Tynemouth Castle and Priory, Tyne and Wear

A Fortress on a Near Impregnable Clifftop at the Mouth of the Tyne

Aug 21, 2009 Anthony Toole

In continuous occupation for more than a millennium, this fortified site has successfully defended the River Tyne and its industries through four centuries, up to 1960.

The ruins of Tynemouth Castle and Priory stand on a sandstone headland high above the North Pier that extends beyond the river mouth for 800 metres. On a wild day with a high tide, the waves can crash above the height of the lighthouse. Over the centuries, the cliffs have suffered erosion, and are now buttressed by concrete. Nevertheless, the site of the castle has been occupied continuously at least since the seventh century, when an early monastery was built here, one of several that dotted the north-east coast.

Early History of Tynemouth Priory

Unfortunately, this wooden structure suffered attacks by the Danes, and was destroyed several times during the ninth century. Little remains of these buildings, though archeologists have discovered carved stones dating from this period.

In 1090, a more substantial, stone, Benedictine monastery was built here. At about the same time, bones were uncovered, which were assumed to be those of St Oswine, (died 651 AD), the first of three kings to have been buried at Tynemouth. After this, the monastery became a place of pilgrimage.

Fortification of Tynemouth

The Monastery was fortified in 1296, during the reign of Edward I, as a defence against the Scots, and the Gatehouse and Barbican added in 1388. In 1539, the Priory was closed by Henry VIII and became a Royal castle, under the guardianship of the powerful Percy family, Earls of Northumberland. Since then, it has defended the River Tyne against possible invasions, including during the Napoleonic wars and the two world wars. Its military importance ceased as recently as 1960. The Castle and Priory are now owned by English Heritage.

Surrounded by high cliffs on three sides, the castle is guarded on the fourth by a deep ditch. Entrance from the town is on this side, through the gatehouse, which sports a portcullis and once held a drawbridge.

Tynemouth Priory Church

Immediately in front of the visitor are the ruins of the Priory church, which in its day must have been a very imposing structure. To the south of this are the foundations of the cloisters, which were surrounded by the monks’ living quarters. These buildings were demolished during the 17th century and the stones used for construction elsewhere. In 1863, the area was excavated to create an ammunition store.

Exhibition of Life in Tynemouth Monastery and Castle

The Introductory Exhibition centre is housed in a red brick building that was formerly home to the Warrant Officer of the garrison. Though small, this gives a glimpse into life in the monastery and castle during three periods of history, by focussing on former inhabitants of the times: Prior Simon, from the late 13th Century, Sir Thomas Riddell, who commanded 300 soldiers at Tynemouth in support of King Charles I during the Civil War of the mid-17th century, and Gunner Arthur Lloyd, who helped man the defences during World War II. Recordings of Gunner Lloyd’s reminiscences add authenticity to the displays. There is also a cupboard containing replicas of carved stones, tools and ornaments from the three periods, which visitors may handle.

The Percy Chantry

A large area of the grounds is taken up by a 19th century cemetery. This stands alongside the tallest part of the Priory, which contained the shrine to St Oswine. A door in the east wall of this leads into the chantry, built by the Percy’s in the 15th century. Beneath the chantry’s ornately carved ceiling are stained glass windows, with a rose window above the altar.

The Guns of Tynemouth Castle

The whole of the eastern side of the castle grounds is occupied by the gun emplacements, and indeed one of the big guns, which looked out over the North Sea during World War II. This is complemented, inside the north wall, by an artillery cannon that dates from 1859.

The former Coast Guard station, which is just behind the gun emplacement, is no longer in use. It stands on the site of the former Tynemouth lighthouse, which was replaced in 1898 by one a few miles to the north, at St Mary’s Island.

Views from Tynemouth Castle

Indeed, the view north, up the coast toward St Mary’s Island and beyond, is quite impressive. It looks out over King Edward’s Bay, which is sufficiently narrow to channel the waves into breakers high enough for surfers to enjoy. In contrast, Cullercoats Longsands Beach presents a more gentle tideline.

The mouth of the Tyne, below the castle, is enclosed by the North and South piers, which jut into the North Sea. Beneath the south wall of the castle are the headquarters of the Tynemouth Yacht Club. A short distance upriver is the statue of local hero, Admiral Lord Collingwood, who commanded the British fleet during the Battle of Trafalgar.

The copyright of the article Tynemouth Castle and Priory, Tyne and Wear in U.K./Ireland Travel is owned by Anthony Toole. Permission to republish Tynemouth Castle and Priory, Tyne and Wear in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.