They show how different the streets, the docks and the factories looked all those years ago, and how much the way of life has altered.
A famous bridge is pictured shortly before it was demolished, old trams are seen rattling along the road, and slum housing is shown before being flattened to make way for a new town.
Big events captured include the nationwide mourning for King George VI in 1952, the 1908 Royal Show in Newcastle, and the big walkout by shipworkers in 1957.
This retro photo gallery features scenes from around Newcastle, Hartlepool, South Shields, Sunderland and the market towns of Northumberland.
Some of the iconic buildings and monuments pictured are still standing, but they have witnessed huge changes around them in the decades since these photos were taken.
How many of the streets, squares and river views do you recognise, and what do you think about how the area has changed since these nostalgic images were taken?
5. Berwick Bridge
Berwick, viewed from Spittal, in 1895, showing Berwick Bridge | Getty Images Photo: The Print Collector
6. Grey Street
Looking down Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, in around 1900. On the right is the Theatre Royal, and in the background is Grey's Monument. | Getty Images Photo: London Stereoscopic Company/Hulton Archive
8. Binns Corner
Traffic at Binns Corner is brought to a halt on a busy Saturday afternoon in August 1955 as 426 (Durham) Coast Regiment T.A. march to West Hartlepool railway station en route to their annual camp. Among the buildings in the background on Stockton Street is the Malt and Hopps Inn, on the corner of Albert Street. Sutton Brothers fish shop, the Zip shop, and Atkinsons Tailors can also be seen at the corner of Church Square. | National World