26 June 2008

Dear Myra,  

Journey of the Merzbarn
 

I am glad to say that I have been able to obtain contemporary maps which cover the journey of the Merzbarn from Cylinders Estate at Elterwater to the Hatton Gallery in Newcastle University. I enclose seven maps which cover the route which was taken in October 1965, and the final short leg of the journey in June 1966.
 

I have traced out the route in pink on each map.

There are still some questions about the route. In Gateshead and Newcastle, 1966 was a period of great change. In particular, the area immediately to the North of the Tyne was being completely demolished and replaced by a huge new roundabout. This was in progress in 1965. there were also changes to the A1 in Gateshead just South of the Tyne bridge including a large flyover, but I believe that this had not yet begun in 1965.

Since then there have been many more changes. Northumberland Street was partly pedestrianised shortly after this, and is now completely closed to traffic. An urban Motorway was built in the 1970’s which used to run through Gateshead and the centre of Newcastle, was re-routed to the West of the city more recently.


I hope this gives you something of what you need for the project. 
(…….)


Yours
Fred Brookes