COLLINGWOODS MONUMENT

A large monument to Admiral Lord Collingwood (1750-1810) dominates the coastal scene to the east of North Shields at Tynemouth, built on what once was called the Spanish Battery, because for a time it was manned by spaniards (mercenaries).  Tyneside's most famous man of the sea, he was the second in command to Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Collingwood's monument overlooks the imposing Black Middens rocks at the entrance to the Tyne, which according to local folklore were thrown there by the devil in an attempt to curb the wealthy sea trade of Newcastle. Although this was never acheived, over the centuries the rocks have certainly claimed a victim of many a ship entering the mouth of the Tyne.

These dangerous rocks, may have played an important part in bringing about the formation of the first ever volunteer life brigade service, which was established at Tynemouth in 1869.Tynemouth is one of the most historic and picturesque towns of Tyneside. Its two most notable buildings are a fourteenth century ruined castle and a ruined Norman Priory, both situated on the lofty Benebal crag, overlooking the sea.

The memorial designed by John Dobson and sculpted by John Gorden Lough was erected in 1845. The guns are from Collingwood's ship the Royal Sovereign.

___________________________________________