Dunston Staiths

Built by North Eastern Railway in two stages, in 1893 and 1903. The structure is in 3 parts: a substructure of piles on which are superimposed brestles, braced in both directions; 98 frames c.5.3 metres apart; above this is a double thickness of longitudinal timbers supporting a deck and track beams. The deck slopes at a gradient of 1 in 85 down toward the landward end. The track layout, coal drops, and most of the workmen's shelters and huts survive. Dunston Staiths were the last working timber staiths on the Tyne, and represent the only remaining substantial timber staiths in the region. A large section of the staiths was destroyed by arson attack in November 2003. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT AND LISTED GRADE 2