Referenced c. 1160. Potter either refers to a surname or literally means potter's yair. Described as being juxta Novum Castellum (beside Newcastle). There was also a Potterschare in Gateshead.
SITEASS
Piscaria is the legal right of fishing in certain waters. Free fishery meant the right to fish from royal grant. Several fishery meant the right to fish derived from ownership of soil. Common of fishery meant the right of fishing in another man's water. Common fishery was the right of all to fish in public waters. A piscaria was also a physical fishing establishment where fish are caught - a fish weir (gurges). The tidal part of the Tyne from Crawcrook to Tynemouth was divided lengthwise into three portions. That on the north side belonged to Northumberland, that to the south to the See of Durham, and the middle part was common and free to all. There were constant disputes concerning illegal expansion of weirs. The Prior of Tynemouth was accused of impeding the passage of ships to Newcastle with his weirs. After 1540 and the end of monastic power the burgesses of Newcastle took down the weirs. Fish were caught at the weirs by boat and net or by fish traps attached to weirs. Stall nets were stationary nets laid across a river, especially for catching sprats. Stilche ropes and draught ropes (for pulling or dragging) were also used. Sweep nets had one end fixed at the shore and the other taken out in a boat, rowed around in a half circle then brought back to shore entrapping fish. A stake net was attached to stakes driven into the river bed. These couldn't be used in deep water. Kiddles were a v-shaped series of stakes with a large net placed at the apex. They were left permanently in place until the stakes decayed or were destroyed by the tide. The deepening of the River Tyne by the Tyne Commissioners in the late C19 started the end of the Tyne fishing industry {V.E. Watts 1988; W. Yarrell, 1835-9, A History of British Fishes, Vol 2, p 23}.
Site Type: Broad
Fishing Site
SITEDESC
Referenced c. 1160. Potter either refers to a surname or literally means potter's yair. Described as being juxta Novum Castellum (beside Newcastle). There was also a Potterschare in Gateshead. Dated C12th.
Site Name
Pottershihera Fishery
Site Type: Specific
Fish Weir
HER Number
12313
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
V.E. Watts, 1988, Some Northumbrian Fishery Names III in Durham Archaeological Journal, 4, 1988, pp 53-59;
YEAR1
2009
English, British
Class
Agriculture and Subsistence
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
22
District
N Tyneside
Easting
305
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ36NW
MONTH1
04
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
657
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Wallsend
Description
Neweyar' in 1439-40. Belonged to the monks of Durham.
SITEASS
Piscaria is the legal right of fishing in certain waters. Free fishery meant the right to fish from royal grant. Several fishery meant the right to fish derived from ownership of soil. Common of fishery meant the right of fishing in another man's water. Common fishery was the right of all to fish in public waters. A piscaria was also a physical fishing establishment where fish are caught - a fish weir (gurges). The tidal part of the Tyne from Crawcrook to Tynemouth was divided lengthwise into three portions. That on the north side belonged to Northumberland, that to the south to the See of Durham, and the middle part was common and free to all. There were constant disputes concerning illegal expansion of weirs. The Prior of Tynemouth was accused of impeding the passage of ships to Newcastle with his weirs. After 1540 and the end of monastic power the burgesses of Newcastle took down the weirs. Fish were caught at the weirs by boat and net or by fish traps attached to weirs. Stall nets were stationary nets laid across a river, especially for catching sprats. Stilche ropes and draught ropes (for pulling or dragging) were also used. Sweep nets had one end fixed at the shore and the other taken out in a boat, rowed around in a half circle then brought back to shore entrapping fish. A stake net was attached to stakes driven into the river bed. These couldn't be used in deep water. Kiddles were a v-shaped series of stakes with a large net placed at the apex. They were left permanently in place until the stakes decayed or were destroyed by the tide. The deepening of the River Tyne by the Tyne Commissioners in the late C19 started the end of the Tyne fishing industry {V.E. Watts 1988; W. Yarrell, 1835-9, A History of British Fishes, Vol 2, p 23}.
Site Type: Broad
Fishing Site
SITEDESC
Neweyar' in 1439-40. Belonged to the monks of Durham. Dated C15th.
