Then & Now

I came across an interesting on line facility available from the National Library of Scotland.   It allows you to view an old OS map alongside & synchronized with a current satellite view.

Some examples:
1.  The route of the Marsden Rattler - follow it south east to the paper mill beyond Whitburn Colliery, or head west to Whitburn Colliery Junction on the Pontop & South Shields Branch, & beyond
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/sidebyside.cfm#zoom=16&lat=54.9911&lon=-1.4101&layers=6&right=BingHyb 

The Marsden Rattler

2.  The Tanfield Branch beyond East Tanfield - follow the line to Whiteley Head, past Tanfield Moor Pit, onto the Harelaw Waggonway, note how close it runs to the P&JR, and head eventually onto the Annfield Plain Branch heading for South Shields.
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/sidebyside.cfm#zoom=15&lat=54.8886&lon=-1.6994&layers=6&right=BingHyb

Looking north east across Tanfield Lane in 1954
(photo courtesy of Derek Charlton)

3.  From Backworth Shed, head south for the Tyne - cross the Metro line at Backworth Station, near Middle Engine cross over the Blyth & Tyne, then run alongside the B&T, pass to the east of Percy Main, crossing the Metro line again, then head straight for Whitehill Point.   Here, you'd be able to cross the Tyne on the ferry & land near Harton High Staiths, in South Shields again!
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/sidebyside.cfm#zoom=16&lat=55.0422&lon=-1.5256&layers=6&right=BingHyb

49 & 60 at Backworth - full description & similar photos at Plumb Loco 

Note that you needn't follow railways - you could look at the historical maps where you live, perhaps to see if your new house is near a pit shaft.   Present day footpaths are shown where they follow old railways.   

Set Swipe ON at window top right, perhaps moving the screen divider, for a useful alternative.   Enjoy!

If you find anything interesting, please add a link as a comment.