms used for offices; on the second floor are two rooms, including an assembly room, 76 feet by 38, to hold 1,000 persons: a dramatic license has been obtained. The Theatre Royal, in Waterloo, was destroyed by fire in 1888 and rebuilt in 1889 by a limited company, at a cost of £5,000: it is a spacious and well-arranged building, tastefully fitted up and highly decorated, and will seat 1,700 persons. The Good Templars’ Hall, in Wellington street, Cowpen Quay, will hold 300 persons. Two newspapers, “The Blyth Weekly News” and the “Blyth Examiner, " are published on Friday. The Thomas Knight Memorial Hospital, in Beaconsfield street, was built by public subscription, at a cost of £2,500, the site being given by Rt. Hon. Sir M. W. Ridley bart. P.C., M.P. and was opened by the Hon. Lady Ridley, in December, 1887; the building is of white brick with stone dressings, and comprises on the upper floor two wards, each containing four beds; on the ground floor is a large committee room, a waiting room, dispensary, two consulting rooms and a kitchen and offices; the hospital is maintained by an endowment of £6,000, left by the late Mrs. Knight, of Crofton: during the year 1892, there were 19 in, and 757 out-patients. The Infectious Diseases Hospital was erected by the Blyth Port Sanitary Authority, at a cost of £1,300 and opened in Aug. 1893; it is on the west bank of the river Blyth, near Old Factory Point and opposite Cowpen Cemetery and is a corrugated iron building on a brick foundation, and comprises east, west and middle wards; the residential part consists of six rooms; provision is made for 20 beds. The Rt. Hon. Sir Matthew White Ridley bart. P.C., M.P. of Blagdon, is lord of the manor and principal landowner. The area, with Newsham lordship, is 1,226 acres of land, 11 of water and 188 of tidal water and foreshore; rateable value, £29,418; the population in 1891 was 3,576.

Waterloo with Cowpen Quay and Crofton really constitute part of the town of Blyth, The principal trades carried on here are shipbuilding, glass bottle works, saw mills, and the extensive collieries of the Cowpen Coal Co. Limited. Here are several wharves and starts for shipping of coals from the various tramways west of the town.

Places of Worship, with times of services

St. Cuthbert’s Church, Plessy road, Rev. Charles Woodhouse James M.A. vicar; 8.30 & 10.45 a.m. & 6.15 p.m.; daily, 8.30 p.m.

St. Mary’s, Waterloo, Chapel of Ease to Horton, Rev. William Greenwell M.A, vicar; 8 & 10.45 a.m. & 6.15 p.m.; Thur. 8 a.m.

Cowpen Mission (Episcopalian), Rev. William Gowans, curate in charge.

English Presbyterian, Waterloo road, Rev. Peter Peace M.A,; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

English Presbyterian, Bridge street, Rev. James West-water; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Our Lady & St. Wilfrid Catholic, Waterloo, Rev. J. B. Mackinley, priest; 9 & 10.50 a.m. & 6 p.m.; daily mass, 8.30 a.m.

St. Cuthbert Catholic, Cowpen, Rev. John O. Burchell; mass, 10.15 & rosary, sermon & benediction, 6 p.m.; holidays of obligation, mass, 10 a.m. & rosary, sermon & benediction, 7.30 p.m.; daily mass, 8 a.m.

Christians’ Meeting House, Wright street, Cowpen quay; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Congregational Free Church, Carlton street, Rev. Thomas Clifton; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Tues. 7.30 p.m.

Methodist New Connexion, Waterloo road, Rev. James Shippardson, minister; 10.30 a.m.& 6 p.m.; Tues. 7.30 p.m.

Primitive Methodist, Cowpen quay, Rev. Robert G. Graham & Rev. Edward Campbell; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; alternate Thur. 7 p.m.

United Methodist Free Church, Bowes street, Waterloo, Rev. Saml, Prater; 10.42 a.m. &6 p.m.; Mon. 7.30 p.m.

