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Remembering how one Shields family were at the heart of a desperate RNLI rescue mission
Photographs on a family wall sparked Dorothy Brownlee’s lifelong memory of one of the RNLI’s greatest missions – when Tynemouth’s lifeboat battled a raging storm to rescue 50 people from the wrecked hospital ship Rohilla in 1914. As the RNLI marks its bicentenary, Dorothy now shares the remarkable story of her grandfather and great-uncle’s courage, bringing a dramatic chapter of local and national history back into the light.
234 years on Tyneside: E Turnbull & Son’s seven generation legacy continues to thrive
In a year that saw Washington deliver his first State of the Union, revolution rumble through France, and Mozart debut Cosi fan Tutte, life in North Shields was also quietly changing. In 1790, local craftsman John Turnbull set up shop as a furniture maker and undertaker in the Low Town beside the Fish Quay—laying the foundations for what would become one of the town’s longest-standing family businesses. Fast forward 234 years and E. Turnbull & Son is still serving the community, now led by seventh-generation descendant Ben Broadhead. From hand-written ledgers to horse-drawn carriages, wartime tragedy to modern, personalised services, the story of Turnbull’s is woven into the history of North Shields. We sat down with Ben to explore the family legacy, the evolving craft of funeral directing, and why community remains at the heart of everything they do.
Your Stories: Men On Boats
Three generations, one shared curiosity: a springtime return to North Tyneside in search of the names and stories that shaped them. Though “Hartley” is the family banner today, it’s the Rodgersons and Pattisons—lifelong servants of the sea, the Customs, and the river—that anchor their history here. From boatmen on Bedford Street to master mariners at the Hit and Miss Wharf, their ancestors lived lives tied to the tides. As we trace their footsteps - visiting old streets, uncovering dramatic tales, and standing by long-rested graves - they discover just how deeply North Shields runs in their blood, even if their legs are far steadier on land than their ancestors' ever were.
Unveiling the punch: Legacy of boxing in North Shields
Through the eyes of local author Terry Patterson, we dive into North Shields’ rich boxing heritage. From the Tyne Boys Club of the ’50s to the famed “BLOODKIT” gym, Terry recalls legends like Manny Burgo Senior and Stan Hawthorn. His own journey began despite being born with club foot, guided by coach Joe Myers. After setbacks and tragedy, Terry continued shaping the sport across several clubs. Retiring in 1986, his story reflects the resilience, passion, and community spirit that define local boxing.
Old Low Light: Still shining a light on North Shields and its Fish Quay
The Old Low Light Heritage Centre stands proudly on North Shields Fish Quay as the town’s oldest surviving building, once a guiding light for ships navigating the Tyne. Today, after major restoration and decades of changing purpose, it continues to illuminate the area’s rich maritime heritage. Run by dedicated volunteers, the centre has become a vibrant community hub, offering exhibitions, events, walks, workshops, and stunning river views. Its story is one of resilience, renewal, and a deep commitment to preserving local history.
How kippered herring made its mark on the world from Tyneside
You’ve probably never stopped to wonder who invented the humble kipper — but what if the answer lay right here in North Shields? This fascinating slice of local history uncovers the story of John Woodger, a 19th-century fish curer whose bold claim put our town at the heart of Britain’s kippering tradition. From a smoky accident in Seahouses to a thriving business supplying London, Woodger’s tale blends innovation, marketing flair and the gritty world of smokehouses by the Fish Quay. But his story doesn’t end there. After his death, a grand memorial was slowly swallowed by time — and a holly bush — until a recent family search brought his resting place, and his legacy, back into the light. Curious? Dive into the full article to discover how a forgotten grave and a smoky mistake shaped a quirky chapter of North Shields’ past.
Part Two: North Shields resident built a 13-foot wooden sailing boat in his attic
Only a few decades ago shipyards lined the Tyne and regularly blocked views at the end of North Shields streets. Here, Caroline Oswald recounts...
Christ Church bell ringers: ringing the changes of Shields for more than 200 years
For nearly 240 years, the soundscape of North Shields has been shaped not just by gulls and foghorns, but by the proud, resonant peal of Christ Church’s ten historic bells. First installed in 1788—after an ill-fated original set was lost at sea—the bells have rung out from their ship’s-oak beams through royal birthdays, national celebrations, and countless Sunday mornings. Today, the tradition is kept alive by a warm, multigenerational band of bell ringers who climb the church’s spiral stairs every Tuesday evening to “ring the changes.” Led by ringing master Karen Dickinson, the group blends centuries-old technique with modern camaraderie (and homemade cake), welcoming newcomers of all ages to be part of one of the town’s oldest living rhythms.
History in the Making: the man behind Pen Bal
Discover the rich, layered history of North Shields through the eyes of local historian Luan Hanratty. With deep family roots in the area and a passion for storytelling, Luan brings the past to life through his engaging website penbal.uk, YouTube channel, and walking tours. From Roman relics to shipbuilding heritage, his mission is simple: to reconnect us with the stories beneath our feet. As North Shields approaches its 800th anniversary, there's never been a better time to explore our shared history.
Your Stories: Back to my roots – a family history from Cardiff to the quayside
What starts as a simple curiosity about family roots quickly becomes a powerful journey of connection, identity, and pride. Believing himself Welsh through and through, the writer uncovers a rich North Shields heritage stretching back centuries — shipyard workers, barbers, and everyday lives full of character. Through names, memories, and stories passed down, a picture forms of a place never visited but deeply felt. This is more than genealogy; it’s a homecoming to a history that still lives on today.