Site Name
Wallsend, Neweyar' Fishery
Site Type: Specific
Fish Weir
HER Number
12312
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
V.E. Watts, 1988, Some Northumbrian Fishery Names III in Durham Archaeological Journal, 4, 1988, pp 53-59;
YEAR1
2009
English, British
Class
Agriculture and Subsistence
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
22
District
Newcastle
Easting
170
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ16SE
MONTH1
04
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
648
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Stuart 1603 to 1714
Place
Newburn
Description
In the 17th century the fishery was held by the tenants of husbandlands in Newburn, Walbottle and Butterlaw. It extended between Spetchells and Stanners Farm. It included at least five fisheries. The rent (including part of Crumbwells) in 1851 was £100. The River Tyne was straightened in 1871-1883.
SITEASS
Piscaria is the legal right of fishing in certain waters. Free fishery meant the right to fish from royal grant. Several fishery meant the right to fish derived from ownership of soil. Common of fishery meant the right of fishing in another man's water. Common fishery was the right of all to fish in public waters. A piscaria was also a physical fishing establishment where fish are caught - a fish weir (gurges). The tidal part of the Tyne from Crawcrook to Tynemouth was divided lengthwise into three portions. That on the north side belonged to Northumberland, that to the south to the See of Durham, and the middle part was common and free to all. There were constant disputes concerning illegal expansion of weirs. The Prior of Tynemouth was accused of impeding the passage of ships to Newcastle with his weirs. After 1540 and the end of monastic power the burgesses of Newcastle took down the weirs. Fish were caught at the weirs by boat and net or by fish traps attached to weirs. Stall nets were stationary nets laid across a river, especially for catching sprats. Stilche ropes and draught ropes (for pulling or dragging) were also used. Sweep nets had one end fixed at the shore and the other taken out in a boat, rowed around in a half circle then brought back to shore entrapping fish. A stake net was attached to stakes driven into the river bed. These couldn't be used in deep water. Kiddles were a v-shaped series of stakes with a large net placed at the apex. They were left permanently in place until the stakes decayed or were destroyed by the tide. The deepening of the River Tyne by the Tyne Commissioners in the late C19 started the end of the Tyne fishing industry {V.E. Watts 1988; W. Yarrell, 1835-9, A History of British Fishes, Vol 2, p 23}.
Site Type: Broad
Fishing Site
SITEDESC
In the 17th century the fishery was held by the tenants of husbandlands in Newburn, Walbottle and Butterlaw. It extended between Spetchells and Stanners Farm. It included at least five fisheries. The rent (including part of Crumbwells) in 1851 was £100. The River Tyne was straightened in 1871-1883.
Site Name
Stanners Fishery
Site Type: Specific
Fish Weir
HER Number
12311
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
V.E. Watts, 1988, Some Northumbrian Fishery Names III in Durham Archaeological Journal, 4, 1988, pp 53-59; M.H. Dodds, 1930, A History of Northumberland, Vol. XIII, pp. 146-7 and 152
YEAR1
2009
English, British
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Agriculture and Subsistence
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
22
District
N Tyneside
Easting
362
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MONTH1
04
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
684
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Stuart 1603 to 1714
Place
North Shields
Description
Named after the lighthouse built in 1536-40. On the north side of the Narrows at North Shields. Referred to as Robert Ramsey's fishery in 1637. The fishery extended from the Black Middens (NZ 371 687) three miles to Howdon Head (NZ 333 660). It existed at least as early as 1443 when the Prior of Tynemouth possessed three long weirs or salmon yares across the river towards Jarrow which impeded ships sailing upstream to Newcastle. In the 18th century it used sweep nets and stake nets which were hauled ashore at the Black Middens, Mussel Scarp (NZ 365 685), Coble Dean, White Hill Point (NZ 349 661) and Howdon (NZ 333 661). Its rent (with Cullercoats) was £2 in 1851. In 1775 265 salmon were caught in one draught {Brand, History and Antiquities of Newcastle, Vol 2, p 33}.
