Charles Algernon Parson invented modern steam turbine in 1884. The steam turbine extracts thermal energy from pressurised steam and uses it to rotate an output shaft to do mechanical work. Parson connected his first turbine to a dynamo that generated 7.5 kW of electricity. Over time Parson improved the design and increased the amount of electricity generated. The made cheap and plentiful electricity possible and revolutionised marine transport and naval warfare.

St. James's Congregational Church (now St James' United Reformed Church) on Northumberland Road in Newcastle was built 1882-1884 by T. Lewis Banks.  It was built for a community whom had a non-conformist / Presbyterian tradition, who were first recorded meeting in a malt loft in Silver Street in 1684.

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By April 1884, the newly established Diocesan Society for the Protection of Women and Children had occupied No. 6 Ravensworth Terrace in Newcastle, with 12 girls resident in the refuge. Soon after, the Society occupied No. 7 next door, for use as a Training Home for Friendless Girls, teaching household skills suitable for developing careers as a domestic servants. Later No. 8 was used as a ladies boarding house where the girls could use some of the household skills, and generate income for the Society. 

Source: Northumberland Archives

The Cliff Tramway in Saltburn-by-the-Sea was opened on the 8th June 1884. The tramway connects the town with the lower promenade, pier and beach - 120ft (37m) below the cliff. It is a funicular tramway, operated by cable with counterbalanced ascending and descending carriages. The tramway replaced a vertical cliff hoist from 1870.

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