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Explore the rich history of South Shields, from its origins as a fishing port to its vital role in the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Discover fascinating stories, local insights, and key moments that shaped this resilient seaside town.
South Shields has a rich history, full of fascinating stories, from its early days as a humble fishing port to its pivotal role in the growth of the Industrial Revolution. South Shields is built on resilience, hard work, and, of course, a strong connection to the sea.
Over the years, it has witnessed incredible moments, some well-known, others quietly significant—all contributing to what makes South Shields special today.
Founded in 1245, South Shields initially thrived as a fishing port. As time passed, the town evolved into a place of salt panning (the production of sea salt), a natural progression given its coastal location.
However, as more efficient salt production methods emerged and pollution in the seawater increased, the industry gradually declined.
For many years, South Shields and its surrounding areas remained rural and sparsely populated, with small-scale glassmaking and salt processing along the River Tyne being the main sources of income. By 1820, the town’s population had grown to around 12,000.
With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, South Shields experienced rapid growth. Shipyards and coal mines became the backbone of the local economy, attracting workers from Ireland, Scotland, and the surrounding areas of Durham. As a result, the town’s population surged from 12,000 in 1820 to 75,000 by the 1860s.
Coal mining played a significant role in the development of South Shields and the wider South Tyneside area. Several collieries operated throughout the region, providing employment and driving economic growth. Some of the notable coal mines in the area included:
These collieries were vital to the industrial growth of the area, attracting a workforce that contributed to the rapid expansion of South Shields and its neighbouring communities. This new industry, partnered with the coastal shipyards, resulted in many people migrating to South Shields and the surrounding areas in search of factory and mining jobs.
To gain a better understanding of South Shields’ rich history and learn a few new fun facts about the area, we spoke with Terry Ford, a local history enthusiast in South Shields. Here’s what he had to say:
“In 1854, George Biddell Airy, the Astronomer Royal, calculated the density of the earth in South Shields at Harton Colliery.”
Sir George Biddell Airy - Lecture on the Pendulum Experiments at Harton Pit (1854)
“South Shields was a significant contributor to the Allied victory in the Second World War due to the large number of Merchant Navy sailors who sailed from here. South Shields lost more men per capita than any other town in the country. Churchill calculated that we were only ever 10 days away from surrendering due to the lack of food, the majority of which came in by ship, i.e., the Merchant Navy.”
“Unfortunately, little is really given to its huge importance in the past. However, the visit of Muhammad Ali to South Shields in 1977 is probably the last time we would receive a national mention.”
Muhammad Ali and South Shields | Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Blog
Ali Muhammad – South Shields Local History Group
South Shields’ history is filled with stories of resilience, innovation, and community. As we continue to explore the past, we celebrate the people and events that have shaped this remarkable seaside town into what it is today.
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