Tynemouth, Short Sands Cliffs, Tunnel

HER Number:
4647

District:
N Tyneside

Site Name:
Tynemouth, Short Sands Cliffs, Tunnel

Place:
Tynemouth

Map Sheet:
NZ36NE

Class:

Site Type: Broad:

Site Type: Specific:
Tunnel

General Period:
Unknown

Specific Period:

Form of Evidence:
Documentary Evidence

Description:
A tunnel was said to have been discovered in the cliffs overlooking Short Sands, circa 1930, during work by H.M Office of Works. An "embrasure" was apparently seen, formed by two walls, one parallel to the cliff, the other projecting from it. The walls were reportedly 9 feet thick. A tunnel was found to open out in the same place. The tunnel opening was built of "chamfered and dressed stone", measuring 4 feet 9 inches high and 2 feet 9 inches wide. Opposite the tunnel was a "square passageway" which was passable for 6 feet before being blocked by earth. The floor of the "embrasure" was said to be divided into compartments or "cells". Tradition says that a hermit once lived in these caves. William Sidney-Gibson apparently mentioned subterranean passages to the Castle in his book of 1861, and said that they were used in the Civil War to deliver ammunition and provisions. The authenticity and present state of these reported discoveries is not known.

Easting:
372

Northing:
694

Grid Reference:
NZ372694

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
<< HER 4647 >> Shields Daily News, 1930, Wednesday August 27 1930 W. Sidney-Gibson, 1861, Guide to Tynemouth