Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade - Watch House

The Watch House & Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Museum

On the 24th November 1864, the schooner Friendship and the iron screw steamer Stanley
were driven onto the Black Middens in a dreadful storm.

Despite strenuous rescue attempts 36 people died.

As a result the townspeople founded the country's first Volunteer Life Brigade, to work with the
Coastguard, rescuing seamen and passengers from the landward side with rocket lines and breeches buoy.

The Watchhouse built being the first in the country was  built by the brothers Spence in 1864,
although the searchlight room on the tower was not added until 1905.

The Watch House and Museum houses equipment that has been used over the years.

There are various mementoes and ornamental figureheads of ships that floundered nearby.  

The Brigade still operates today and is entirely dependent on public subscriptions for its upkeep.
It is complementary to the lifeboat Service, and has helped and still does rescue the crews of many vessels.

Location: Spanish Battery, Tynemouth

Contacts: Tel 0191 2572059 www.tvlb.org.uk

Opening times: Tues-Sat 10am-3pm, Sun 10am-12pm, closed Mondays
Admission: Free