The Dream Village by the Sea

Whitley- The Beginning

Whitley was originally a rural settlement located on the southern end of a large coastal bay and "golden curving" sands.

The First Edition Ordanace Survey map (circ 1859) shows the township of Whitley comprised one main street as Front Street and one ot two outlying hamlets. The two rows of houses facing each other across a wide main road are now at the centre of the town's shopping and business district, running from the site of the Ship Inn in the west to the present day Woolwoth's store in the east. Monkseaton and Cullercoates were neighbouring but seperate villages.They too consisted of one main street. The land in between these villages was mostly farmland, hectares and hectares of fields. Since 1859 the fields have gradually been bought up and used for building houses.

1859 is an important date because it was during this year and the next that the first passenger railway station, Whitley Junction, was located on the present site of Souter Park, just outside Monkseaton Village. The Line then bypassed Whitley Village to the North of Lovaine Avenue and Marden Quarry Lake, on its roue to North Shields docks.

In 1882, the North Eastern Railway Comany realingned the track and built a new railway station in Whitley Village.

This small strip of the North East Coast has proved that once again it has the ability to attract visitors from all over the World as well as all over the country. 

With four blue flag beaches, this strip of the British coast, is one of the Best in the country. Experience the rich heritage and history

Some of the best days out needn't cost a lot.

VISIT WHITLEY BAY 

HAVE FUN FOR FREE