Consett, Middle Street 1965

In 1831 there were only 150 people living in and around Consett. An iron works was opened in 1837, but it was the discovery two years later of ironstone deposits at nearby Shotley Bridge, and the opening of coal pits during the 1840s, that sparked off the town's growth. By 1871 the population stood at around 6000, and by the time this picture was taken it was well over 30,000.