North Shields, Beacon Stairs

HER Number:
13362

District:
N Tyneside

Site Name:
North Shields, Beacon Stairs

Place:
North Shields

Map Sheet:
NZ36NE

Class:
Building Component

Site Type: Broad:

Site Type: Specific:
Staircase

General Period:
Post Medieval

Specific Period:

Form of Evidence:
Structure

Description:
A series of steep stairs linked the upper and lower parts of North Shields. The low town along the riverside, at the base of the steep bank was the original medieval settlement, which in the post medieval period became overcowded and slum-like. In the 18th century fine houses for businessmen and shipowners were built on top of the plateau above Ranters, Magnesia, Naters, Stewarts and Ropery Banks. The banks were also tightly packed with buildings. The slum dwellings were cleared away but some of the stairs still remain, although not necessarily in their original position. These stairs linked Bell Street to the Old High Light (HER 4556).

Easting:
3605

Northing:
6836

Grid Reference:
NZ36056836

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
North Tyneside Council and Nexus, North Shields Heritage Trail, board 12 'High Town'