The modernisation of the military works began late in the 18th century. "In 1783 the Government fitted up the gate-house for barracks and mess-rooms, removed the turrets and upper portions of the high tower…". "…old features were obliterated, new openings were hacked through its walls, and a hideous superstructure of brick was raised on top of the barbican…". The modern accretions were removed after a fire in 1936. In the early 19th century the chapter house floor was dug up to make cellars for a regimental canteen; in 1863 foundations of the claustral buildings were removed and magazines inserted; by the early 20th century the 17th century buildings had been demolished, and new brick buildings erected. A Fire Command Post (on the site of the new coastguard head-quarters) and gun batteries on the east edge of the site were in use during and after World War 1. The military occupation ended in 1960, and most of the evidence for it was then removed. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT
SITEASS
Only the custodian's house and the gun batteries remain visible from this period. The batteries are well displayed though need a guidebook. A plan, from documentary and cartographic sources if such exist, of the major disturbances would be essential before further archaeological excavation. The 19th and 20th century coastal defences on the headland at Tynemouth. During the 18th and early 19th century the walls of Tynemouth Castle (NZ 36 NE 586) were adapted for coastal gun batteries in response to threats such as French invasion attempts and the Napoleonic invasion preparations. By the late 19th century coastal defence batteries were rearmed to mount breech loading and high angle guns to counter attack from fast torpedo boats. Tynemouth was the principal defence of Tyneside, at this time the north of England's main outlet for iron and coal and the centre of shipbuilding and the manufacture of armaments. The earliest surviving above ground feature of this phase at Tynemouth, is one of two original emplacements for a six inch breech loading gun constructed in 1893. It is the most northerly of an arc of emplacements of different ages. Its gun pit is now filled by a World War II concrete store building. Adjacent to this is an emplacement for a 9.2 inch breech loading gun constructed in 1902. Situated on the southern cliff there are positions for two 12 pounder quick fire guns also constructed in 1902. Adjacent to the latter batteries there are the restored underground magazines which stored ammunition and supplied the guns. The Tynemouth batteries were updated and operational during the First World War and additional buildings were constructed including a fire observation post and the new Admiralty signal station. These were demolished in advance of the construction of the new coastguard station in 1980. At the beginning of the Second World War the batteries were once again operational and one four inch naval gun emplacement was built which is visible in the extreme south east corner of the castle. The army remained in residence at the castle until 1960 at which time much of the modern military evidence was removed. Scheduled. (1)
Remains of the 18th century and later coastal battery (centred at NZ 3743 6939) were seen as earthworks and buildings on vertical photographs from 1949 at Tynemouth Priory. The remains of several gun emplacements were recorded. This battery forms part of a series defending the north east coast of England and the ports of Tynemouth and Newcastle. Although the guns were removed after the Second World War, parts of the emplacments and underground magazines remain. (2)
Tynemouth Castle located at NZ 3743 6936. By 1902 Tynemouth Castle was equipped two 12 pounder Quick-firing guns (installed in 1894 as replacements for the 64 pounder rifle muzzle loading weapons), two 6 inch breech-loading Mk. VII mounted in 1901-1902 and a pair of machine guns. A single 9.2 inch breech-loading Mk. X was added in 1904. At the outbreak of the First World War temporary hutting was constructed at the castle. The battery was kept in place during inter-war period and used throughout the Second World War. It is refrerenced as still being in use until at least 1947. The Battery Observation Post was located at NZ 3739 6943 and the radar at NZ 3739 6944. (3-4)
Aerial photography from 1994 shows three east-facing Second World War gun emplacements visible within 19th century battery embrasure. The remains of an attached magazine is visible in a 1984 photograph. Modern housing now cover the battery observation post and other battery buildings. (5)
Site Type: Broad
Coastal Defence Site
SITEDESC
The modernisation of the military works began late in the 18th century. "In 1783 the Government fitted up the gate-house for barracks and mess-rooms, removed the turrets and upper portions of the high tower…". "…old features were obliterated, new openings were hacked through its walls, and a hideous superstructure of brick was raised on top of the barbican…". The modern accretions were removed after a fire in 1936. In the early 19th century the chapter house floor was dug up to make cellars for a regimental canteen; in 1863 foundations of the claustral buildings were removed and magazines inserted. M.J. Dobson claimed that part of the modern fortifications were designed by her father John Dobson. In 1882 Lord Morley's Committee proposed four 10.4" BLs for Tynemouth Castle. In 1888 one 9.2" and three 6" BLs were installed. In 1893 two 6" disappearing guns were emplaced at Tynemouth, the northernmost one survives today, suggesting that it was retained to provide cover during rebuilding work. In 1901-2 two 6" Mk VIIs were mounted, and in 1904 a 9.2" Mk X. The total cost was £8550. By the early 20th century the C17 buildings had been demolished, and new brick buildings erected. A Fire Command Post (on the site of the new coastguard head-quarters) and gun batteries on the east edge of the site were in use during and after World War 1. The battery had 2 x 6", 1 x 9.2" and 1 x 4" gun emplacements. An Admiralty Order from 1917 identifies Tynemouth as one of the ground receiving stations for a wireless equipped aircraft spotting for coastal gun batteries. No physical evidence identified. The military occupation ended in 1960, and most of the evidence for it was then removed.
