Tynemouth Priory and Castle (3)

Pete, , ,
Tynemouth Priory and Castle from town
Tynemouth Priory and Castle from town

In the late 19th century the site was used for Army barracks, but this ceased when some of the blocks were destroyed by fire in 1936.

Tynemouth castle as an 19th century army barracks
Tynemouth castle as an 19th century army barracks

The site was again put to military use in World War I when a coastal battery command post was established on the headland and in World War II when a coastal defence battery was sited here.

WWII coastal battery
WWII coastal battery
WWII coastal battery casement stores (where shells and charges were stored (separately) for the battery above
WWII coastal battery casement stores (where shells and charges were stored (separately) for the battery above

The site was vacated by the Ministry of Defence in 1960, at which time they demolished most of the remaining 19th/ 20th century buildings on the site. In 1980 a new coastguard station was opened with in the ruins of the old Priory. However, this was short lived and it was closed again in 2001.

Coastguard building 1980=2001
Coastguard building 1980-2001

The site is now managed by English Heritage as a historical site.

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Published by Pete

I am semi-retired after a career in medical sciences. I now work from home doing independent research and consultancy amongst other things. One advantage of this is that I do have time to indulge my interests including birdwatching, natural history, steam trains and history particularly ancient history.

2 Comments

  1. Thank you, Pete. Interesting to read about Tynemouth Castle as barracks in WW1. I have snipped the sketch of the barracks to use in family history, hope this ok to do, Thanks, Rose

    Reply

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