SITEASS
Piscaria is the legal right of fishing in certain waters. Free fishery meant the right to fish from royal grant. Several fishery meant the right to fish derived from ownership of soil. Common of fishery meant the right of fishing in another man's water. Common fishery was the right of all to fish in public waters. A piscaria was also a physical fishing establishment where fish are caught - a fish weir (gurges). The tidal part of the Tyne from Crawcrook to Tynemouth was divided lengthwise into three portions. That on the north side belonged to Northumberland, that to the south to the See of Durham, and the middle part was common and free to all. There were constant disputes concerning illegal expansion of weirs. The Prior of Tynemouth was accused of impeding the passage of ships to Newcastle with his weirs. After 1540 and the end of monastic power the burgesses of Newcastle took down the weirs. Fish were caught at the weirs by boat and net or by fish traps attached to weirs. Stall nets were stationary nets laid across a river, especially for catching sprats. Stilche ropes and draught ropes (for pulling or dragging) were also used. Sweep nets had one end fixed at the shore and the other taken out in a boat, rowed around in a half circle then brought back to shore entrapping fish. A stake net was attached to stakes driven into the river bed. These couldn't be used in deep water. Kiddles were a v-shaped series of stakes with a large net placed at the apex. They were left permanently in place until the stakes decayed or were destroyed by the tide. The deepening of the River Tyne by the Tyne Commissioners in the late C19 started the end of the Tyne fishing industry {V.E. Watts 1988; W. Yarrell, 1835-9, A History of British Fishes, Vol 2, p 23}.
Site Type: Broad
Fishing Site
SITEDESC
Named after the lighthouse built in 1536-40. On the north side of the Narrows at North Shields. Referred to as Robert Ramsey's fishery in 1637. The fishery extended from the Black Middens (NZ 371 687) three miles to Howdon Head (NZ 333 660). It existed at least as early as 1443 when the Prior of Tynemouth possessed three long weirs or salmon yares across the river towards Jarrow which impeded ships sailing upstream to Newcastle. In the 18th century it used sweep nets and stake nets which were hauled ashore at the Black Middens, Mussel Scarp (NZ 365 685), Coble Dean, White Hill Point (NZ 349 661) and Howdon (NZ 333 661). Its rent (with Cullercoats) was £2 in 1851. In 1775 265 salmon were caught in one draught {Brand, History and Antiquities of Newcastle, Vol 2, p 33}.
Site Name
Low Lights Fishery
Site Type: Specific
Fish Weir
HER Number
12310
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
V.E. Watts, 1988, Some Northumbrian Fishery Names III in Durham Archaeological Journal, 4, 1988, pp 53-59; Craster, A History of Northumberland, Vol. 8, p. 289, 294, 298,
YEAR1
2009
English, British
Class
Agriculture and Subsistence
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
22
District
N Tyneside
Easting
29
Grid ref figure
4
Map Sheet
NZ26SE
MONTH1
04
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
64
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Longbenton
Description
Hungeryere in 1244. Probably means 'unprofitable weir'. Given to Newminster Abbey by Roger de Merlay.
SITEASS
Piscaria is the legal right of fishing in certain waters. Free fishery meant the right to fish from royal grant. Several fishery meant the right to fish derived from ownership of soil. Common of fishery meant the right of fishing in another man's water. Common fishery was the right of all to fish in public waters. A piscaria was also a physical fishing establishment where fish are caught - a fish weir (gurges). The tidal part of the Tyne from Crawcrook to Tynemouth was divided lengthwise into three portions. That on the north side belonged to Northumberland, that to the south to the See of Durham, and the middle part was common and free to all. There were constant disputes concerning illegal expansion of weirs. The Prior of Tynemouth was accused of impeding the passage of ships to Newcastle with his weirs. After 1540 and the end of monastic power the burgesses of Newcastle took down the weirs. Fish were caught at the weirs by boat and net or by fish traps attached to weirs. Stall nets were stationary nets laid across a river, especially for catching sprats. Stilche ropes and draught ropes (for pulling or dragging) were also used. Sweep nets had one end fixed at the shore and the other taken out in a boat, rowed around in a half circle then brought back to shore entrapping fish. A stake net was attached to stakes driven into the river bed. These couldn't be used in deep water. Kiddles were a v-shaped series of stakes with a large net placed at the apex. They were left permanently in place until the stakes decayed or were destroyed by the tide. The deepening of the River Tyne by the Tyne Commissioners in the late C19 started the end of the Tyne fishing industry {V.E. Watts 1988; W. Yarrell, 1835-9, A History of British Fishes, Vol 2, p 23}.
Site Type: Broad
Fishing Site
SITEDESC
Hungeryere in 1244. Probably means 'unprofitable weir'. Given to Newminster Abbey by Roger de Merlay. Dated C13th.