Site Name
Tynemouth Castle, modern military installations
Site Type: Specific
Coastal Battery
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument
HER Number
135
Form of Evidence
Structure
Sources
<< HER 135 >> S.S. Carr, 1897, Pre-Conquest Cross Shaft at Tynemouth, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, VII, pp. 163-4
S.S. Carr, 1897, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, VII, p. 178
H.H.E. Craster, 1907, Northumberland County History, VIII, pp. 150, 203-4
G. Jobey, 1967, Excavation at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, XLV, p. 66
G. Fairclough,1983, Tynemouth Priory and Castle - Excavation in the Outer Court 1980, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5, XI, p. 126
R.N. Hadcock, 1986, Tynemouth Priory and Castle, p. 23
D.H. Clark & A. Rudd, 1989, The Defences of Tyneside - Tynemouth Castle, Tynemouth, Fortress Study Group Conference pp. 2-4
D. Clarke & A. Rudd, 1989, Tyneside in the Breech Loading Era Fortress, No. 3, pp 33-42; English Heritage, 2008, Hadrian's Wall National Mapping Programme, 1162322; Aerial Photographs RAF 58/C/3/5122 14-APR-1949; Oxford Archaeology, 2015, First World War Wireless Stations in England
SURVIVAL
20-39%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
2016
English, British
ADDITINF
N
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Defence
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Good
Crossref
133, 135, 136
DAY1
01
DAY2
06
District
N Tyneside
Easting
437300
Grid ref figure
6
HEIGHT_OD
30
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
01
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 36 NE 587
Northing
569400
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Tudor 1485 to 1603
Place
Tynemouth
SAMNUMBER
25165
Description
Tynemouth Castle continued in use as a military site after the Dissolution into modern times. The medieval buildings of the outer court were still used, though slowly disappearing, into the 18th century. The two principal phases and buildings in the post-medieval period were: first, 16th century reinforcement of the medieval castle walls, with provision of artillery platforms on stone-revetted earthworks (replacing the gatehouse walls) and gunports inserted the walls at various points. These features largely survive. Second, Col. Villiers, Governor, built a house between c.1672-76 which was later used as a military hospital, a lighthouse (1665), and possibly as barracks. These buildings seem to have been demolished at the end of the 19th century. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT
SITEASS
The military buildings within the castle might be better understood with more documentary research in PRO, BM, etc., publication of the 1930s excavations. and perhaps further excavation.
Site Type: Broad
Fortification
SITEDESC
Tynemouth Castle continued in use as a military site after the Dissolution into modern times. The medieval buildings of the outer court were still used, though slowly disappearing, through the C17 and into the 18th century. The principal phases and buildings in the post-medieval period were: 1. C16. Reinforcement of medieval walls of castle. N and S or gatehouse walls were replaced by stone-revetted earthworks to provide artillery platforms, and gunports were inserted in the wall by the gallery, and in the wall running down to the tower by Prior's Haven. These features largely survive. 2. C17. Col. Villiers, Governor, built a house (c. 1672-76), which was later used as a military hospital, a lighthouse (1665), and ? barracks. These buildings seem to have been demolished at the end of the C19.
Site Name
Tynemouth Castle, post-medieval fortifications
Site Type: Specific
Gun Emplacement
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument
HER Number
134
Form of Evidence
Demolished Building
Sources
<< HER 134 >> F. Grose, Antiquities of England and Wales
H.A. Adamson, 1892, Tynemouth Castle: the eve of the Commonwealth, Archaeologia Aeliana, 2, XV, 218-24
H.A. Adamson, 1896, Tynemouth Castle after the Dissolution of the Monastery, Archaeologia Aeliana, 2, XVIII, 61-82.
