ORIGINS

The seafarers of this area had formed themselves into a Brotherhood or Fraternity sometime before the existence of Newcastle upon Tyne Trinity House on its present premises in the beginning of the 16th Century.

In 1505 the Guild or Fraternity of the Blessed Trinity of Newcastle upon Tyne became a corporate body and purchased the site from Ralph Hebborn in exchange for a red rose, to be paid on demand on the feast of John the Baptist (now known as Midsummer's day). An order was then made for the building of a hall, chapel and lodgings for the Brethren.

In 1524, Thomas Hebborn, son of the original benefactor, gave more land to the House, this time in exchange for a "Pottle of Wyne" (a half gallon container), to be paid yearly on the Vigil of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which, according to the Book of common prayer, falls on 29th June.

AIMS

The aims of the Brethren, from the earliest times, have been concerned with the welfare of the seafarer and this was given the official backing on the 5th October 1536 when the House recieved its first Royal Charter from King Henry VIII. It was thereby empowered to levy dues on ships arriving in the River Tyne - fourpence for all foreign ships and twopence for every English ship.

The money collected was to go towards the building and embattlement of two towers at the entrance of the River Tyne, in which lights were to be maintained every night as a guide to approaching ships. These towers, of course, became the original High and Low Lights of North Shields.

Of interest is the inclusion of women in the fraternity, although it is supposed that they were included more for charitable aspects of the House's works.

During all this time, the House was much associated with the improvement of navigation in and around the ports of the North-East coast of England, from Berwick in the North to as far south as Whitby. The Corporation established buoys and beacons, licensed Masters, Mates and Pilots, advised and oversaw improvements within the rivers and ports and continued to levy dues on ships calling in the ports to finance these services.

A school was later founded and a sizeable number of almshouses were added as more property was acquired in this area.

DECLINE OF SERVICES

In the late 1840's, local shipping and business interests were voicing their discontent with the way that Newcastle Corporation and Trinity House ran the river and power began to be transferred to a new Commission which was full of good ideas but lacked the expertise and money to keep pace with the increasing volume of traffic in the second half of the century.

During this period, pressure from ship owners led to an end of the levying of duties on ships on which Trinity House depended for the bulk of its income and its control of the licensing and administration of River pilots was handed over to the Tyne Pilotage Board. Also the School ceased to operate sometime in the 1870's, and so it was that by the 20th century the influence of Trinity House was drastically reduced and it continued to be stripped of further roles up to this present day.

TRINITY HOUSE TODAY

We still examine, license and administer North Sea Deep Sea Pilots, together with the Trinity Houses of Hull and London.

Trinity House is now a venue for Corporate Entertainment with which you can enjoy the benefits of our Associate Membership scheme.

We have recently instigated a Marine Safety Education and Training Programme available for sea cadets and sea scouts.

All income is geared mainly to the preservation of our Heritage and Traditions and the maintenance of the wonderful historic buildings which we invite you to explore.