Local history enthusiasts may be interested in Discover The Tudor Tyne at the Old Low Light Heritage Centre, North Shields Fish Quay. Consisting of a talk, object handling session and walk – this interactive session is a new format for the Old Low Light.
The event on Saturday 24 June will run from 10.30am – 2pm. Places at £10 per person must be booked in advance by clicking on the button above. Tea and coffee will be provided and you can either bring your own lunch or buy a snack from our café.
The session will be led by a local master mariner and an archaeologist both with considerable knowledge of the area.
The event was inspired by our copy of a beautiful Tudor Map of the Tyne, one of a fine collection from across the centuries we have on display in our Heritage Gallery. It encouraged us to discover more about our river during this significant period in our history.
This Tudor period, with the reigns of two of our most significant monarchs, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, saw changes that have shaped our politics, trade and the economy in Britain. We will be exploring how these changes impacted on the River Tyne and the communities around it. It was a time of great opportunity.
We will be looking at river navigation and the work of Trinity House, the power of the hostmen and the merchant adventurers in trade and politics, the effect of the dissolution of Tynemouth Priory, the increasing importance of Tynemouth Castle and the Haven as a base for naval attacks on Scotland and defence against France and Spain. We will examine river traffic from fishing boats, pirates and traders, including a visit from the Mary Rose and even an Armada encounter.
The event will include examination of copies of Tudor maps from the British Library and Duke of Northumberland archive, a talk and discussion and examination of artefacts and replicas. You can even try writing Tudor script with a goose quill pen. The day will conclude with a guided ‘Tudor walk’ to the Haven.