A castle, a priory and WW2 military defences in the North East - Tynemouth Priory

On a rocky outcrop at the mouth of the River Tyne in the North East stands a site that has a wealth of heritage from the medieval period to the Second World War, Tynemouth Priory.

On entering the English Heritage property you are first met with a chunky medieval defensive keep. There has been a castle on this site since at least 1095, but this would have been of earth and timber construction. The castle that stands today, all be it in a ruinous state, was constructed between 1296 - 1390.

The Priory is the next impressive structure you will come across. The priory was founded in the early 7th Century and what is left today is limited but still rather impressive. Much of the east wall and it's large arched window openings still stand tall - make sure to look down as well, you can see the footprint of an early presbytery.

Beyond the priory is a large graveyard, littered with grave stones of varying periods, and off to the left (right in the photo above) is a more recent addition to the site, a Coastguard Station.

The final, but extremely interesting, part of the priory is at the far end of the site. Just before the cliff edge are some World War coastal defenses, including a gun battery built into the ground to house ammo for the large gun placed overlooking the sea. This was constructed to defend our shores during World War 1 and 2.

There is so much to see at Tynemouth Priory and it is well worth a good look around to see what interesting features you can find.


Interesting features:

  • The huge defensive gun that stands pointing out to sea. A stark reminder of the impact of WW1 and WW2 on mainland Britain and the ever increasing need to defend our shores. This large gun was used,  along with other defenses, to protect the mouth of the Tyne from enemy craft.
  • The Oratory of St Mary, or Percy Chapel. A beautiful and ornate 13th Century chapel built at the rear of the old priory. Step inside to be greeted with a decorative vaulted ceiling, highlighted with deep blue paint, and gorgeous stained glass windows.
  • The Coastguard station - opened in 1980 by Prince Charles this more modern building is now closed but adds to the layered history of this wonderful site.


Location: Pier Rd, Tynemouth, North Shields NE30 4BZ, UK

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