Berwick-upon-Tweed - Jim Walker

This incredible collection of over 200 old photographs and illustrations in and around Berwick-upon-Tweed beautifully portrays the town as it used to be. Through these pictures we discover all aspects of the town, from buildings and shops which no longer exist through the shipping industry to the military history of the area and the work and leisure activities of Berwick people. Berwick has an unique history both as a frontier town and an important trading port. Periods of prosperity, for example through fishing and mining, have been interspersed with periods of deprivation. The traditional net and coble salmon fishing industry at the mouth of the River Tweed has been an important feature of Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal for 1,000 years. When the fishing stations closed in 1988, a whole way of life was lost to the community. Jim Walker has been interested both in photography and local history for many years. He has been able, therefore, to bring together a fascinating selection of pictures which will inspire many memories in long-time residents of the area and will give newer residents an insight into the rich history of their town.