Lights of North Shields North Shields

high , low lights, new , old

because of difficulty of navigating ships mouth of river past dangerous black midden rocks, buildings erected in 16th century permanent lights burning used guide mariners. high , low lights pictured on 1655 map of river tyne: pair of square castellated towers. both lights rebuilt in 1727, , these buildings still stand today (albeit old low light remodelled in 1830 serve almshouse). in 1810, old lights replaced new high , low lights, placed respectively @ top , bottom of steep bank alongside river. these lights owned , operated trinity house of newcastle-upon-tyne until ceased operation. today, old high beacon, high , low lights, private residences; remain prominent landmarks. in 2014 black-painted old low light opened public following substantial refurbishment; contains café, shop, museum, viewing platform , event space.