The second half of the 19th century saw the railway system spread across Britain like wildfire.
Tynemouth station opened in 1882, paving the way for thousands of day trippers and holidaymakers who flocked to the fine beaches. Today as a busy commuter stop, it operates as a Metro station, with its ornate Victorian ironwork canopies having helped earn it Grade II-listed status.
Our main image shows the interior of the station with its striking dual staircases and glass roof as it was 45 years ago in August 1977, three years before it became one of the first stops to be used on the new Tyne and Wear Metro. Local historian Charlie Steel, who specialises in the history of North Tyneside, has written about the station.