Site Name
Longbenton, Hungeryere Fishery
Site Type: Specific
Fish Weir
HER Number
12309
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
V.E. Watts, 1988, Some Northumbrian Fishery Names III in Durham Archaeological Journal, 4, 1988, pp 53-59;
YEAR1
2009
English, British
Class
Agriculture and Subsistence
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
22
District
N Tyneside
Easting
303
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ36NW
MONTH1
04
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
656
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Wallsend
Description
Holmes yar' in 1128, Holmesiare in 1195, Holmsyare in 1379, Holmes yare 1439-40. 'Holm' is Old English for island or water meadow. Owned by the monks of Durham.
SITEASS
Piscaria is the legal right of fishing in certain waters. Free fishery meant the right to fish from royal grant. Several fishery meant the right to fish derived from ownership of soil. Common of fishery meant the right of fishing in another man's water. Common fishery was the right of all to fish in public waters. A piscaria was also a physical fishing establishment where fish are caught - a fish weir (gurges). The tidal part of the Tyne from Crawcrook to Tynemouth was divided lengthwise into three portions. That on the north side belonged to Northumberland, that to the south to the See of Durham, and the middle part was common and free to all. There were constant disputes concerning illegal expansion of weirs. The Prior of Tynemouth was accused of impeding the passage of ships to Newcastle with his weirs. After 1540 and the end of monastic power the burgesses of Newcastle took down the weirs. Fish were caught at the weirs by boat and net or by fish traps attached to weirs. Stall nets were stationary nets laid across a river, especially for catching sprats. Stilche ropes and draught ropes (for pulling or dragging) were also used. Sweep nets had one end fixed at the shore and the other taken out in a boat, rowed around in a half circle then brought back to shore entrapping fish. A stake net was attached to stakes driven into the river bed. These couldn't be used in deep water. Kiddles were a v-shaped series of stakes with a large net placed at the apex. They were left permanently in place until the stakes decayed or were destroyed by the tide. The deepening of the River Tyne by the Tyne Commissioners in the late C19 started the end of the Tyne fishing industry {V.E. Watts 1988; W. Yarrell, 1835-9, A History of British Fishes, Vol 2, p 23}.
Site Type: Broad
Fishing Site
SITEDESC
Holmes yar' in 1128, Holmesiare in 1195, Holmsyare in 1379, Holmes yare 1439-40. 'Holm' is Old English for island or water meadow. Owned by the monks of Durham. Dated C12th.
Site Name
Wallsend, Holmes yar' Fishery
Site Type: Specific
Fish Weir
HER Number
12308
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
V.E. Watts, 1988, Some Northumbrian Fishery Names III in Durham Archaeological Journal, 4, 1988, pp 53-59;
YEAR1
2009
English, British
Class
Agriculture and Subsistence
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
22
District
N Tyneside
Easting
29
Grid ref figure
4
Map Sheet
NZ26SE
MONTH1
04
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
64
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Longbenton
Description
Hames yhare (no date), Harnesyhare in 1244. 'Ham' is Old English for manor, estate or 'hamm' meaning enclosure. The yair was in Longbenton township and was given to Newminster Abbey by Roger de Merlay.
SITEASS
Piscaria is the legal right of fishing in certain waters. Free fishery meant the right to fish from royal grant. Several fishery meant the right to fish derived from ownership of soil. Common of fishery meant the right of fishing in another man's water. Common fishery was the right of all to fish in public waters. A piscaria was also a physical fishing establishment where fish are caught - a fish weir (gurges). The tidal part of the Tyne from Crawcrook to Tynemouth was divided lengthwise into three portions. That on the north side belonged to Northumberland, that to the south to the See of Durham, and the middle part was common and free to all. There were constant disputes concerning illegal expansion of weirs. The Prior of Tynemouth was accused of impeding the passage of ships to Newcastle with his weirs. After 1540 and the end of monastic power the burgesses of Newcastle took down the weirs. Fish were caught at the weirs by boat and net or by fish traps attached to weirs. Stall nets were stationary nets laid across a river, especially for catching sprats. Stilche ropes and draught ropes (for pulling or dragging) were also used. Sweep nets had one end fixed at the shore and the other taken out in a boat, rowed around in a half circle then brought back to shore entrapping fish. A stake net was attached to stakes driven into the river bed. These couldn't be used in deep water. Kiddles were a v-shaped series of stakes with a large net placed at the apex. They were left permanently in place until the stakes decayed or were destroyed by the tide. The deepening of the River Tyne by the Tyne Commissioners in the late C19 started the end of the Tyne fishing industry {V.E. Watts 1988; W. Yarrell, 1835-9, A History of British Fishes, Vol 2, p 23}.
