By Rachel Chapman
From humble beginnings, Sir James Knott – shipping magnate, entrepreneur and philanthropist – became one of the great folk who helped shape North Shields.
The iconic Knotts Flats, which overlook the mouth of the Tyne, were built in 1938 as a memorial to him. They were mainly for families with connections to the sea, replacing poor housing.
Today, 90 years after his death, the Sir James Knott Trust, which is managed from Newcastle, provides grants for organisations across the North East, including the fish quay’s heritage centre, the Old Low Light.
So, who was Sir James Knott?
One of 11 children, he spent his early childhood in a flat in Linskill Street. He was educated at the school attached to the Scotch Church in Howard Street, leaving at 14 to work as a shipping clerk at Newcastle.
Realising opportunities offered by shipping, aged 23, he borrowed money to start his own business, spending £187 on his first ship, a collier brig, which carried coal from the Tyne to Northern France.
Embracing innovation, he ordered his first steamship, the Saxon Prince in 1881, the first of his Prince Shipping Line which became the world’s third largest privately owned shipping line, expanding to include 45 steam ships, many built in Tyne & Wear shipyards.
Although his office in Milburn House, Newcastle, was a short walk from the Customs House on Newcastle Quayside, he registered all his new steamers at the North Shields Customs House, an indication of his pride in his home town.
He married Margaret in1878 and their first home was in Frank Place, North Shields, later moving around the corner to a bigger house in Alma Place. They had three sons and as Sir James’ businesses prospered, the family rented grand houses, including the Manor House, Jesmond and Close House Wylam. In 1891 they bought Monks Haven, Beverley Terrace, Cullercoats, where they developed strong links with the fishing community.
In addition to shipping, he had business interests in coal and anthracite mining. And always keen to improve himself, he studied law and qualified as a barrister. He served as an MP and was also a magistrate.
Great sadness beset the Knotts when two of their sons were killed in WW1. Shortly afterwards he sold his shipping business and established a trust to help widows of men lost in battle.
In 1924 Sir James bought Samares Manor in Jersey for his retirement and formed an investment company to further his philanthropic interests. This runs alongside the Newcastle managed fund, helping many causes.
Local historian and Old Low Light volunteer, Mike Coates has researched the life and achievements of Sir James and his book, ‘Sir James Knott – Tyneside’s Most Charitable Shipowner’, has informed this article.
Mike said: “The more I researched his life, the more I became fascinated by this man’s story. His motto was ‘deeds not words’ and not only did he live up to this during his life, but now, 90 years after his death, local communities are still benefiting from his success.”
A display about Sir James Knott can be seen at the Old Low Light Heritage Centre, where Mike Coates’ book is also on sale.
Captions:
Knott Memorial Flats – landmark building for sailors coming home to North Shields
Sir James has been described as a strong, genial, vigorous, enthusiastic and courageous man.
The Scotch Church, Howard Street, North Shields
Model of his first ship, Pearl of Scarborough
Local historian Mike Coates
