Newcastle in 1955 Remembering the City as It Was Seventy Years Ago

Britain recovered after World War II. It was 1955, ten years later, and people felt hopeful and positive. Queen Elizabeth II became the monarch. Rationing ended, so stores had more goods, and factories ran well. Most people could find jobs, and school leavers had job choices.

Rock and roll music was coming soon and would excite British teens. Newcastle had busy scenes seventy years ago. Market Street bustled with shoppers visiting Bainbridge and Binns stores.

The Hoppings funfair occurred every June. Thousands enjoyed it on the Town Moor. The city redeveloped certain areas then. Noble Street got torn down in the West End. They replaced old homes with new ones.

Newcastle United won the FA Cup at Wembley for the third time in five years. The team was one of England’s best. They had ten major wins since forming. Few thought they would win no cups for seventy years.

In 1955, Winston Churchill quit, and Anthony Eden became Prime Minister. James Dean died in a car crash at twenty-four. The Warsaw Pact formed as a response to NATO. The Cold War grew stronger.

UK television was new in 1955. Only the BBC channel existed then. Tyne Tees came four years after. The Benny Hill Show debuted then, and so did Crackerjack and The Sooty Show.

Many people went to the cinema often. Popular movies included Rebel Without A Cause, Lady And The Tramp, and Blackboard Jungle. Crooners led the UK charts back then. Dean Martin sang “The Naughty Lady,” Dickie Valentine sang “When A Blossom Fell,” and Billy Eckstine sang “No One But You.”

Elvis, Little Richard, and others soon changed music. Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly were coming. They were ready to shake up pop music. Archive photos show Newcastle in 1955.