Tynemouth Castle and Priory

Castle and Church in South Shields

Tynemouth Castle and Priory are located on a rocky headland, overlooking Tynemouth Pier in the North East England. The moated castle-towers, gatehouse and keep are combined with the ruins of the Benedictine priory was once one of the largest fortified areas in England. The castle overlooks the North Sea and the River Tyne, it dominates the headland, known as Pen Bal Crag.

The priory was founded at the start of the 7th century, perhaps by Edwin of Northumbria, and was the burial place for three Kings of Northumbria in the 7th and 8th centuries. The coat of arms of the town of Tynemouth still includes three crowns commemorating the tradition that the Priory had been the burial place for three kings.

The castle played an important role during World War II when it was used as a coastal defense installation covering the mouth of the river Tyne, and the Second World War-era gun emplacements, guardroom and armoury have been restored and opened to the public.


The Tynemouth Castle and Priory appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting South Shields!

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Visiting Tynemouth Castle and Priory

Telephone: +44 191 257 1090
Duration: 1 hours

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