Gateshead
[key], metropolitan borough, NE England, on the Tyne River opposite
Newcastle upon
Tyne. Service industries, light engineering, paints,
refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning equipment, ordnance, and wire
and cable are among the city's industries. Gateshead Fell is noted for its
historic grindstone quarries. Gateshead is an extremely old community,
probably dating back to Saxon times. The area's iron and steel industry
developed in the 19th cent. The city was swept by fire in 1854, but several
old churches survive. Several bridges cross the Tyne to Newcastle, including
the tilting, arc-shaped Millenium Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, part
of the redevelopment of the Gateshead Quays, which includes a contemporary
arts center.
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