NRO 05757/34 Black and white photograph of two pigeon fanciers from Chevington Drift, Red Row with cup and certificate for Lille Race, 1947 

NRO 05729/J/7/4 Black and white photograph of Billy and Tom Oliver at their pigeon cree at Dene Row, Holywell, 1905 

During the late-1800s and 1900s keeping, racing, and showing pigeons became popular with industrial workers and especially the miners of northern England.  

Men (very few women took part) took their pigeons to shows. The judges at the shows examined the pigeons and awarded prizes, like a dog or cat show. These were sometimes at “Feather and Fur” shows where other birds and animals, such as rabbits would be “shown”.  

Northumberland Archives holds a document from Bedlington Poultry Society’s 10^th Annual Exhibition in 1874 (SANT/BEQ/5/4/9/2/7 and 8). 

Pigeon fanciers use the birds’ ability to find their way back home in races. The birds are transported long distances and set free. A timer is started. When the birds reach their home cree the timer is stopped.

NRO 05757/34 shows a cup won by the men in the photograph whose pigeon flew from Lille in France to Red Row, Northumberland (according to Google Maps, this journey would be 762km by car). 

During the First and Second World Wars restrictions were put on pigeon keeping. The British authorities feared that pigeons could be used to carry messages to their enemies. 

Pigeon fancier – someone who kept pigeons 

Pigeon cree – loft or shed built (or repurposed) to keep pigeons 

Homing pigeon – a racing pigeon that would be released and would fly home