H.A. Adamson & S.S. Carr, 1899, Tynemouth Lighthouse and the Governor's House,Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, VIII, 124
H.A. Adamson, 1899, The Villiers Family as Governors of Tynemouth Castle... Archaeologia Aeliana, 2, XX, 15-26
S.S. Carr, 1901, Tynemouth Lighthouse, Tynemouth Castle Yard,Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, IX, 5, 10-11, 169
H.A. Adamson, 1902, Tynemouth,Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, X, opp. 274, 284-90
F.W. Dendy, 1903, Extracts from the Privy Seal Dockets relating...to the North... Archaeologia Aeliana, 2, XXIV, 213-14
H.H.E. Craster, 1907, Tynemouth Castle, Northumberland County History, VIII, 157-203
G. Jobey, 1967, Excavation at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, XLV, 64-66
H.M. Colvin, et al. 1982, The History of the King's Works IV, 1485-1660 (Part II), 685-6
G. Fairclough, 1983, Tynemouth Priory and Castle: Excavation in the Outer Court 1980, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5, XI, 124-6
R.N. Hadcock, 1986, Tynemouth Priory and Castle, 26-27
E. Mackenzie, 1825, Northumberland 94209, Vol. II, 433-39
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 1937 ...Deeds etc. relating to Tynemouth Lighthouse.., 4, VII, 35-38; GSB Prospection Ltd. 2008, Tynemouth Priory and Castle - Geophysical Survey
SURVIVAL
20-39%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Defence
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Rachel Grahame
CONDITION
Good
Crossref
136
DAY1
03
DAY2
08
District
N Tyneside
Easting
437202
Grid ref figure
10
HEIGHT_OD
30
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
02
MONTH2
05
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 36 NE 8
Northing
569394
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Tynemouth
SAMNUMBER
25165
Description
The medieval castle was of two phases: first, as a result of the 1296 licence to crenellate, the priory built an enclosing curtain and tower, fragments of which survive on the north side, and a 30 yard piece to full height to the south-west. Second, in the late 14th century (c.1390) Prior John Whethamstede built the gatehouse, presumably as a replacement. It consists of an oblong tower of three storeys (passage and guardrooms, great hall and great chamber), with a three storey block, including a kitchen, attached to its south-east corner, and a barbican in front. It has been assumed that there was once a ditch in front of the gatehouse beneath the barbican. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT
SITEASS
There are many interesting, not readily intelligible, architectural details which deserve detailed study and explanation. Excavation within the barbican to locate the ditch would be desirable. A solution to the litter is very necessary, particularly in front of the gatehouse and in the Whitley Tower.
Site Type: Broad
Castle
SITEDESC
The medieval castle was of two phases:
1. In the late C13, as a result of the 1296 licence to crenellate, the priory built an enclosing curtain and towers. Of this work there survive fragments on the north side, and a 30 yard piece to full height to the south-west. It has been suggested that Whitley Tower (NW corner) and Mount Tower are later than the curtain, and the semi-circular towers (S) are contemporary with it.
2. In the late C14, c. 1390, Prior John Whethamstede built the gatehouse, presumably a replacement. It consists of an oblong tower of 3 storeys (passage and guardrooms; great hall; great chamber), with a 3 storey block, including a kitchen, attached to its SE corner, and a barbican in front. It has been assumed that there was once a ditch in front of the gatehouse beneath the barbican. Dated C13-14th.
The gateway into the castle was measured by English Heritage staff in March 2025 as having a minimum width of c. 2.65m, and confirmed in April 2025 to have clearance for a vehicle c. 2.8m wide.
