George "Geordie" Ridley

George "Geordie" Ridley (1835–1864) was a Tyneside concert hall songwriter and performer in the middle of the 19th century.

One of his first venues as a professional was the Grainger Music Hall[4] where he performed as a singer of Irish comic and old Tyneside songs.

[5] He followed this by moving to the new Tyne Concert Hall opened by Mr. Stanley where he introduced the character Johnny Luik-Up the Bellman.

His performances took him all over the North East of England, his songs sold well in cheap editions and children were singing the catchy tunes in the streets.

[9] Another family member, one of George's brothers, John Steven Ridley, came to fame on 10 March 1871 when he beat the English running champion in a one-mile race at Gateshead.