Street scenes around Old Newcastle

During the industrial revolution of 1750-1850, heavy industry thrived in Newcastle and its location made it an ideal base for building the ships and steam trains which powered the era. A number of advancements such as the invention of the steam turbine and the Davy lamp can also be credited to the town. This industrial expansion lead to a huge influx of people, with the population rising from 87,784 in 1851 to 266,671 in 1911 and the honour of city status in 1882. Affluent suburbs appeared on the outskirts of the city centre, made possible by the advancements in railways and tramways.