Wesleyan Methodist, Blyth bridge, Rev. Ralph Hunter & Rev. Charles Holman; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Mon. 7 p.m.

Horns Mission Room, Fish quay; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Tues. 7 p.m.

Schools

A School Board of 7 members was formed February 2, 1874, for the United District of Cowpen, South Blyth & Newsham; Henry Taylor Rutherford, 1 Bridge street, clerk to the board.

Blyth, Stanley street (boys), built in 1870, for 170 children; average attendance, 115.

Blyth, Infants (mixed), Quayside, built in 1878, for 120 children; average attendance, 160.

Board (mixed & infants), Plessy road, built in 1892 at a cost £7,269, for 700 children; average attendance, 430 boys & girls & 232 infants.

Cowpen Quay, built in 1876, at a cost of £4,710, for 500 children; average attendance, 657.

Newsham (mixed), built in 1876, at a cost of £3,616, for 300 children; average attendance, 200 boys & girls & 80 infants.

National, Wanley street, Waterloo (mixed), built in 1858, for 250 children; average attendance, 132 boys, 127 girls & 51 infants.

Cowpen Colliery, Waterloo (mixed), built in 1866 & enlarged in 1889, for 230 children; average attendance, 230.

Catholic School, Cowpen, built in 1843, for 140 children; average attendance, 65.

Our Lady & St. Wilfrid’s (Catholic), Waterloo (mixed & infants), built in 1875, for 180 children; average attendance, 150.

Kelly's Directory of Northumberland (1894)

