Lights of North Shields
The High and Low Lights of North Shields which are also known as the Fish Quay High and Low Lights are a series of historic leading lights that were constructed near Fish Quay in North Shields, Tyne and Wear. The paired lighthouses which were created by the Guild of the Blessed Trinity of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, have aided ships since the 16th century.
By following a course which kept the two lights aligned, pilots were able to navigate along the Tyne, avoiding the dangerous Shields Bar and the Black Middens. The lights were improved in 1727, and due to the shifting nature of the hazards, the lights had to be re-built in 1807 in different locations to mark the new safe channel.
The lights became obsolete with the construction of the Herd Groyne with its own lighthouse completed in 1882 which displayed sector lights for navigation into Tynemouth and along the river.
See also
References
Citations
Sources
- History of the Old Low Light, The Net, 19 March 2012
- Northern Counties Archaeological Services (May 2010), The Old Low Light, No. 54 Clifford’s Fort, North Shields, Tyne and Wear; (NZ 363081 684810) Conservation Statement (PDF), North Tyneside Council
- Appleby Miller, R.N. (October 1930), "History of the High and Low Lights", Smith’s Dock Journal: 249–255
- Lawrence, Danny (2011), The Making of Stan Laurel: Echoes of a British Boyhood, McFarland, ISBN 978-0786485154
External links
Media related to Fish Quay High Light at Wikimedia Commons
Media related to Fish Quay Low Light at Wikimedia Commons
Media related to Fish Quay Old High Light at Wikimedia Commons
Coordinates: 55°00′22″N 1°26′34″W / 55.006148°N 1.442692°W