The High and Low Lights

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These pictures show the High and Low Lights on the north bank of the River Tyne at North Shields. Because of the difficulty of navigating ships into the mouth of the river past the dangerous Black Midden rocks, buildings were erected with permanent lights burning to be used as a guide by ships entering the river. The Old High Beacon was built in 1727 and this was replaced in 1802 by the High and Low Lights, which are today private residences.

The Low Light, North Shields

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The Low Light was built, in conjunction with a similar building called the High Light, in 1802 as a navigation aid to help vessels enter the River Tyne safely past some dangerous rocks known as the Black Middens. Both buildings are now private residences.

The High Light, North Shields

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The High Light building, located above the quayside of North Shields, was built in 1808, and together with the Low Light building helped guide ships into a safe channel on the River Tyne . The High light is now a private house.