Site Name
Tynemouth Castle
Site Type: Specific
Castle
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument, EHG
HER Number
133
Form of Evidence
Ruined Building
Sources
<< HER 133 >> R Waters & J Fittler in J Brand, 1789, Newcastle upon Tyne II, opp. p. 65;
E Mackenzie, 1825, Northumberland, II, opp. p. 43;
H H E Craster, 1907, Tynemouth Castle, Northumberland County History, VIII, pp. 150-157;
W H Knowles, 1910, The Priory Church of St. Mary and St. Oswin, Tynemouth, Northumberland, Archaeological Journal, LXVII, pp. 32-50;
R N Hadcock, 1986, Tynemouth Priory and Castle
SURVIVAL
60-79%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
2025
English, British
ADDITINF
N
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Defence
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
117, 133
DAY1
18
DAY2
06
District
N Tyneside
Easting
437201
Grid ref figure
10
HEIGHT_OD
30
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MONTH1
11
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
569397
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Tynemouth
Description
The existence of a Norman castle at Tynemouth is known from the account of the rebellion in 1095 by Robert Mowbray, earl of Northumberland (from c.1080) against William Rufus when the castle was besieged for two months before surrendering. The site of this castle has not been proved, but many authorities place it on the site of the 14th century castle.
SITEASS
If Tynemouth Priory and Castle were ever fully excavated then it might be possible to prove the existence of and indeed locate Mowbray's fortification.
Site Type: Broad
Castle
SITEDESC
The existence of a Norman castle at Tynemouth is known from the account of the rebellion in 1095 by Robert Mowbray, earl of Northumberland (from c.1080) against William Rufus when the castle was besieged for 2 months before surrendering. "...rex exercitu de tota Anglia congregato castellum praedicti comitis Rodberti ad ostium Tinae fluminis situm per duos menses obsedit...". There are no known later references. The site of this castle has not been proved. Most, but not all, authorities believe it was on the site of the C14 castle. Though some suggest that remains of its earthworks survive "in a sloping bank of earth some fifteen feet in height which lines the interior of the western wall", and in the mound (the ?C11 motte) south-east of the later gatehouse, these were probably part of the post-medieval fortifications.(SMR 134). Dated C11th.
Site Name
Robert Mowbray's castle
Site Type: Specific
Castle
HER Number
132
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 132 >> H.H.E. Craster, 1907, Northumberland County History, Vol. VIII, p. 52 and note 2
C.H. Hunter Blair, 1944, The Early Castles of Northumberland, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, XXII, pp. 127-129
R.N. Hadcock, 1962, Tynemouth Priory and Castle, MPBW guidebook p. 20
Rolls Series Symeon, 1885, Historia Regum, II, p. 225
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
Class
Health and Welfare
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Claire MacRae
CONDITION
Poor
Crossref
117, 7294, 5051
DAY1
14
DAY2
08
District
N Tyneside
Easting
436120
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
11
MONTH2
04
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 36 NE 38
Northing
569300
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Tynemouth
Description
It has been suggested that the hospital was founded before c.1220, but the earliest documentary reference is 1293 when it may have been partly under Tynemouth Priory and partly under Newcastle Nunnery, although this is not explicitly documented. The hospital and the priory church may have been alternative burial grounds, and many people were buried here during the Civil War when access to the priory church was restricted. The latest recorded burial at the Spital was 1708; later in the 18th century it was said to be in ruins in pasture land. In 1885 the Duke of Northumberland gave the land for a park and during the laying out of this workmen rediscovered the hospital, including tiled and stone paved floors, two stone coffins, a limestone brass matrix and worked stones. A few skeletons and grave covers were also found. During 2011 an evaluation excavation project was carried out by The Archaeological Practice Ltd. In conjunction with the local community following documentary research and a geophysical investigation. The possible remains of St. Leonard's Hospital or a later ancillary building were excavated. These remains were the ones first exposed in 1885. The building was of crude construction and its flagged floor may have incorporated a reused 15th century burial monument. This evidence suggests the building may be an ancillary building to the original hospital perhaps retained after the Dissolution and modified by the laying of a flagged floor incorporating material from the demolished chapel.
SITEASS
Not coming to much harm provided Parks Dept. do not hit the stones with mowers or plant more trees. Eventual aim should be re-excavation and display. Note that it is the site of a known cemetery and hence subject to the usual constraints.
