'Missing Pieces' - about this website

Our understanding of the past is shaped by historical records. But what do we do when trying to understand the history of something like homelessness, about which there is little written evidence?

The sad fact is that most people who faced homelessness in the past have gone unrecorded and often unremembered. The records of institutions such as workhouses and charities, that could have offered evidence of people's lives and existences, have often been seen as unimportant and many have been lost or destroyed. As a result, we have lots of information on the wealthy and powerful in history but very little on the lives of the most vulnerable in society.

The evidence that remains is fragmentary. It’s up to us to uncover these fragments and give voice to the people who have been forgotten.

This website presents a selection of items relating to the history of homelessness in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne. We aim to find out what they can tell us about homeless lives past and present. Some items tell a personal story. Others give a glimpse into homeless experience or reveal wider attitudes towards homelessness.

All of these items were originally uncovered by the Homeless History of Newcastle project. If you have any items or images you would like to add to the website then please email homelesshistorynewcastle@gmail.com.