GD005
Tyne
South Shore
Reed's Shipyard
Gateshead
54.967817, -1.604684
Useful Links:
Opened:
1705
Closed:
Owners:
Thomas Reed
Types built here:
Customers (Not Exhaustive):
Estimated Output:
Construction Materials:
Wood
Status:
Redeveloped
Last Updated:
11/06/23
Description
Contemporary evidence from Ralph Gardner states that ships were built on the south shore of the Tyne in the 17th century, however it is difficult to know exactly where.
In 1705, Thomas Reed leased land for two smith's shops and a wet dock near Rock Staith on the South Shore for shipbuilding. This was likely for keels and small boats for coal shipment from the east. The Rock Staiths belonged to the Liddell's from 1867 and was located exactly where the Tyne Bridge now stands. As a result, we can deduce this shipyard was probably between the Tyne Bridge and the end of South Shore Road to the east.
Much of the shipbuilding activity in this area was concentrated at Hillgate and South Shore.
It later moved eastwards due to the need for deeper waters to facilitate larger ships.
Bielby's Plan of Newcastle and Gateshead of 1788. Though the map isn't detailed enough to illustrate the specific shipyards, it at least provides a taster to the area in the 18th century. Source: British Library
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Historic Environment Records
Durham/Northumberland: Keys to the Past
Tyne and Wear: Sitelines
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