Albion Inn

The Albion Inn , in  Willington Quay Wallsend,  can be dated back to around 1853.

Arbeia

 

Arbeia was the Roman fort founded around 120 AD near the mouth of the River Tyne in what is now South Shields. Standing high over the river it became  the maritime supply fort for Hadrian's Wall.  It was occupied until the Romans left Britain in the 5th century. One theory about its name  is "fort of the Arab troops", referring to the fact that part of its garrison at one time was a squadron of Syrian boatmen from the Tigris. The photo above shows a reconstruction of the fort's West Gate.

North Sea, Boxing Day

.

.
the annual Boxing Day swim organised by www.nsvl.org.uk at Whitley Bay this morning. Sea temperature about 4C.

The Sage Concert Hall

.
.

.

.

the first building for the performing arts designed by Foster and Partners

.

the Knott Flats, North Shields ( St George's Day)

.
.

.
.
Sir James Knott (1852-1934) began his working life,at the age of 14, as a shipping clerk on Newcastle's quayside. He later qualified as a barrister and then went on to found the Prince Line,which was at the time one of the world's biggest shipping lines with over 40 ships. He became a philanthropist and in 1938 the Sir James Knott Memorial Flats and Nursery School were built in North Shields with funds provided by his charitable Trust.
.
.