Lemington Gut

Compound map of waggonways leading to staiths at Lemington
(map courtesy of Les Turnbull)

Note that this map predates TIC improvements to navigability of the Tyne, which included piers at Shields, removal of sandbars & islands, straightening of the lower reaches, ongoing dredging, & notably for Lemington a cut which removed the meander past its staiths & industry, which were left on a spur or gut   At the same time, Armstrong's swing bridge replaced the low Georgian Bridge at Newcastle.   These improvements together enabled sea going ships to travel nearly as far as Wylam regardless of most tides, although large ships had more limited access to the upper reaches.

So what happened to waggonways, staiths & industry at Lemington?   Read on ......

Booklet covering the industrial history of Lemington Gut
(a St James' Heritage & Environment Group publication)

St James' Heritage Group is a community organisation which promotes knowledge of & interest in the history of the west end of Newcastle & the locality using walks, talks, meetings, videos, booklets & other resources.