A tribute page was set up in memory of the Victoria Hall disaster on June 16 – 125 years after the Wearside tragedy which shocked the world.

More than 500 people have logged on to read about the fateful day and see the names of the children, aged three to 14, who lost their lives.

The site tells of the hordes of people who had visited the former Toward Road venue on June 16, 1883, to see a performance by The Fays, of Tynemouth Aquarium.

Promises of talking waxworks, living marionettes, conjuring tricks and a Great Ghost Illusion had led to a huge demand for seats, with about 2,000 sold.

What excited the young audience most, however, was the announcement that "Every child will stand the chance of receiving a handsome present."

But what promised to be a fun day out soon turned to tragedy as the excited children raced from the gallery to make sure they didn't miss out on winning a new toy.

A door at the bottom of the stairs had been bolted ajar, leaving just enough space – 22 inches – for one person to squeeze through at a time.

Within seconds, the narrow gap was choked. Soon, the excited youngsters were reduced to a struggling heap, with children being crushed layer upon layer.

The Sunderland Echo reported at the time: "Children tumbled head over heels, one on top of the other. Shrieks and screams vibrated through the staircase. "The heap of writhing humanity became higher and higher, until it became a mass of struggling and dying children over six feet in height."

The author of the page, which appears on memorial website gonetoosoon.com explains: "Most of the victims were aged between seven and 10, but two were just three years old. The mangled bodies, many barely recognisable, were laid out in rows for identification. More than one family lost all of their children."

Touched by the tragic turn of events, visitors to the site have been leaving messages in tribute to the children.

One visitor, Alexandra, writes: "I thought I was reading a horror book. It must have been so scary for all those young kids buried alive under piles of other screaming children. My heart goes out to all of them kids and their parents. May all your wee souls rest in peace."

No one was ever blamed for the bolting of the door which led to the tragedy, despite two inquests being held, although a lack of caretakers to "preserve order" was criticised.

The tragedy did, however, prompt the passing of legislation to provide crush doors which opened outwards at all places of public entertainment, which still stands today.

Victoria Hall was destroyed by a German parachute mine in the Second World War, but a memorial to the tragic youngsters still stands in Mowbray Park.