South Pier

The pier was listed Grade II in 2016 with the following description:
'Pier and lighthouse, 1854-1895. James Walker and later John F Ure for the Tyne Improvement Commissioners. Resident engineer: PJ Messent, Contractor: Benjamin Lawton.
MATERIALS: local rock-faced sandstone and concrete blocks
PLAN: the pier is oriented SW to NE and is 1,570m long with a distinctive curve to the NE end, where there is a lighthouse.
DESCRIPTION: a stone pier, the S one of a pair protecting the mouth of the River Tyne. Constructed of large rock-faced blocks laid in regular courses with battered faces. The outer pier wall facing the sea to the S has a low shelter wall of stone and concrete blocks with double-chamfered coping stones and the partial remains of a cast-iron linear mounting for a travelling crane. The inner pier wall facing the river to the N has a replacement metal railing and several flights of stone steps including opposing stairs at the NE end; a stub of a structure extending out into the river is considered to be the remains of a landing stage depicted on the second edition Ordnance Survey map of 1898. This side also has ashlar coping to its NE end and there are wave breaks in the form of large concrete blocks at its foot. For much of its length the surface is of concrete but towards the NE end it comprises stone sets, and retains the partial remains of a narrow railway track. The S lighthouse is constructed of concrete blocks with a recessed entrance to the N and window above. The stone gallery has metal railings and supports a bronze fog bell and a cast-iron and glazed lantern.'
The 2nd edition OS mapping shows the pier construction works and the railway (HER 2432, 2495) associated with this structure. The Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House (HER 2430) was at the south end of the pier, a lighthouse was built at its northern end. Construction of the Pier by the Tyne Improvement Commission began in 1854. The pier is almost one mile in length. Pevsner - took years (1854-95) to construct. Begun by James Walker and continued in 1862 by John F. Ure. The pier is almost one mile (5170ft or 1553m) in length. The foundation stones for both the North and South Piers were laid on 15th June 1854 and a railway was constructed to carry the stones to the South Pier. They were completed in 1895. Orientated SW to NE. Constructed of large rock-faced blocks laid in regular courses with battered faces.