Site Type: Broad
Hospital
SITEDESC
Though (5) suggests the hospital was pre c.1220, the earliest documentary reference is 1293. (5) also considers it may have been partly under Tynemouth Priory and partly under Newcastle Nunnery, perhaps with nuns (sisters) serving in it, but this is nowhere explicitly stated. The hospital and the priory church may have been alternative burial grounds, and many people were buried here during the Civil War when access to the priory church was restricted. Latest recorded burial at the Spital was 1708. By the 18th century it was in ruins in pasture land. In 1885 the Duke of Northumberland gave the land for a park and during the laying out of this workmen rediscovered the hospital. "The building appears to have been of considerable size. Its chambers were paved with stone" and surviving mouldings were E.E. Tiled floor, 20x12 ft, was seen and re-covered. 2 stone coffins, limestone brass matrix and a few worked stones were among the finds which remain on site. A few skeletons and grave covers were also found. The discovery of a "200 year old skeleton" in Spital Burial Ground, Tynemouth Road, North Shields was reported in the Shields Daily News on 5th January 1885. This was possibly St Leonard's. During 2011 an evaluation excavation project was carried out by The Archaeological Practice Ltd. In conjunction with the local community following documentary research and a geophysical investigation. The possible remains of St. Leonard's Hospital or a later ancillary building were excavated. These remains were the ones first exposed in 1885. The building was of crude construction and its flagged floor may have incorporated a reused 15th century burial monument. This evidence suggests the building may be an ancillary building to the original hospital perhaps retained after the Dissolution and modified by the laying of a flagged floor incorporating material from the demolished chapel. Further investigations took place in 2012-2014. Dated C13th.
Site Name
St. Leonard's Hospital
Site Type: Specific
Hospital
HER Number
131
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 131 >> J. Brand, 1789, Newcastle upon Tyne II, p. 91 and note v.;
H.A. Adamson, 1889, The Hospital of St. Leonard,Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle 2, III, pp. 35-6;
S.S. Carr, 1904, The Early Monumental Remains of Tynemouth, Archaeologia Aeliana, 2, XXV, pp. 130-131;
H.H.E. Craster, 1907, Northumberland County History, VIII, pp. 259-260;
D. Knowles & R.N. Hadcock, 1971, Medieval Religious Houses England and Wales p. 399;
Photo B. Harbottle, 1988, Stone coffins and brass matrix ;
W.S. Gibson, 1846, The History of the Monastery at Tynemouth, I, 217-18 W.W. Tomlinson, 1888, Comprehensive Guide to Northumberland, p 46;
W.S. Garson, 1926, The Origin of North Shields p 6;
W.W. Tomlinson, 1888, Comprehensive Guide to Northumberland, p 46;
W.S. Garson, 1926, The Origin of North Shields p 6;
Shields Daily News, 5th January 1885, p4, col 2; The Archaeological Practice Ltd. 2012, Northumberland Park, King Edward Road, Tynemouth - Archaeological Evaluation; Timescape Surveys 2011, St Leonard's Medieval Hospital, Northumberland Park, North Tyneside - Geophysical Survey;
The Archaeological Practice Ltd, 2015.Northumberland Park, King Edward Road, Tynemouth, Archaeological Excavation Phases II & III (2013 and 2014), HER 4869;
SURVIVAL
1-19%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
2014
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Jennifer Morrison
CONDITION
Fair
DAY1
11
DAY2
29
District
N Tyneside
Easting
437000
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Bone
MONTH1
11
MONTH2
12
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
569400
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Tynemouth
Description
Human bones were found under Front Street, Tynemouth, on a number of occasions, notably in 1852, 1951, 1974 and 1976 during the laying of water mains or building operations. The bones have been discovered "within a short distance of the castle gates"; on the north side of the street; and most recently 1 to 2 feet below the pavement on the south side, in front of nos. 54 - 60. Radiocarbon analysis of a sample from the 1976 finds produced a radiocarbon date of c.1170 A.D.
SITEASS
It is inevitable that more bones will be found in the future by the utilities or the council. The archaeological record of their location, depth etc. should be extended, and there should if possible be further C14 tests and some pathological examination. Police and utilities should be informed.
Note that no burials were found in the archaeological excavation in the angle of Front St and East St in 1995.
Site Type: Broad
Cemetery
SITEDESC
Human bones have been found under Front Street, Tynemouth, on a number of occasions during the laying of water mains or building operations. The record goes back at least as far as 1852, and there have been recent finds in 1951, 1974 and 1976. The bones have been discovered "within a short distance of the castle gates"; on the north side of the street; and most recently 1 to 2 feet below the pavement on the south side, in front of nos. 54 - 60. Radiocarbon analysis of a sample from the 1976 finds produced a conventional radiocarbon date of AD 1100 +/- 90 (HAR-1870; 850 +/- 90 BP) or, after calibration, A.D. 1170. However one chooses to interpret this date, the settlement of Tynemouth must postdate the cemetery. During renewal of water mains in 2005, human bones were found outside Nos. 55 and 56 Front Street. Some important questions emerge - how many years must elapse before houses would be built on a graveyard; is the foundation of Tynemouth related to the C11 priory, or is it refounded in C12 according to the Roberts' theory of resettlement after the Harrying, or neither of these? Dated C12th.
