Podcast series brings Tyne Derwent Way history to life

All episodes of a new podcast series, Telling Tales, which explores the rich history of the River Tyne through the voices of local people and historians, are now available.

The six-part series focuses on the nine-mile Tyne Derwent Way, stretching from Gateshead to the National Trust’s Gibside estate in the Derwent Valley.

Funded by Historic England and created through community workshops involving over 150 people, the podcast blends storytelling with historical insight.

Each 40-minute episode, narrated by young people chosen through The Drop In youth project, highlights a different site along the route, including St Mary’s Heritage Centre, burial place of a convicted witch, and the Grade II-listed Dunston Staiths, once used for coal loading.

Heritage engagement officer Naz Faraji said the aim was “preserving heritage and memories – providing a bridge from the past to the present.”

Episodes also feature recordings from former workers and interviews with figures such as Sir John Hall.

Designed to be accessible and engaging, the podcast can also serve as an audio guide for walkers of the Tyne Derwent Way.

Partners include the National Trust, Newcastle and Northumbria universities, Gateshead College and local schools. All episodes are available on Spotify, Apple and other podcast platforms following a recent launch at St Mary’s Heritage Centre.