Tyne and Wear HER(14799): North Hylton, Toby Gill, supposed slipways - Details
14799
Sunderland
North Hylton, Toby Gill, supposed slipways
North Hylton
NZ35NW
Maritime
Slipway?
Unknown
Conjectural Evidence
Local residents believe that shipbuilding slipways exist on the foreshore of the River Wear. Two channels (4m x 60m) are said to be carved into the rock in the river bed at an angle. Iron tools have been collected. The site has yet to be inspected by the County Archaeologist but the photographs submitted to the HER seem only to show natural fissures in the limestone bedrock. D. Wilson notes that the river was wider at this point. The name Offerton could be a corruption of Aufladen (Offloaden) meaning offloading. Inspect the site.
3432
5665
NZ34325665
Personal comment, Denny Wilson, 10 April 2012; Andy Lane PhD FGS, 20 Sept 2012, The Toby Gill Area, River Wear - Some Comments on the Geology