It is clear that the first mill at Shields was a watermill at Mill Dam (HER no. 947). By 1530, however, it seems possible that there was also a windmill, since the extensive repairs included not only work on the Mill Dam, but also the sawing of wood for sails and mill arms. Note, however, that the bursar's rental of 1539 records only a mill let to Christopher Fenwick. By 1580 the doubt is resolved - Cuthbert Fenwick of Shele Milne was renting the watermill at $10 and the windmill at $1 6s 8d, and was due to pay a $40 fine for the grant of a lease of the latter. There is no information about the location of this mill.
Site Type: Broad
Power Generation Site
SITEDESC
It is clear that the first mill at Shields was a watermill at Mill Dam. By 1530, however, it seems possible that there was also a windmill, since the extensive repairs included not only work on the Mill Dam, but also the sawing of wood for sails and mill arms. Note, however, that the bursar's rental of 1539 records only a mill let to Christopher Fenwick. By 1580 the doubt is resolved, - Cuthbert Fenwick of Shele Milne was renting the watermill at $10 and the windmill at $1 6s 8d, and was due to pay a $40 fine for the grant of a lease of the latter. There is no information about the location of this mill. Dated C16th.
Site Name
South Shields, windmill
Site Type: Specific
Windmill
HER Number
948
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 948 >> Rev. W. Greenwell, 1872, Feodarium Prioratus Dunelmensis, Surtees Society, 58, p. 309
J. Booth, ed. 1889, Halmota Prioratus Dunelmensis, Surtees Society, 82, p. 198
J. Raine, ed. 1844, The Durham Household, Book Surtees Society, 18, p. 198
G.B. Hodgson, 1903, The Borough of South Shields, pp. 64, 65, 71
YEAR1
1993
YEAR2
1995
English, British
Class
Industrial
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
945,948
DAY1
12
DAY2
25
District
S Tyneside
Easting
435900
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MONTH1
2
MONTH2
1
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
566900
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
South Shields
Description
The prior and convent's tenants of Shields were bound to grind their corn at the mill of the manor, always called Westoe mill but, according to the antiquarian, Hodgson, situated on the west bank of the inlet by the Mill Dam. The earliest reference he cites is 1347, and the mill and its "pond or dam" underwent repairs on a number of occasions from the 14th century onwards. In 1580, and probably earlier, there was also a windmill (HER no. 948), and both were leased to Cuthbert Fenwick of Shele Milne.
Site Type: Broad
Power Generation Site
SITEDESC
The prior and convent's tenants of Shields were bound to grind their corn at the mill of the manor, always called Westoe mill but, according to Hodgson, situated on the west bank of the inlet by the Mill Dam. The earliest reference he cites is 1347, and the mill and its "pond or dam" underwent repairs on a number of occasions from the C14 onwards. In 1580, and probably earlier, there was also a windmill, and both were leased to Cuthbert Fenwick of Shele Milne. Dated C14th.
Site Name
South Shields, watermill
Site Type: Specific
Watermill
HER Number
947
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 947 >> J. Booth, ed. 1889, Halmota Prioratus Dunelmensis, Surtees Society, 82, pp. 27-44, 146, 157, 166, 198
Canon Fowler, ed. 1898, Account Rolls of the Abbey of Durham, Surtees Society, II 100, pp. 303, 547, 551
Surtees Society, Household Book, pp. 16, 80, 82, 274
G.B. Hodgson, 1903, The Borough of South Shields, pp. 53, 64, 71
SURVIVAL
None
YEAR1
1993
YEAR2
1995
English, British
Class
Industrial
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
945
DAY1
11
District
S Tyneside
Easting
436100
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MONTH1
2
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
566700
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
South Shields
Description
The first reference to the manufacture of salt at Shields dates from 1489, when "Lionel Bell of Sowth Sheles obtained a lease for sixty years of a parcel of land near St.Hilde's Chapel. Ten years later he surrendered the lease, together with two iron salt-pannes constructed by the same Lionel within the said plot of ground, and obtained a renewal". The industry grew in the following 50 years, and in 1539 there were 9 salt-pans. The early centre of the industry came to be known as West Pans (probably the area of Pan Closes, east of Commercial Road and under the present metro track), and it continued to thrive into the 18th century.