Site Type: Broad
Fishing Site
SITEDESC
Hames yhare (no date), Harnesyhare in 1244. 'Ham' is Old English for manor, estate or 'hamm' meaning enclosure. The yair was in Longbenton township and was given to Newminster Abbey by Roger de Merlay. Dated C13th.
Site Name
Longbenton, Hames yhare Fishery
Site Type: Specific
Fish Weir
HER Number
12307
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
V.E. Watts, 1988, Some Northumbrian Fishery Names III in Durham Archaeological Journal, 4, 1988, pp 53-59;
YEAR1
2009
English, British
Class
Agriculture and Subsistence
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
Crossref
12301
DAY1
22
District
Newcastle
Easting
195
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ26SW
MONTH1
04
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
640
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Denton
Description
A fishery belonging to Tynemouth Priory mentioned 1538-9 and 1565. By 1851 it was divided into two, the Black and Bright fishery, East Denton and Gowdy fishery, West Denton. Annual rent of the former was £12, annual rent of the latter £7 10s. Gowdy is a Northumbrian dialect form of goldy meaning golden. It also means 'a toy or plaything' or 'frolicsome, festive, wanton'.
SITEASS
Piscaria is the legal right of fishing in certain waters. Free fishery meant the right to fish from royal grant. Several fishery meant the right to fish derived from ownership of soil. Common of fishery meant the right of fishing in another man's water. Common fishery was the right of all to fish in public waters. A piscaria was also a physical fishing establishment where fish are caught - a fish weir (gurges). The tidal part of the Tyne from Crawcrook to Tynemouth was divided lengthwise into three portions. That on the north side belonged to Northumberland, that to the south to the See of Durham, and the middle part was common and free to all. There were constant disputes concerning illegal expansion of weirs. The Prior of Tynemouth was accused of impeding the passage of ships to Newcastle with his weirs. After 1540 and the end of monastic power the burgesses of Newcastle took down the weirs. Fish were caught at the weirs by boat and net or by fish traps attached to weirs. Stall nets were stationary nets laid across a river, especially for catching sprats. Stilche ropes and draught ropes (for pulling or dragging) were also used. Sweep nets had one end fixed at the shore and the other taken out in a boat, rowed around in a half circle then brought back to shore entrapping fish. A stake net was attached to stakes driven into the river bed. These couldn't be used in deep water. Kiddles were a v-shaped series of stakes with a large net placed at the apex. They were left permanently in place until the stakes decayed or were destroyed by the tide. The deepening of the River Tyne by the Tyne Commissioners in the late C19 started the end of the Tyne fishing industry {V.E. Watts 1988; W. Yarrell, 1835-9, A History of British Fishes, Vol 2, p 23}.
Site Type: Broad
Fishing Site
SITEDESC
A fishery belonging to Tynemouth Priory mentioned 1538-9 and 1565. By 1851 it was divided into two, the Black and Bright fishery, East Denton and Gowdy fishery, West Denton. Annual rent of the former was £12, annual rent of the latter £7 10s. Gowdy is a Northumbrian dialect form of goldy meaning golden. It also means 'a toy or plaything' or 'frolicsome, festive, wanton'. Dated C16th.
Site Name
Denton, Gowdy fishery
Site Type: Specific
Fish Weir
HER Number
12306
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
V.E. Watts, 1988, Some Northumbrian Fishery Names III in Durham Archaeological Journal, 4, 1988, pp 53-59;
YEAR1
2009
English, British
Class
Agriculture and Subsistence
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
22
District
Newcastle
Easting
167
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ16SE
MONTH1
04
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
649
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Newburn
Description
Foul yare in 1298, Fuyle 1479. 'Ful' is Old English for foul or dirty. It is recorded as one of a pair of fisheries (along with Dripinttell Yare) and a place for drying nets. The yare belonged to Hexham Priory.