Site Name
Tynemouth, Medieval cemetery
Site Type: Specific
Inhumation Cemetery
HER Number
130
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 130 >> Newcastle Courant, 1852 - 02-Apr;
The Journal, 1974, 31-Jan;
B. Harbottle, 1978, An Early Cemetery at Tynemouth, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5, VI, article X https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/library/browse/details.xhtml?recordId=3212755;
1952, Pathologist's report, Bones found during excavations at Tynemouth 1951
SURVIVAL
20-39%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
2005
English, British
ADDITINF
N
Class
Monument <By Form>
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Fair
Crossref
117
DAY1
18
DAY2
06
District
N Tyneside
Easting
437300
Grid ref figure
6
HISTORY_TOPIC
Anglo-Saxon
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
10
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
569400
General Period
EARLY MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Early Medieval 410 to 1066
Place
Tynemouth
Description
An incomplete grave-marker in medium-grained, yellow sandstone. Its condition is fairly good, but the surface is largely lost and no carvings are visible. It has been dated to the 10th century and was found by G. Jobey in the rubble core of a post-medieval building north of the north transept, during excavations in 1963.
Site Type: Broad
Findspot
SITEDESC
Incomplete grave-marker in medium-grained, micaceous yellow sandstone. Condition fairly good. Part of two broad carved faces survive. Edged by flat-band mouldings. A (broad) May have been divided into quadrants by a plain cross, and in the upper quadrant there are the remains of a probable triquetra knot. B (narrow) Surface largely lost - may have been uncarved. C (broad) Clear cross-arm. D (narrow) Broken off. 22.9 cm high x 17.8 cm wide x 10.2 cm deep. 10th C Found by G. Jobey during excavations in 1963, in rubble core of post- suppression building north of the north transept. Dated C11th.
<< HER 129 >> G. Jobey, 1967, Excavation at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, XLV, pp. 33-104
R.J. Cramp, 1967, in G. Jobey, Excavation at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, XLV, p. 104, pl. 11.2
R.J. Cramp & R. Miket, 1982, Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon...Antiquities in Museum of Antiquities... no. 59
R.J. Cramp, 1984, Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Stone Sculpture, Vol. I, Part 1, p. 229, pl. 227, 1278-80 (Tynemouth 7)
SURVIVAL
40-59%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
N
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Good
DAY1
14
DAY2
06
District
N Tyneside
Easting
437000
Grid ref figure
6
HISTORY_TOPIC
Anglo-Saxon
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
10
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
569400
General Period
EARLY MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Early Medieval 410 to 1066
Place
Tynemouth
Description
An incomplete cross-head in medium-grained, reddish sandstone. It condition is good and it is decorated with various abstract designs. It has been dated to the late 9th or early 10th centuries. It was donated to the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle by C.J. Spence of North Shields in 1885-6, having been obtained by him at the disposal of the collection of G. Rippon of North Shields in 1864. No details of the find-spot are known.
Site Type: Broad
Religious House
SITEDESC
Incomplete cross-head in medium-grained, massive, micaceous reddish sandstone. Condition good. Head type B10. Hemispherical boss in centre of both sides, projecting about 5.5 cm. A and C (broad) Both have punched and grooved interlace with a free ring enclosed in a plain flat-band moulding and crossed by bungled diagonals; dressing of boss and its outer roll moulding are very fine. B and D (narrow) plain. 37 cm high x 26.6 cm wide x 14 cm deep. Late 9th - early 10th C Donated to the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle by C.J. Spence of North Shields, 1885-6. Obtained by him at the disposal of the collection of G. Rippon of North Shields in 1864. No details of find-spot given. Dated C9th.
