NEHL - Kings Meadow, an island in the middle of the Tyne between Dunston and Elswick, was host to a number of sporting events during the 19th century. The first record of Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling took place here, as well as a number of horse fixtures such as the Grand Meadow Stakes and the Kinds Meadow Silver Cup in 1832, won by Peacock owned by Mr Williamson.

The island was dredged between 1862 and 1887 to make the river more navigable.