Who remembers rummaging through the bargain box at Robinson’s bookshop or choosing a bouquet from a bucket outside Katherine’s florists? Or how about – going way back – being shocked at the sight of whole rabbits hanging on display outside the butchers’ stalls?
Those were once familiar scenes in the Grainger Market, a much-loved Newcastle institution, which has changed hugely over the years and what it offers now, especially with its wide mix of cuisines, is a far cry from the old days. It has evolved to suit all tastes, just as it has changed to meet the needs of its customers ever since it opened in 1835.
But that doesn’t mean that people don’t miss some old favourites, such as Robinson’s Booksellers on the corner with its piles of second-hand buys – and some new ones. The store closed in 2014 after more than 130 years.
Last year another favourite, Scorpio Shoes, closed after a 50-year stint, having been the go-to place for trendsetting footwear since the mid-1970s. While we celebrate the new-look market – which has under gone a roof restoration and now sees plans for major regeneration work take another step forward – we here take a trip down memory lane with these images of the market from over the years.
In that time, generations of shoppers have found pretty much everything they needed under its barrelled glass roof, whether it was a household essential, plug adaptor, thread, overalls or watch batteries. Or they might have needed an opticians, a pet toy or even somewhere to buy a wig.
And independent traders are still keeping the flag flying. Among them, the likes of Pumphrey’s coffee and Matthew’s cheeses have been on people’s shopping lists for years.
And the market’s history continues to make its presence felt. Marks & Spencer Penny Bazaar is still there, as is the old Weigh Hall, while traditional butcher’s shops and fruit and veg outlets are a mainstay. For more about what’s on offer at the Grainger Market see here.
Mark Toney’s ice cream kiosk in the Grainger Market in 1987
A market poultry stall selling Christmas Turkeys in 1965 (Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums)
A packed Grainger Market in 1985
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)Another scene from 1988
Grainger Coffee Bar in the early 1970s
(Image: Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums)Marks & Spencer Original Penny Bazaar at the Grainger Market
(Image: Newcastle Libraries/City Engineers)Finleys Butchers has been established in the Grainger market since 1914
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)A market scene from 1979
Grainger Market shoppers might not know that an air raid shelter lies underneath their feet
The Weigh House is still in regular use
(Image: Mirrorpix)A hardware stall pictured around 1970
(Image: Newcastle Libraries, Laszlo Torday)A photo of Alley no. 3 in 1987
(Image: Newcastle Libraries/City Engineers)A newsagent in the Grainger Market in 1988
(Image: Newcastle Libraries)Newcastle Grainger Market, 1952
A busy market in 2015
The White Shop, Grainger Market, in 1974 (Picture: Paul Kenny)
Christmas turkeys on sale at the long-running Hector Hall’s stall in the Grainger Market in 1955
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)Matthew’s Cheese, pictured in 2006, is another enduring favourite
Grainger Market, circa 1955, from the book, The Grainger Market: The Peoples History, by Yvonne Young, Tyne Bridge Publishing
A scene in Grainger Market when it suffered a power cut in 1947
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)An image showing the opening of the Grainger Market on October 22, 1835
(Image: UFC TNE)General view of the market in 1974 (Picture: Paul Kenny)
A market florist in 1974 (Picture: Paul Kenny)
Flags were erected in the market back when it celebrated its 180-year anniversary in 2015
General views of the market in 2015
Fresh farm produce, Grainger Market, Newcastle, 1974 (Picture: Paul Kenny)
Grainger Market, around 1955, from the book, The Grainger Market: The People’s History, by Yvonne Young, Tyne Bridge Publishing
Eden butchers, by Laszlo Torday, 1970s, also from the book, The Grainger Market: The Peoples History, by Yvonne Young, Tyne Bridge Publishing
Butcher Tom Carmichael is seen taking a market delivery: taken from the book, The Grainger Market: The People’s History, by Yvonne Young, Tyne Bridge Publishing
(Image: Juan Fitzgerald)An undated picture of the Grainger Market
A scene showing a thirties Chronicle Grainger Market Christmas Fair Challenge Trophy when it was found after 70 years, with market manager Paula Bashforth, in 2005
The Grainger Market continues to be a favourite with shoppers
Daleks visit the Grainger Market
The Grainger Market and (inset) one of the tunnels