Site Name
Tynemouth?, incomplete Anglo-Saxon cross-head
Site Type: Specific
Cross
HER Number
128
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 128 >> J.R. Boyle, 1887, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, II, 23-4
C.C. Hodges, 1893, The pre-Conquest churches of Northumbria, Reliquary, new series, VII, 68
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 1902 - 2, X, 276
S.S. Carr, 1904, The early monumental remains of Tynemouth, Archaeologia Aeliana, 2, XXV, p. 119, fig. 10
H.H.E. Craster, 1907, Northumberland County History, VIII, pp. 133-4, fig. 1
R.J. Cramp & R. Miket, 1982, Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon...Antiquities in Museum of Antiquities, no. 44
R.J. Cramp, 1984, Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Stone Sculpture, Vol. I, Part 1, pp. 228-9, pl. 226, 1274-7 (Tynemouth 6)
SURVIVAL
40-59%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
N
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Good
Crossref
117
DAY1
12
DAY2
06
District
N Tyneside
Easting
437300
Grid ref figure
6
HEIGHT_OD
30
HISTORY_TOPIC
Anglo-Saxon
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
10
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
569400
General Period
EARLY MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Early Medieval 410 to 1066
Place
Tynemouth
Description
A Cross arm in coarse-grained, red/yellow sandstone. In fairly good condition with some decoration in abstract designs. It has been dated to the late 9th or early 10th centuries. It was probably donated to the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle in 1855, having been found in excavations in the priory in 1853.
Site Type: Broad
Religious House
SITEDESC
Cross arm in coarse-grained, massive, micaceous red/yellow sandstone. Fairly good condition. Head type A10. A and C (broad) interlace in roll moulding. B and D plain. 19 cm high x 19 cm wide x 15.8 cm deep. Late 9th to early 10th-C. First described and figured in 1907 (3), but is probably the stone donated to the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle in 1855, and said to have been found in excavations in the priory 2 March 1853. Probably the stone mentioned by (2) as having been forgotten for many years. Dated C9th.
Site Name
Tynemouth Priory, Anglo-Saxon cross arm
Site Type: Specific
Cross
HER Number
127
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 127 >> Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 1858, 1, I, 91, no. 13
J.R. Boyle, 1887, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, II, 22, no. 3
H.H.E. Craster, 1907, Northumberland County History, VIII, 134, fig. 2
G. Adcock, 1974, A study of the types of interlace on Northumbrian sculpture, Durham University Unpublished thesis, pp. 216-17, pl. 96
R.J. Cramp & R. Miket, 1982, Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon...Antiquities in Museum of Antiquities... no. 43
R.J. Cramp, 1984, Corpus pf Anglo-Saxon Stone Sculpture Vol. I Part 1, p. 228, pl. 226, 1270-73 (Tynemouth 5)
SURVIVAL
80-90%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
N
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Fair
DAY1
12
DAY2
06
District
N Tyneside
Easting
437300
Grid ref figure
6
HISTORY_TOPIC
Anglo-Saxon
Map Sheet
NZ36NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
10
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
569000
General Period
EARLY MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Early Medieval 410 to 1066
Place
Tynemouth
Description
Part of a cross-shaft or architectural feature in coarse-grained, yellow sandstone. It is in good condition but covered in paint or plaster. Decoration includes 2 or 3 ribbon animals with double-outlined bodies. It was found during excavation in 1963, incorporated into the wall of the Spanish Battery. It has been dated to the 10th century.
Site Type: Broad
Religious House
SITEDESC
Part of cross-shaft or architectural feature in coarse-grained, massive, micaceous yellow sandstone. Condition good but covered in paint or plaster. A (broad) 2 or 3 ribbon animals with double-outlined bodies. B and D broken away. C (broad) possibly recut. E (top) roughly split. F (bottom) smoothly dressed. 24.1 cm high x 43 cm wide x 12.2 cm deep. Found during excavation in 1963 incorporated into the wall of the Spanish Battery (2). Dated C10th.
Site Name
Tynemouth, frag. Anglo-Saxon cross-shaft or arch. feature
Site Type: Specific
Cross
HER Number
126
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 126 >> . R.J. Cramp, 1966, A cross from St. Oswald,s Church, Durham,... Durham Univ. J, LVIII, p. 120
G. Jobey 1967, Excavation at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, XLV, pp. 33-104
R.J. Cramp, 1967, in G. Jobey, Excavation at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, XLV, pp. 99-104, pl. 10
R.N. Bailey, 1980, Viking Age Sculpture in Northern England 196
E. Roesdahl, ed. et al. 1981, The Vikings in England and their Danish Homeland 91, no. F12
R.J. Cramp & R. Miket, 1982, Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon...Antiquities in Museum of Antiquities... no. 45
.J. Cramp, 1984, Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Stone Sculpture, Vol. I Part 1, pp. 227-8, pl. 226, 1266-69, (Tynemouth 4)