HERITAGE TALK: REFLECTING ON 800 YEARS OF NORTH SHIELDS’ HISTORY

At the final talk of 2025, centre director Guy Moody with volunteers Nina Brown and Mike Coates will reflect on how for the first time in its ten years of existence, the heritage centre has brought together 800 years of North Shields history, making connections between all the different stories that have been explored by staff and volunteers since 2015.

Guy will briefly outline how in curating its exhibition ‘North Shields – 800 years in the making’, ups and downs in the town’s fortunes became a central feature. Nina will talk about the impact of local and national events during the Tudor period, the bleakest of times for townspeople, as well as some women who, over the centuries, broke barriers and played key roles in the town’s social, economic, and political life. Mike will highlight some lesser-known men, whose legacies live on today.

Guy will then ask questions of Nina and Mike about their findings, including new information that has emerged and seek input from anyone in the audience who may have stories to share.

Guy explained: “During the ten years that the heritage centre has been open, different people have told different stories about different parts of North Shields’ history.

“Our work this year, including by curating a new exhibition ‘North Shields – 800 years in the making’ provided opportunities to bring all these stories together, as well as conducting further research to build on what we already knew.”

He added: "We are grateful for the grant funding that has enabled these opportunities and are so pleased to have been involved in the partnership working that has taken place over the year to raise awareness of and celebrate the history and heritage of our town.”

Also check out other Exhibitions in North Shields.