Old South Pier

Construction of the South Pier, Bishopwearmouth, now known as the Old South Pier began in 1723 and continued through the following decades, although the structure was substantially complete by 1725. At this time the river had two navigable channels, one nearer the north bank and one nearer the south bank. With the construction of the South Pier, the southern channel (known as the "Sledway") was opened out and became the main shipping channel. Extensive reconstruction and some demolition was carried out in 1982.