Whitley Bay, Firing Range
Whitley Bay, Firing Range
HER Number
1054
District
N Tyneside
Site Name
Whitley Bay, Firing Range
Place
Whitley Bay
Map Sheet
NZ37SW
Class
Defence
Site Type: Broad
Military Training Site
Site Type: Specific
Firing Range
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Description
800 yard rifle range with butts, targets and two flagstaffs shown on 2nd edition Ordnance Survey Map. Shown on fifth edition of 1960 as disused.In 1894 Joseph Patterson of Hartley East Farm let a field to the army for use as a rifle range. This started an argument between George Ewan, who had built cottages on St. Mary's Island and his landlord Lord Hastings of Delaval, because visitors to the island were in danger from bullets. The earthwork remains of old butts are still visible.
Easting
434920
Northing
574730
Grid Reference
NZ434920574730
Sources
<< HER 1054 >> 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map, 1898, 6 inch scale, Northumberland, 81, SE; North Tyneside Council, 2005, St. Mary's Island Draft Conservation Area Character Statement