Site Type: Broad
Salt Production Site
SITEDESC
The first reference to the manufacture of salt at Shields is 1489, "when Lionel Bell of Sowth Sheles obtained a lease for sixty years of a parcel of land near St. Hilde's Chapel. Ten years later he surrendered the lease, together with two iron salt-pannes constructed by the same Lionel within the said plot of ground, and obtained a renewal". The industry grew in the following 50 years, and in 1539 there were 9 salt-pans. The early centre of the industry came to be known as West Pans (probably the area of Pan Closes, east of Commercial Road and under the present metro track), and it continued to thrive into the 18th century. Dated C15th.
Site Name
South Shields, salt pans
Site Type: Specific
Salt Pan
HER Number
946
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 946 >> G.B. Hodgson, 1903, The Borough of South Shields, pp. 61-65, 68, 70-1
SURVIVAL
None
YEAR1
1993
English, British
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Domestic
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
944
DAY1
11
DAY2
16
District
S Tyneside
Easting
435900
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MONTH1
2
MONTH2
1
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 36 NE 23
Northing
566900
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
South Shields
Description
The prior and convent of Durham were confirmed in possession of the vill of Westoe in the late 11th or early 12th century, and it appears that the vill of Shields was founded or grew on Westoe territory, and was certainly in existence by 1235. The rent roll of that year recorded 24 tenants, and by 1256 there were 27 houses, 2 ovens, 4 breweries, and fisheries. In spite of constant opposition from Newcastle and bad times in the 15th century, Shields continued to grow. By the beginning of the 16th century it had attained considerable importance as a seaport, with mill(s) and saltpans. The early town seems to have been a long street parallel with the river, on either side of Mill Dam. Continual riverside development (and presumably reclamation) however has left no trace of the early layout.
Site Type: Broad
Settlement
SITEDESC
The prior and convent of Durham were confirmed in possession of the vill of Westoe in late C11/early C12, and it appears that the vill of Shields was founded or grew on Westoe territory, and was certainly in existence by 1235. The rent roll of that year recorded 24 tenants, and by 1256 there were 27 houses, 2 ovens, 4 breweries, and fisheries. In spite of constant opposition from Newcastle and bad times in C15, Shields continued to grow. By the beginning of the C16 it had attained considerable importance as a seaport, with mill(s) and saltpans. The early town seems to have been a long street parallel with the river, on either side of Mill Dam. Continual riverside development (and presumably reclamation) however has left no trace of the early layout. Dated C13th.
Site Name
South Shields town
Site Type: Specific
Town
HER Number
945
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 945 >> Rev. W. Greenwell,1872, Feodarium Prioratus Dunelmensis, Surtees Society, 58, pp. 119-20, 310
J. Booth, ed. 1889, Halmota Prioratus Dunelmensis, Surtees Society, 82, pp. 32, 198-9
The College Durham D and C MSS, med. Bursar's accounts - Durham University Special Collections 5
W. Hutchinson, 1787, History...of Durham, II, 605-14
R. Surtees, 1820, History...of Durham, II, 94-102
G.B. Hodgson, 1903, The Borough of South Shields, passim
The College Copies of Chancery Decree Awards, 1724, South Shields Mill Dam, 51,- Durham University Special Collections 5
R. Richardson, 1768, A Plan of the Townships of Westoe and Harton... no. 13668, The College Church Commission- Durham University Special Collections 5
The College Ordnance Survey maps, 1st ed. 25 IV.5 -Durham University Special Collections 5
S. Speak, 1990, Wapping Street Excavations; Ian Nairn, 1964, A Townscape Gazetteer - County Durham, Architectural Review, Vol. 135 (1964) p 120
SURVIVAL
None
YEAR1
1993
YEAR2
1995
English, British
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
274
DAY1
08
DAY2
30
District
S Tyneside
Easting
436100
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MONTH1
2
MONTH2
8
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 36 NE 13
Northing
567060
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
South Shields
Description
Traditionally supposed to be the successor of the Anglian monastery. A parochial chapel in the parish of Jarrow, it was probably in existence by the mid 12th century. Hodgson notes the first regular curate was collated in 1321, and records a burial in 1565. It became an independent parish in 1845. In the late 17th century the chapel is said to have consisted of a nave and 5 bay south aisle, but no chancel, and medieval work is thought to survive in "the lower part of the west wall and the tower arch within the upper stages". The north aisle was added in 1753; the tower recased and heightened in 1764; the south aisle widened in 1784-6. The principal rebuilding seems to have been in 1810-12 when the north wall was rebuilt, the arcades removed and the church reroofed in a single span.
SITEASS
Any opportunity for excavation inside the church should be accepted. The flagged area outside was part of the churchyard and has burials in it.
