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1922 (Eggy’s map): The former site of the old wagonway has now been developed, to include Jubilee- and Melrose Terrace. The ‘new’ Puddlers Row, fronting onto Puddler’s Road, runs east-west south of the Bank Top Hotel (opened 1903). Directly to the north of the hotel and south of Jubilee Terrace, where the former old wagon way turns off towards the old staith, is a smaller row, here named Back Row. This is very possibly the former Pudler’s Row shown in 1865. Two new developments appear on the left of the main road and to the north of the Bank Top Hotel. Front Row appears, adjacent to the Bank Top Hotel, and at its northern end, next to Jubilee Terrace, is the Mansion House (named on 1961 map). 1938: Back Row disappears from the map. Puddler’s Road has been renamed Stead Lane so the ‘new’ Puddlers Row, running east west, now faces Stead Lane. 1947: The old wagonway has now become a footpath leading to the old staith and Front Row is clearly seen between the Bank Top Hotel and Jubilee Terrace. 1961: Here, we can see that the row to the south of Mansion House, previously named Front Row, now has two names. The northern part, nearest the station, is now called Glassey Terrace while the southern part, nearest the bank Top Hotel, is now called Howard Terrace. I think somebody mentioned this previously. The line of the old wagon way is still clearly visible, forming the north east boundary of the Melrose housing. It seems the original Puddler’s Row was situated behind Melrose Avenue. It also seems to have been there in 1922 and possibly still in use.

All four photographs of Puddlers Row, Bank top, Bedlington were kindly sent to me by Mr Jack Earl. He was born at number 20 Puddlers Row in 1939. Jack contacted me through a request for photos of Puddlers Row in the local history magazine ' Creeful of Coals. Many thanks to Jack for the only photo I've ever seen of Puddlers Row. http://acreefulofcoals.simplesite.com/

Well!!Exactly one month since my rant over acts of vandalism...and it seems to have killed the thread! But it hasn't killed the vandalism.....another seat burned to a large pile of ashes up the Black Path,from the Furnace Bank car park. The seats down by the river went a year or two ago,the one adjacent to the car park was attempted to be burned down a while ago,but is still there ....unsightly....being charred black at each end of the seat,next to the Longridge information board.....the one just up the path,about 50 yards....just a heap of charred pieces amongst the pile of ash and rubbish....[a while ago],and in the last three or four weeks,the next one up the path..just fine ash and the metal holding brackets left![oh!....and, of course,the obligatory Vodka bottle and beer cans.....empty of course......they carry them there full...and are too lazy to carry them home or put them in the bin!] Bins!!!!....the Council no sooner put bins everywhere for public use,and within a week,the one at the Red Row junction,was literally riped off and vanished,leaving the pole and twisted metal brackets. Most every other one I come across,seems to be twisted around as if the intention was to rip them off and been a failure....maybe by kids too weak to carry out their bit of fun.... I took pics with the intention of posting them here and on the County Council site,but haven't been able to do that as yet. When will it end? Rich,you want to hope that you die young and quick,and never have the need to grow old and infirm,with the need also for permanent care.....in a Care Home for the Elderly. Maybe you have a genuine sentiment for seeing Bedlington thrive.....but it sure as hell doesn't sound like it to me!! The very people being cared for,like Matty Hall,who EVERYBODY in Bedlington knew,is in such a home,and it was People like Matty who helped create the Community of Bedlington as we knew it and grew up here. Now tell me....what have you contributed to Bedlington? Rant over for another month! Back ti me aad sel' agyen!!