SITEASS
Piscaria is the legal right of fishing in certain waters. Free fishery meant the right to fish from royal grant. Several fishery meant the right to fish derived from ownership of soil. Common of fishery meant the right of fishing in another man's water. Common fishery was the right of all to fish in public waters. A piscaria was also a physical fishing establishment where fish are caught - a fish weir (gurges). The tidal part of the Tyne from Crawcrook to Tynemouth was divided lengthwise into three portions. That on the north side belonged to Northumberland, that to the south to the See of Durham, and the middle part was common and free to all. There were constant disputes concerning illegal expansion of weirs. The Prior of Tynemouth was accused of impeding the passage of ships to Newcastle with his weirs. After 1540 and the end of monastic power the burgesses of Newcastle took down the weirs. Fish were caught at the weirs by boat and net or by fish traps attached to weirs. Stall nets were stationary nets laid across a river, especially for catching sprats. Stilche ropes and draught ropes (for pulling or dragging) were also used. Sweep nets had one end fixed at the shore and the other taken out in a boat, rowed around in a half circle then brought back to shore entrapping fish. A stake net was attached to stakes driven into the river bed. These couldn't be used in deep water. Kiddles were a v-shaped series of stakes with a large net placed at the apex. They were left permanently in place until the stakes decayed or were destroyed by the tide. The deepening of the River Tyne by the Tyne Commissioners in the late C19 started the end of the Tyne fishing industry {V.E. Watts 1988; W. Yarrell, 1835-9, A History of British Fishes, Vol 2, p 23}.
Site Type: Broad
Fishing Site
SITEDESC
Foul yare in 1298, Fuyle 1479. 'Ful' is Old English for foul or dirty. It is recorded as one of a pair of fisheries (along with Dripinttell Yare) and a place for drying nets. The yare belonged to Hexham Priory. Dated C13th.
Site Name
Foul yare Fishery
Site Type: Specific
Fish Weir
HER Number
12305
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
V.E. Watts, 1988, Some Northumbrian Fishery Names III in Durham Archaeological Journal, 4, 1988, pp 53-59; Craster, A History of Northumberland, Vol. III, p. 141
YEAR1
2009
English, British
Class
Agriculture and Subsistence
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
COMP2
Clare Henderson
DAY1
22
DAY2
18
District
Newcastle
Easting
23331
Grid ref figure
10
Map Sheet
NZ26SW
MONTH1
04
MONTH2
02
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
62765
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Elswick
Description
Elstwyk(iare) c. 1147, Elstewkykyar(e) in 1332, 1335, Elswick yair. The yair was held jointly by the Prior of Tynemouth and the de Cauz family. The prior fished during three in every four floods and was responsible for the upkeep of three quarters of the weir.
SITEASS
Piscaria is the legal right of fishing in certain waters. Free fishery meant the right to fish from royal grant. Several fishery meant the right to fish derived from ownership of soil. Common of fishery meant the right of fishing in another man's water. Common fishery was the right of all to fish in public waters. A piscaria was also a physical fishing establishment where fish are caught - a fish weir (gurges). The tidal part of the Tyne from Crawcrook to Tynemouth was divided lengthwise into three portions. That on the north side belonged to Northumberland, that to the south to the See of Durham, and the middle part was common and free to all. There were constant disputes concerning illegal expansion of weirs. The Prior of Tynemouth was accused of impeding the passage of ships to Newcastle with his weirs. After 1540 and the end of monastic power the burgesses of Newcastle took down the weirs. Fish were caught at the weirs by boat and net or by fish traps attached to weirs. Stall nets were stationary nets laid across a river, especially for catching sprats. Stilche ropes and draught ropes (for pulling or dragging) were also used. Sweep nets had one end fixed at the shore and the other taken out in a boat, rowed around in a half circle then brought back to shore entrapping fish. A stake net was attached to stakes driven into the river bed. These couldn't be used in deep water. Kiddles were a v-shaped series of stakes with a large net placed at the apex. They were left permanently in place until the stakes decayed or were destroyed by the tide. The deepening of the River Tyne by the Tyne Commissioners in the late C19 started the end of the Tyne fishing industry {V.E. Watts 1988; W. Yarrell, 1835-9, A History of British Fishes, Vol 2, p 23}.
Site Type: Broad
Fishing Site
SITEDESC
Elstwyk(iare) c. 1147, Elstewkykyar(e) in 1332, 1335, Elswick yair. The yair was held jointly by the Prior of Tynemouth and the de Cauz family. The prior fished during three in every four floods and was responsible for the upkeep of three quarters of the weir. Dated C12th.
Site Name
Elswick, Elstwyk fishery
Site Type: Specific
Fish Weir
HER Number
12304
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
V.E. Watts, 1988, Some Northumbrian Fishery Names III in Durham Archaeological Journal, 4, 1988, pp 53-59; M.H. Dodds, 1930, A History of Northumberland, Vol. XIII, pp. 236-9