Beacon Stairs

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 overcrowded 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).