Old pictures of Hexham and Tynedale, Northumberland

Brian Dodds, a former wedding and portrait photographer, was given a box of old photographs and equipment by a friend who no longer wanted them.

A photograph dating from approximately 1890 (Image: Supplied)

Brian, from Consett, decided to try and trace the photographs and find out more details about them. 

He discovered most of them were taken in Hexham and Corbridge.

A photograph of a woman dating from approximately 1890 (Image: Supplied)

The box containing the photographs states the name of the photographer as RC Wardle.

A photograph of a woman and working horses dating from approximately 1890 taken in the Tynedale area (Image: Supplied)

Brian estimated the photos range in dates, starting from 1890.

A photograph of a woman dating from approximately 1890 (Image: Supplied)

"What I found was that the majority of photographs were from the Corbridge and Hexham area. A couple of the photos have been traced to find out who the [people] were."

A photograph of a family dating from approximately 1890 taken in the Tynedale area (Image: Supplied)

He has attempted to research the history of the photographs, but said he doesn't have the time to commit to unearthing the details.

Brian showed the photo of the two men in army uniform to a staff member at the Medal Centre in Hexham, who identified those in the image as belonging to the Northern Cyclist Battalion.

A photograph of a horse and cart dating from approximately 1890 taken in the Tynedale area (Image: Supplied)

"During the First World War, the [Cyclist Battalion] would cycle messages to and from the front line. There's a load of history behind the photographs," Brian said.

The Northern Cyclist Battalion was a bicycle infantry battalion of the Territorial Force, part of the British Army. 

At the start of the First World War, it was used as mobile infantry, and for work on signals and scouting.

A photograph of two men dating from approximately 1890 taken in the Tynedale area (Image: Supplied)

Formed in 1908 as the 8th Cyclist Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, it separated from the regiment in 1910 and was redesignated as the independent Northern Cyclist Battalion.

The Northern Cyclist Battalion served in the UK throughout the First World War. 

It was then converted as part of the Royal Garrison Artillery in 1920.

"As a photographer myself, I think the quality of the photos is absolutely incredible. The composition and everything is incredible." 

A photograph of a woman dating from approximately 1890 taken in the Tynedale area (Image: Supplied)

Brian said he does not have more time to spend researching the photographs, but hopes someone will recognise the subjects.

Photos are included below.

A photograph of a woman dating from approximately 1890 taken in the Tynedale area (Image: Supplied)

A photograph of farm workers dating from approximately 1890 taken in the Tynedale area (Image: Supplied)

A photograph of a knitting woman dating from approximately 1890 taken in the Tynedale area (Image: Supplied)

A photograph of two men in a living room dating from approximately 1890 taken somewhere in the Tynedale area (Image: Supplied)

A photograph dating from approximately 1890 showing a car and passengers (Image: Supplied)

The box containing the photos which appears to name the photographer as RC Wardle (Image: Supplied)

The stamp on the box containing the photos (Image: Supplied)