South Shields

South Shields is where the Tyne meets the North sea, and not surprisingly is on the opposite bank of the river to North Shields (see earlier posting).

First up is the unassuming clock on the side of the Post Office, opposite the Metro station.

Next stop is St Hilda's on Church Way.

We move on to the local branch of H Samuel on King Street.

 

Charleston Coffee House on Mile End Road, with its out sized stopwatch.

The building dates from 1891 and was originally the Assembly Rooms. Since then it has been a variety of pubs and bars.

At the end of the splendidly-named Ocean Road (although in reality a seemingly never-ending parade of fast-food shops on one side and guest houses on the other) is the Wouldhave Memorial clock tower.

William Wouldhave (1751 - 1821) is credited with inventing the self-righting lifeboat, hence the lifeboat under the canopy in the picture below. The memorial dates from 1837, and features a Potts clock which was set going on 25 June 1890.

If having walked back from the end of Ocean Road you are in need of some refreshment, may I recommend the Victorian Pantry in the South Shields Museum. It does an excellent afternoon tea - pot of tea, sandwiches, scone with jam and cream, china plates - perfect.

The New Town Hall was completed in 1910. The clock is from the Potts factory and was set going on 21 October 1908.