Site Type: Broad
Place of Worship
SITEDESC
Traditionally supposed to be the successor of the Anglian monastery. A parochial chapel in the parish of Jarrow, it was probably in existence by the mid C12. Hodgson notes the first regular curate was collated in 1321, and records a burial in 1565. Became an independent parish in 1845. In late C17 said to consist of a nave and 5 bay S aisle, but no chancel, and medieval work is thought to survive in "the lower part of the W wall and the tower arch within the upper stages". The N aisle was added in 1753; the tower recased and heightened in 1764; the S aisle widened in 1784-6. The principal rebuilding seems to have been in 1810-12 when the N wall was rebuilt, the arcades removed and the church reroofed in a single span. Dated C12th.
Site Name
Chapel of St. Hild
Site Type: Specific
Chapel
HER Number
944
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 944 >> H. Bourne, 1736, History of Newcastle, p. 178
W. Hutchinson, 1787, History of...Durham, II, 483
R. Surtees, 1820, History...of Durham, II, 98-100
E. Mackenzie, 1834, View of...Durham I, 31-4
W. Fordyce, (date unknown), The History...of Durham, II, 715
Rev. W. Greenwell, 1872,Feodarium Prioratus Dunelmensis, Surtees Society, 58, pp. lxxxiii, 94
G.B. Hodgson, 1903, The Borough of South Shields, pp. 234-55 and passim
N. Pevsner, rev. E. Williamson, 1985, County Durham, Buildings of England, pp. 416-17
H.T. Giles, ed. 1939, The Monumental Inscriptions of St. Hild's Churchyard, South Shields, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 4, VIII (for 1937-38), pp. 130-2, 167-8, 238-40
H.T. Giles, ed. 1939, The Monumental Inscriptions of St. Hild's Churchyard, South Shields, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 4, IV (for 1929-30), pp. 64, 99, 127-8, 196
SURVIVAL
1-19%
YEAR1
1993
YEAR2
1994
English, British
Class
Maritime Craft
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
DAY1
08
District
S Tyneside
Easting
436600
Grid ref figure
6
HISTORY_TOPIC
Viking
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Timber
MONTH1
2
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 36 NE 35
Northing
567200
General Period
UNCERTAIN
Specific Period
Uncertain
Place
South Shields
Description
There have been two reports of the remains of boats being seen in the centre of South Shields. If true, it could be the same boat. 1.) In 1903 Hodgson, quoting the Monthly Chronicle of 1890, wrote that some 60 years before "the blackened remains of a large vessel", embedded in sea sand mixed with shells, had been found at considerable depth in the old river channel between Mill Dam and Marine Park. 2.) There is a handed-down, oral, report that, when a sewer was being laid in Denmark Street in the early 20th century, a Viking boat was found c. 15 feet down. The Ordnance Survey reports oral information from Mr. Swan (sometime librarian at South Shields) in 1952 reporting the find to have been made in between Denmark Street and Catherine Street. There is no supporting evidence.
SITEASS
TWCMS kindly provided copies of sources 3, 5 and 6 for the SMR.
Site Type: Broad
Watercraft
SITEDESC
There have been two reports of the remains of boats being seen in the centre of South Shields. If true, it could be the same boat. 1. In 1903 Hodgson (2), quoting the Monthly Chronicle of 1890 (1), wrote that some 60 years before "the blackened remains of a large vessel", embedded in sea sand mixed with shells, had been found at considerable depth in the old river channel between Mill Dam and Marine Park. 2. There is a handed-down, oral, report (3) that, when a sewer was being laid in Denmark Street in the early C20, a Viking boat was found c. 15 feet down. The OS turned this one into a canoe.(4) The Ordnance Survey reports oral information from Mr. Swan (sometime librarian at South Shields) in 1952 reporting the find to have been made in between Denmark Street and Catherine Street {7}. There is no supporting evidence.
