Newcastle

Newcastle upon Tyne was another town which grew up because of shipping. Coal and rope exports were particularly important in the 18th century, and there was also an iron and steel industry. Salt as made from sea water, and clay pipe making was also undertaken.

In particular, lime was made for fertilisers- and by the 19th century an alkali industry (including materials such as lime to make fertilisers) was flourishing in Newcastle. Pottery and glass began to be important to the town, although these had declined by the end of the 19th century. The iron industry and mechanical engineering continued to be important however, and so did shipbuilding.

All the industry and shipping in Newcastle meant that there was rapid growth and the population. At the beginning of the 19th century the population was 28,000, and by the end of the century it was approximately 215,000!