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Played in Tyne and Wear: a book documenting the area’s sporting heritage is launched and a year long programme of events throughout Tyne and Wear begins.

In the 11th book in English Heritage’s groundbreaking Played in Britain series, the architectural historian Lynn Pearson guides the reader on an intimate tour of Tyne and Wear’s sporting treasures. Played in Tyne and Wear reveals the architectural, cultural and social identity of the area through its sporting heritage. Profusely illustrated with archive images, specially commissioned contemporary photographs and detailed mapping, the book perfectly showcases the deep sporting roots of the area. From the site of the celebrated Blaydon Races in Gateshead to a cockfighting pit in Tynemouth, and from the cantilevered heights of Sunderland’s Stadium of Light to the homespun delights of Britain’s only listed pigeon cree in Ryhope, the book explores every corner of the area’s sporting heritage.

Across Tyne and Wear, the local authorities, arts and heritage organisations have come together to create a programme of events that celebrates and uncovers the region’s proud sporting heritage. English Heritage is working in partnership with Gateshead, Newcastle City, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland City councils and Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums to create a year-long celebration comprising talks, research projects and archive exhibitions examining the area’s sporting roots.

Lynn Pearson, author of Played in Tyne and Wear said, “It used to be said that whenever a football manager needed a goal scorer, all he had to do was head to the north east, call down a mineshaft and up would pop a centre forward. North East footballers may be famous but Tyne and Wear’s shipbuilders and miners were just as likely to be formidable boxers, rowers, runner, cricketers or pigeon-racers and it’s this variety that is celebrated in the book.”

Carol Pyrah, English Heritage Planning and Development Regional Director said, “As the book shows, the heritage of sport in Tyne & Wear is about the highs and the lows, the innovations, the prowess, the pride, the persistence and the people. These are embodied in the places, buildings and sporting traditions of the area. This project, put together by a partnership of English Heritage, the Tyne & Wear local authorities and Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums will celebrate this unique part of the identity of Tyne & Wear.

The year of events whose start is marked by the publication of the book will allow people to explore Tyne and Wear’s sporting heritage both past and present. This programme of activities kicks off with a chance to visit the Jesmond Dene Real Tennis Club as part of Heritage Open Days and, from October, Simon Inglis, editor of Played in Tyne and Wear, will be giving talks on the book at different locations throughout Tyne and Wear.

Played in Tyne and Wear costs £14.99 and is published by English Heritage. For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/playedintyneandwear or
www.playedinbritain.co.uk