Site Name
Denmark Street, supposed Viking boat
Site Type: Specific
Watercraft
HER Number
943
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 943 >> Desc Text Monthly Chronicle, 1890, Vol. 10, June, p. 277
G.B. Hodgson, 1903, The Borough of South Shields, p. 2
C. O'Brien & R. Miket, 1982, A Viking Boat in Denmark Street - An Assessment of the Reports, pp. 1-3
Ordnance Survey archaeological record cards, JHO, 1952, Possible remains of canoe
Gazette, 1982, Dig Urged to find Shields Viking Ship, 8 June, p. 11
Gazette, M. Nicholls, 1982 Digging into the past... 18 June, p. 12
Tyne and Wear Museums,1992, Don Valley Survey, p 9
YEAR1
1993
English, British
Class
Monument <By Form>
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
DAY1
03
DAY2
31
District
S Tyneside
Easting
436000
Grid ref figure
4
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Iron
MONTH1
2
MONTH2
3
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 36 NE 18
Northing
567000
General Period
UNCERTAIN
Specific Period
Uncertain
Place
South Shields
Description
An iron dagger, 6.5 inches long exhibited by Mr R Blair, found in a clay field belonging to Messrs Lawson in Mile End Road, South Shields. Mile End Road was long since built up.
Site Type: Broad
Findspot
SITEDESC
"An iron dagger, 6.5" long exhibited by Mr R Blair, found in a clay field belonging to Messrs Lawson in Mile End Road, South Shields". Mile End Road was long since built up.
Site Name
Mile End Road, iron dagger
Site Type: Specific
Dagger
HER Number
942
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 942 >> R. Blair, 1891, Exhibited, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, IV (for 1889-90), p. 162
YEAR1
1993
YEAR2
1994
English, British
Class
Monument <By Form>
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
DAY1
03
District
S Tyneside
Easting
436000
Grid ref figure
4
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Bone
MONTH1
2
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 36 NE 17
Northing
567000
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
South Shields
Description
A Medieval bone ring decorated with a fleur de lys, found at South Shields was donated to the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle.
Site Type: Broad
Findspot
SITEDESC
"A Medieval bone ring decorated with a fleur de lys, found at South Shields. Donated to Soc. of Ants, Newcastle, by E.G. Taylor, 33 St. Aidan's Road, South Shields".
Site Name
South Shields, bone ring
Site Type: Specific
Finger Ring
HER Number
941
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 941 >> Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 1939, Donations, 4, VIII (for 1937-38), p. 170
Ordnance Survey archaeological record cards, JHO, 1952, Medieval bone ring
YEAR1
1993
English, British
Class
Monument <By Form>
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
DAY1
03
District
S Tyneside
Easting
436000
Grid ref figure
4
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Marble
MONTH1
2
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 36 NE 16
Northing
567000
General Period
UNCERTAIN
Specific Period
Uncertain
Place
South Shields
Description
A fragment of marble bearing a Greek inscription was discovered in a stone mason's yard at South Shields. It probably came from the Mediterranean, and was presented to the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle by R. Blair in 1904. "The stone is now 13 inches square. On the upper part there are four rows of letters, the third row being smaller than the others. Beneath the inscription is a man on horseback hurling a spear or dart. The inscription in Greek capitals seems to read: ASPA))SIA ZE((NODOTOU))A SKANIO CHRUSIP(POU) KANAPITONA (?) MNEMES CHARIN.
Site Type: Broad
Findspot
SITEDESC
A fragment of marble bearing a Greek inscription was discovered in a stone mason's yard at South Shields. It probably came from the Mediterranean, and was presented to the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle by R. Blair in 1904. "The stone is now 13 in square. On the upper part there are four rows of letters, the third row being smaller than the others. Beneath the inscription is a man on horseback hurling a spear or dart. The inscription in Greek capitals seems to read: ASPA))SIA ZE((NODOTOU))A SKANIO CHRUSIP(POU) KANAPITONA (?) MNEMES CHARIN
Site Name
South Shields, Greek inscribed stone
Site Type: Specific
Inscribed Stone
HER Number
940
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 940 >> R. Blair, 1895, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, VI (for 1893-4), p. 204 and pl. opp.
R. Blair, 1905, Donations to the Museum, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 3, I (for 1903-04), pp. 106-07
YEAR1
1993
English, British
Class
Monument <By Form>
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
914
DAY1
03
District
S Tyneside
Easting
436500
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Jet; Shale
MONTH1
2
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
567900
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Later Prehistoric -4,000 to 43
Place
South Shields
Description
Jet or shale conical V-perforated button, diameter 38 mm; subsequently perforated for use as a spindle whorl. Found in a secondary context sometime between 1875-1878.
Site Type: Broad
Findspot
SITEDESC
"Jet or shale conical V perforated button, diameter 38 mm; subsequently perforated for use as a spindle whorl. In a secondary context. Discovered between 1875-1878".
Site Name
Arbeia Roman Fort, jet button
Site Type: Specific
Button
HER Number
939
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 939 >> R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, pp. 80 and 83, fig. 26, no. 2.3