Avenue

A Newcastle Backstreet Boyhood

Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book Avenue by Samuel H. Herbert, The History Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Samuel H. Herbert ISBN: 9780752477275
Publisher: The History Press Publication: April 1, 2012
Imprint: The History Press Language: English
Author: Samuel H. Herbert
ISBN: 9780752477275
Publisher: The History Press
Publication: April 1, 2012
Imprint: The History Press
Language: English

The Avenue stretched from Elswick Road to Scotswood Road, and almost every house in it was tenemented. There were four courtyards and a conglomeration of passages. Situated at one end of each of these courtyards was a row of toilets, and we watched as queues formed outside each of them. We were soon to become accustomed to this distressing necessity. It would be almost impossible to describe every aspect of this dirty lane, but this much can be said—even in those days of housing shortages and woeful sanitary facilities, the conditions that prevailed in The Avenue were almost beyond belief. This is a hard-hitting account of growing up in Newcastle's West End during the uncertain years of the First World War and the Depression. Samuel Herbert had to grow up fast when his mother moved the family to a cockroach-infested tenement in Elswick while his Dad—a miner—was away fighting on the front line. Along with the shared "netties" and the terrible living conditions, Samuel learned how to deal with the bullies and the gangs until he grew as tough as they were. His fight to get out of this poverty-stricken existence was always hindered by something and he continuously ended up back in that same sorrowful place called The Avenue. Along with the tragedy, however, came lots of laughs, and Samuel’s unique account demonstrates the humor, courage, and indomitable spirit of the local population. Prepare to be amused and entertained, surprised and moved by these stories, which vividly capture the heart and heritage of this former mining community.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Avenue stretched from Elswick Road to Scotswood Road, and almost every house in it was tenemented. There were four courtyards and a conglomeration of passages. Situated at one end of each of these courtyards was a row of toilets, and we watched as queues formed outside each of them. We were soon to become accustomed to this distressing necessity. It would be almost impossible to describe every aspect of this dirty lane, but this much can be said—even in those days of housing shortages and woeful sanitary facilities, the conditions that prevailed in The Avenue were almost beyond belief. This is a hard-hitting account of growing up in Newcastle's West End during the uncertain years of the First World War and the Depression. Samuel Herbert had to grow up fast when his mother moved the family to a cockroach-infested tenement in Elswick while his Dad—a miner—was away fighting on the front line. Along with the shared "netties" and the terrible living conditions, Samuel learned how to deal with the bullies and the gangs until he grew as tough as they were. His fight to get out of this poverty-stricken existence was always hindered by something and he continuously ended up back in that same sorrowful place called The Avenue. Along with the tragedy, however, came lots of laughs, and Samuel’s unique account demonstrates the humor, courage, and indomitable spirit of the local population. Prepare to be amused and entertained, surprised and moved by these stories, which vividly capture the heart and heritage of this former mining community.

More books from The History Press

Cover of the book Companion to the Red Army 1939-1945 by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book The Little History of Yorkshire by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Voices from the Carpathia by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Till the Boys Come Home by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Legend of Pryderi by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Brontë Country by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Civil War Maryland by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Real Mrs Beeton by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Halifax Murders by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Murder in the Courthouse by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Sins of the Father by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Roald Amundsen by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Paranormal London by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Death in Disguise by Samuel H. Herbert
Cover of the book Goering and Goering by Samuel H. Herbert
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy