In the early days South Shields was a fishing village with Harton and Westoe being agricultural areas, as seen in the photo of Moor Lane in 1880.
Harton village is about 2 miles south of South Shields centre and in the early 1900's was still unaffected by the spread of South Shields, unlike Westoe village to the north which by this time was connected. It wasn't until 1921 that Harton became part of the borough.
St Peter's church which can be seen in the photograph was built in 1867 from the stone quarried at Cleadon Hills.
Across the road from the church was the Vigilant Inn, dating back to the mid 1800's. Later to be demolished and the present Inn of the same name built around 1925.
The Westoe Hotel opened in 1871, looking down Westoe Road, which was then called Westoe Lane. It was a family hotel in an almost rural area at that time.
The Westoe Tavern, originally known as George Easton's Inn which used to hold fêtes and flower shows in Victorian times. Later it was passed on to Robert Henderson who used to brew his own beer at Westoe Brewery.
The Tavern was demolished in 1880 and was rebuilt as the County Hotel.
Thomas Hogg Allan outside 3 Westoe Terrace (Wyvestoe Lodge) in 1904.
He seems to be driving a type of early delivery van.