Most Common Surnames in Blyth

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Northumberland
1Smith361:240.67%2
2Bell341:250.75%5
3Wilson281:310.69%7
4Hogg191:452.09%66
5Dixon171:500.56%11
6Hall161:540.44%8
7Gallon141:615.51%271
8Dawson131:661.24%58
8Robson131:660.26%4
10Thompson121:710.22%1
10Tomlinson121:7121.82%1,121
10Ellison121:713.86%217
10Herron121:715.58%327
14Brown111:780.20%3
14Hunter111:780.66%30
14Thornton111:783.25%198
17Harrison101:860.68%36
17Bennett101:863.91%269
17Emery101:866.58%473
17Blakey101:864.15%290
17Hindmarch101:866.58%473
17Jewers101:8627.78%1,575
23Gledson91:959.78%716
24Robinson81:1070.29%14
24Morgan81:1072.65%223
24Marshall81:1070.61%45
24Henderson81:1070.31%17
24Carr81:1070.42%27
24Stephenson81:1070.60%44
24Morse81:10757.14%3,116
24Emerson81:10710.67%878
32Martin71:1220.78%69
32Simpson71:1220.46%34
32Armstrong71:1220.22%10
32Craig71:1221.79%175
32Ramsay71:1222.41%233
32Storey71:1220.61%52
32Tyrell71:122100.00%5,219
32Tweedy71:1223.29%332
32Readhead71:12220.59%1,631
41Watson61:1430.21%12
41Barker61:1432.47%288
41Hudson61:1430.97%100
41McLean61:1433.14%380
41Bird61:1434.80%554
41Gregory61:1434.72%547
41Swain61:14333.33%2,595
41Fenwick61:1430.85%83
41Hemsley61:14314.63%1,416
41Simm61:1433.66%438
41Common61:1432.68%311
41Caisley61:1433.77%456
41Nail61:14354.55%3,643
41Durfield61:14354.55%3,643
55Wood51:1710.31%32
55Green51:1710.54%63
55Clarke51:1712.39%340
55Anderson51:1710.20%18
55Campbell51:1710.55%67
55Kelly51:1710.73%90
55Turnbull51:1710.23%19
55Duff51:1717.46%964
55Howes51:17135.71%3,116
55Doughty51:17111.90%1,382
55Wake51:1711.89%255
55Gowans51:17113.16%1,504
55Brewis51:1711.18%151
55Reveley51:17115.63%1,710
55Spills51:171100.00%6,847
55Wheitman51:171100.00%6,847
71Walker41:2140.28%39
71Young41:2140.15%16
71Price41:2141.63%284
71Collins41:2140.81%130
71Foster41:2140.47%72
71Allan41:2140.52%79
71Cartwright41:21414.29%1,888
71Coates41:2142.11%383
71Hanson41:21415.38%2,005
71Cockburn41:2140.73%119
71Cowper41:21417.39%2,184
71Pyle41:2142.65%480
71Mount41:21457.14%5,219
71Soulsby41:2141.42%238
71Boag41:2143.15%547
71Olliver41:21466.67%5,919
71Ditchburn41:2144.44%734
71Bottoms41:21420.00%2,404
71Atchison41:2143.23%561
71Wolverson41:21436.36%3,643
71Temby41:214100.00%7,878
71Mennear41:214100.00%7,878
71Baulks41:21428.57%3,116
71Spourt41:21466.67%5,919
95Moore31:2860.33%64
95Gibson31:2860.14%22
95Elliott31:2860.16%26
95Reed31:2860.26%51
95Crawford31:2860.61%132
95Nelson31:2860.59%124
95Baldwin31:2864.11%899
95Warton31:286100.00%9,093
95Spenser31:286100.00%9,093
95Gilgour31:286100.00%9,093
105Turner21:4290.21%62
105Lee21:4290.19%55
105Wilkinson21:4290.15%43
105Graham21:4290.09%21
105Burton21:4290.99%354
105Kay21:4291.18%420
105Abbott21:4295.88%1,631
105Davison21:4290.10%23
105Eaton21:42915.38%3,274
105Dent21:4290.99%354
105Temple21:4290.61%205
105Laws21:4290.50%167
105Hedley21:4290.16%48
105Pattinson21:4290.76%255
105Lonsdale21:4296.45%1,749
105Darlington21:4296.90%1,843
105Cocks21:4295.56%1,575
105Douglass21:4290.46%147
105Hindmarsh21:4290.34%106
105Bewick21:4290.86%301
105Thomlinson21:429100.00%10,374
105Biggar21:42918.18%3,643
105Wears21:4292.11%696
105Ashburn21:42910.53%2,498
105Dowey21:4293.45%1,085
105Nevens21:42911.76%2,712
131Johnson11:8570.04%13
131Wright11:8570.08%50
131King11:8570.25%172
131Holmes11:8570.22%142
131Saunders11:8571.59%1,013
131Wallace11:8570.13%78
131Frost11:8571.22%807
131Douglas11:8570.11%68
131North11:8576.25%2,844
131Lindsay11:8570.59%423
131Rice11:8571.27%834
131Wills11:8571.82%1,121
131Gardiner11:8571.64%1,041
131Bowman11:8570.23%145
131Rutherford11:8570.07%35
131Grey11:8570.14%81
131Corbett11:8570.61%442
131Tate11:8570.21%133
131Hopper11:8570.37%248
131Guthrie11:8570.37%251
131Collings11:8579.09%3,643
131Sayers11:8572.78%1,575
131Mullen11:8570.51%370
131Milburn11:8570.15%94
131Catchpole11:8574.76%2,325
131Claydon11:85711.11%4,232
131Souter11:85725.00%7,878
131Wale11:85725.00%7,878
131Laidler11:8570.22%142
131Ogle11:8570.49%354
131Pape11:8572.70%1,541
131Grieves11:8570.48%344
131Kirkup11:8570.48%339
131Hewison11:8571.39%908
131Arbuckle11:8575.56%2,595
131Beaney11:8572.86%1,601
131Aitcheson11:8573.33%1,790
131Hudspeth11:8570.93%630
131Vizard11:857100.00%12,171
131Pane11:85750.00%10,374
131Summerville11:8574.17%2,120
131Grinling11:85750.00%10,374
131Haddrick11:85720.00%6,847
131Hatherick11:8577.14%3,116
131Elstobb11:857100.00%12,171
131Huggay11:857100.00%12,171