Robert Westall (1929-1993) was born here. He was a teacher, but his first published book 'The Machine Gunners' of 1975 won the Carnegie Medal. He wrote many other novels, often on the theme of war or the supernatural, and many reference places in North Shields.

Victor Noble Rainbird (1887-1936) lived here between 1917 and 1933. He was a prize winning art student who went on to become a brilliant painter and stained glass designer.

Howard Street and Northumberland Square (HER 11363) were the flagship developments of North Shields 'new town' They were laid out in Georgian tradition, and pre-date Newcastle's Grainger Town by a quarter of a century. John Dobson designed many of the buildings. Notable buildings - the Tynemouth Literary and Philosophical Society's Library 1807 (HER 9833), the Mechanics Institute & Free Library 1857-58), the Town Hall, Savings Bank, Museum and Police Station of 1844, (HER 7287 and 4584) now the site of Saville Exchange), Methodist Chapel 1856 (HER 7286), non-conformist Scotch Church 1811 (HER 4570, now Salvation Army Citadel), Baptist Church 1846 (HER 4578) and St. Columba's Presbyterian Church 1856 (HER 7299). Howard Street is named after the Howard family from Carlisle who owned the land in the 18th century.

The Prince Line was founded in 1881 by James Knott, the son of a grocer from Howdon. The company became one of the world's major shipping lines with over 40 steamers. The vessels had slate grey hulls, black and red funnels and the white Prince of Wales feathers emblem. The 'Saxon Prince' was built by Swan Hunter in 1882 and was the first Prince Line steamer. She was possibly the first merchant ship to be sunk by a U-boat in World War One. Sir James Knott became very wealthy and he and his wife became well known for their philanthropy. He died in 1934 but the Sir James Knott Trust continues to support worthy projects in the North East.

A series of steep stairs linked the upper and lower parts of North Shields. The low town along the riverside, at the base of the steep bank was the original medieval settlement, which in the post medieval period became overcrowded and slum-like. In the 18th century fine houses for businessmen and shipowners were built on top of the plateau above Ranters, Magnesia, Naters, Stewarts and Ropery Banks. The banks were also tightly packed with buildings. The slum dwellings were cleared away but some of the stairs still remain, although not necessarily in their original position. These stairs linked Bell Street to the Old High Light (HER 4556).

A series of steep stairs linked the upper and lower parts of North Shields. The low town along the riverside, at the base of the steep bank was the original medieval settlement, which in the post medieval period became overcrowded and slum-like. In the 18th century fine houses for businessmen and shipowners were built on top of the plateau above Ranters, Magnesia, Naters, Stewarts and Ropery Banks. The banks were also tightly packed with buildings. The slum dwellings were cleared away but some of the stairs still remain, although not necessarily in their original position. These stairs linked Bell Street to the New High Light (HER 2129). These stairs are said to have inspired the piano removal scene in Laurel and Hardy's film 'The Music Box' released in 1932. Stan Laurel lived for a time in Dockwray Square at the top of these stairs.

A series of steep stairs linked the upper and lower parts of North Shields. The low town along the riverside, at the base of the steep bank was the original medieval settlement, which in the post medieval period became overcrowded and slum-like. In the 18th century fine houses for businessmen and shipowners were built on top of the plateau above Ranters, Magnesia, Naters, Stewarts and Ropery Banks. The banks were also tightly packed with buildings. The slum dwellings were cleared away but some of the stairs still remain, although not necessarily in their original position. Ropery Stairs linked Liddell Street to Mr Metcalf's Ropery (HER 4568).

A series of steep stairs linked the upper and lower parts of North Shields. The low town along the riverside, at the base of the steep bank was the original medieval settlement, which in the post medieval period became overcrowded and slum-like. In the 18th century fine houses for businessmen and shipowners were built on top of the plateau above Ranters, Magnesia, Naters, Stewarts and Ropery Banks. The banks were also tightly packed with buildings. The slum dwellings were cleared away but some of the stairs still remain, although not necessarily in their original position.

A series of steep stairs linked the upper and lower parts of North Shields. The low town along the riverside, at the base of the steep bank was the original medieval settlement, which in the post medieval period became overcrowded and slum-like. In the 18th century fine houses for businessmen and shipowners were built on top of the plateau above Ranters, Magnesia, Naters, Stewarts and Ropery Banks. The banks were also tightly packed with buildings. Library Stairs led to the Tynemouth Literary and Philosophical Society building (HER 9833). The slum dwellings were cleared away but some of the stairs still remain, although not necessarily in their original position..

Tiger Inn and the Tiger Stairs. A series of steep stairs linked the upper and lower parts of North Shields. The low town along the riverside, at the base of the steep bank was the original medieval settlement, which in the post medieval period became overcrowded and slum-like. In the 18th century fine houses for businessmen and shipowners were built on top of the plateau above Ranters, Magnesia, Naters, Stewarts and Ropery Banks. The banks were also tightly packed with buildings. The slum dwellings were cleared away but some of the stairs still remain.