History of South Shields
South Shields is categorized as a costal town in South Tyneside , located on the south bank of the mouth of the River Tyne. South Shields has an estimated population of about 90,000. It is thought that the earliest inhabitants of South Shields , were a Celtic Race known as the Brigantes, and originally named the town ‘Caer Urfa', which is thought to have meant ‘town on the rock'. However in 1245 the town was named South Shields by the Prior and Convent of Durham.
The Roman South Shields was founded in AD80 by Agricola, who built a Fort on Lawe Top, which acted as a supply base for Hadrian's Wall . During the time of the Romans, South Shields became a very strong military point and also commercial centre. The Roman reign lasted until the 5th century.
It was in 1258 that South Shields developed as a fishing port, this was due to the order that was made by the numerous complaints of the burgesses of Newcastle . The consequence of this was that no ships should be loaded or unloaded at Shields, and that no shoars or quays should be built there.
Shipbuilding was one of the town's major industries, and by 1500 South Shields became an important seaport, and was a good trade in timber, lead and salt. It was in 1720 that a shipyard was established by Robert Wallis. The most famous shipbuilder was Thomas Marshall, who built the first Iron Ship ‘Conside', in 1847.
It wasn't until 1325 when the first coal trade was mentioned. It was in the 1620's that piracy was widespread and the colliers sailed in fleets or were protected by armed ships. In the first half of the 19 th century industries such as salt making, rope, anchor and chain cable forging began to flourish. The only time that the port was closed was during the Civil War and this was from January 1644 until October 1644. Although coal mining dates back to the Roman times it wasn't until the 18 th century that the first pit was opened.
In 1790 the first original lifeboat was invented by Willie Woodhave. The lifeboat was built by Henry Greathead and cost £91. The lifeboat was launched in 1790 and served 40 years. It was in 1830 when the lifeboat was driven onto some rocks and split in two. It was then in 1826 when there was a further innovation with the invention of the first ships lifeboat by James Mather.
South Shields is also famous for its historical buildings such as the Arbiea Roman Fort. Situated four miles east of the end of Hadrian's Wall , this well known building dates back to the Roman era. The fort was built in AD160, and played an essential role in the frontier system. The Fort was originally built to house a garrison, which soon became.
As well as its history South Shields is also known for its art, housing one of the most successful local museums in the country, South Shields Museum and Art Gallery . It has just recently re-opened with a 1.4 million redevelopment programme. The museum and gallery is situated in the heart of South Shields town centre. The museums collection represent the natural and social history of the area.
Also in South Shields is the famous Conservation Piece sculpture, which was created by Spanish Sculptor Juan Munoz in 1999. The sculpture consists of 22 bronze life size figures, which greet the visitors from land and sea. Each of the figures weighs approximately a quarter of a tonne and stands 1.5m high. Another famous sculpture in South Shields is the Spirit of South Shields. The sculpture is a spirit holding a sailing ship in one arm while raising the other to greet the future. The sculpture is thought to be a protector to guide the ships through the sea safely. Another two famous sculptures in South Shields are The Ferry Approach and The Fleet.
Below is a list of Famous Residents that have lived at South Shields :
* Richard Wallace Annand – first Victoria Cross recipient of the Second World War.
* John Barbour – Clothier, inventor and manufacturer of the Barbour Jacket.
* Sam Bartram – Goal Keeper for Charlton Athletic 1934 to 1956.
* Lord Blayon – Labour Party politician
* Albert Burdon – Comedian
* Daniel Conway – Digital artist AKA Arcipello
* Catherine Cookson – Best-Selling novelist
* Sir William Fox – Three times Prime Minister of New Zealand
* Shelia Graber – Animator
* Eric Idle – Part of the team of Monty Python
* George Irving – Actor in films and TV. (Anton Meyer in Holby City )
* Alex Kaprans – Singer in the Group Franz Ferdinand
* Charles Mark Palmer – Ship Builder
* James Mitchell – TV script writer
* Ridley Scott – Film Director and Producer
* Stanley Mortensen – International footballer
* Andrew Ernest Stoddart – Captain of England at Rugby and Cricket
* Eileen O'Shaughnessy – Wife of George Orwell
