57, 58 & 59 Front Street, Tynemouth

Image: © Geoff Holland Taken: 2 Mar 2021

These three properties, which were built at sometime between the mid 18th and early 19th centuries, are all Grade II Listed. The property with the shop front, a later addition, was once was the home of Harriet Martineau one of the most prominent and versatile women writers of the 19th century as well as one of the most controversial. Not a local by birth, she arrived in Tynemouth in 1840, in ill health, and fully expecting to die, to be with her brother-in-law doctor. Already a prolific writer on subjects such as religion, politics, economics and social reform she was far from idle whilst in Tynemouth. During her 5 year stay, when she made a surprising recovery, she published a novel, The Hour and The Man, a book of children's stories, The Playfellow and a collection of meditative essays, Life in The Sick Room. She eventually moved to Ambleside in the Lake District. The house is now known as Martineau Guest House. This is a fine trio of houses, all two storey with a basement and attic space, with the round brick passage arch, left of the shop front, known as The Grove, giving access to number 57. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit www.northtynesidewalks.co.uk

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