Fish Quay Old High Light

Fish Quay Old High Light is an eighteenth-century leading light standing on the bank above the Fish Quay in North Shields, Tyne and Wear (North Tyneside), close to where the River Tyne meets the North Sea. Built in 1727, it is one of four surviving leading lights in North Shields and is now a private home.

What was the Old High Light for?

Trinity House of Newcastle built the tower in 1727. It worked as one half of a pair with a lower light beside the water. A pilot entering the Tyne lined up the two flames and steered between the dangerous shoals at the river mouth. Wooden towers from the 1500s had occupied the site before, and the rebuild followed a quarrel with the governor of nearby Clifford's Fort, whose new house had hidden the light.

It burned tallow candles at first, and oil lamps arrived in 1773. When the river channel shifted, the 1727 pair no longer marked a safe course, and it was switched off in 1810. A newer pair, begun in 1807 and designed by John Stokoe, took over and stayed in service until 1999.

What can you see today?

The Old High Light is Grade II listed, but its interior is not open because people live in it. You view it from the street: a plain masonry tower with practical, understated architecture. The best way to enjoy it is to walk the full set of four lights. The New High Light is close by, while both Low Lights sit lower down at the quayside. Trinity House put up Trinity Buildings next to the Old High Light in 1887.

Walk down to the Fish Quay as well. It is still a working fishing harbour, with pubs and restaurants serving fresh fish and views of vessels passing through the Tyne mouth. The Old Low Light, part of the Clifford's Fort site, has been a museum and community space since 2014.

How do you get there?

North Shields lies roughly 12 km east of Newcastle upon Tyne city centre. The easiest route is the Tyne and Wear Metro to Meadow Well, or to Tynemouth followed by a bus or a walk. From the centre of North Shields it takes about fifteen minutes on foot to reach the Fish Quay. Parking is available near the waterfront, though spaces are limited at weekends.

When should you visit?

Because you see the tower from outside, opening hours do not matter and any season works. Morning and early evening give the best photo light, and dry, mild weather makes the quayside walk and an outdoor meal more pleasant.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the Old High Light?

No. It is a private house, so you can only see it from outside.

How many lights are there in North Shields?

Four, arranged as two High and Low pairs. The older pair dates from 1727 and the newer one from the early 1800s. All are listed buildings.

Why was the light switched off in 1810?

The river channel moved, so the older pair no longer showed a safe line into the harbour and a new pair replaced it.

How long does a visit take?

About an hour covers all four lights and a stroll along the Fish Quay.