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« on: Saturday 10 December 05 20:55 GMT (UK) »
Michael
In 1790, Isaac Richardson built a large tannery on the site in Newgate Street. His sons John & Edward inherited the works. The works suffered a major fire in 1863. A new works was opened in Elswick that year which survived for over 100 years. I assume the Newgate Street works was shut at that time.
The Richardsons were originally farmers in N Yorkshire and went into tanning after a poor harvest. They are supposed to have had the concession to supply Cromwell's army in the 17th century. The family reached Tyneside mid18th century and set up at North Shields, before moving to Pilgrim's Gate, Newcastle and then Newgate St.
Richard