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South Shields lies on
the North Sea at the mouth of the River Tyne. It is
linked to North Shields, on the north bank of the river, by
the Shields Ferry.
In AD 129 Arbeia, the largest
Roman construction along Hadrian's Wall, was established here
to protect the entrance to the river. Originally a garrison,
it grew to become the supply base for the 17 forts along the
wall. The Romans remained here until the 5th century
and during that time South Shields became an important military
and commercial centre.
Shipping was always important
and by 1500 South Shields was a notable sea port, trading
in timber, lead and salt. Seafaring, shipbuilding and marine
engineering were the town's main activities but lifesaving
was also important. The busy port was very exposed to
gales and heavy seas and because of the dangers the first
purpose-built lifeboat was built in the borough in 1789.
The Souter Lighthouse, the first
in the world to be powered by electricity, began operating
at South Shields in 1871. In the 18th century there
were a number of press gangs operating in South Shields and
many local men were pressed into service in the British Navy. Later
the coal trade became important to South Shields.
Coal mining here dates back to
Roman times but in 1810 the first pit was opened at Templetown.
More collieries followed and South Shields grew rapidly
in Victorian times.
The shipyards and coal mines
have all gone and today South Shields is a thriving seaside
resort. The coastal scenery, once with pithead winding
gear and spoil heaps, has been restored to its natural beauty.
South Shields boasts six miles
of coastline and three miles of river frontage. There
are beaches and the 'Leas', which makes up three miles of
the town's coastline, is a National Trust protected area. Marsden
Bay, with its famous limestone stack, has one of the largest
seabird colonies in the UK.
South Shields has a bustling
town centre. The attractive 'pepper pot' Town Hall,
dating from the 18th century, stands in the square - the location
of the South Shields Market. The market is one of the
oldest and most popular in the North-East.
The town's 19th century Customs
House has a theatre, art gallery and a cinema.
South Shields is also one of the liviest nightspots in the
North-East.
Attractions and Museums
South
Shields Museum and Art Gallery features the 'Tales
of South Tyneside Gallery', an exhibition exploring local
history during the life and times of Dame Catherine Cookson
(1906-1998). Born at Tyne Dock, South Shields, the
world-famous author is South Tyneside's most famous resident.
Arbeia
Roman Fort and Museum, located on an area of high
ground known as the 'Lawe' overlooking the sea at the mouth
of the River Tyne. The museum uses excavated remains, finds
and a stunning reconstruction of the original West Gate to
give visitors a unique insight into life at the Roman fort.
Other highlights of the town
reflect the its long maritime history. The UK's second
oldest preserved lifeboat, the 'Tyne', can be seen
at the Wouldhave Memorial between the North and South
Marine Parks.
Visitors can also explore the
facinating Souter
Lighthouse, now owned by the National Trust.
This striking Victorian structure boasts wonderful views over
Marsden Bay and the notorious currents of 'Whitburn Steel'.
The famous Marine College, founded
by Dr Thomas Winterbottom in 1837, now forms part of South
Tyneside College. A leader in its class, the college
continues to attract seafaring students from all over the
world. Another feature is the statue of local fish wife
Dolly Peel (1783 - 1857), which looks out over the River Tyne.
A renowned smuggler, poet and story teller, Dolly also served
in the Napoleonic Wars and regularly hid her husband from
the press gangs.
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South
Shields
