The Scotswood Bridge ("Chain Bridge") over the River Tyne, between Newcastle and Blaydon was opened on the 16th of April 1831. Designed by John Green, the suspension bridge had two stone towers, from which the road deck was suspended by chains. It's building had been passed by parliament in 1829, with construction beginning that year. It was the first bridge over the River Tyne to be opened during Tyneside's industrial era.

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The 'new' Scotswood Bridge, over the River Tyne between Scotswood and Blaydon, was opened 20th March 1967. It replaced the old Scotswood Chain Bridge of 1831.

The old bridge > 

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The first Blaydon Race run from Newcastle to Blaydon was held on the 9th June 1981. The 5.9 mile road race was organised by Dr James Dewar of Blaydon Harriers. It became an annual event, held on th 9th of June every year, and begins with the singing of "The Blaydon Races", the folk song by Geordie Ridley, about the horse race of that name. The route starts from Collingwood Street in Newcastle, heading west along Scotswood Road, crossing the Scotswood Bridge, and finishing in Blaydon. The winners of the first run in 1981 were Mike McLeod of  Elswick Harriers (fastest male: 26:27) and H Boyes of Morpeth Harriers (fastest female: 34:10).