Blucher, allotment gardens

Post medieval miners' cottages typically had small yards rather than gardens, which led to the development of allotments. They served the same purpose as medieval tofts and crofts, being used to grow vegetables, keep pigs and poultry. Crees for racing pigeons were also common on later allotments. The allotments on the north side of Hexham Road are shown on plans from 1808. Newburn was apparently renowned for its early and excellent fruit (Mackenzie 1811, 473). Vegetables from gardens at Newburn supplied the daily market at Sandhill in Newcastle (Middlebrook 1950, 151). The A69 has been across the site.