The Port of North Shields was founded around 1225 by the Prior of Tynemouth.
Conflict with Newcastle over control of the river and lucrative customs rights meant that
development was suppressed until the beginning of the 19th century.
In 1796 the Earl of Carlisle sold most of the land for the town centre to Newcastle solicitor John Wright.
The high and low lights (lighthouses) were built in 1810 to mark the safe channel into the River Tyne.
North Shields has been a major fishing port for many years.
It is also the terminus port for Scandanavian North Sea Ferry services.
A passenger ferry operates between North and South Shields.
The Tyne Tunnel and Tyne pedestrian tunnel are nearby, both lead to Jarrow.
The Wooden Dolly was originally placed on the quayside in 1814. It has been replaced
four times because sailors used to cut pieces from it to bring them good luck.
It now stands in Northumberland Square in the town centre.
Author Robert Westall was born at 7, Vicarage Street, North Shields on October 7th, 1929.
He grew up in North Shields during World War 2.
His first novel The Machine Gunners arose from his desire to share that experience with his
son. His novels are often inspired by his wartime experiences and North Tyneside locations.
Stanley Jefferson (Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy). Spent his childhood living in Dockwray
Square, North Shields. His father was the manager of the Theatre Royal (demolished) in Prudhoe
Street. A bronze statue of Stan now stands in the park at the centre of Dockwray Square.
John Dobson the famous Newcastle architect was born in Chirton, North Shields in 1787.
