NDFHS South Tyneside November 2016 Meeting Report

[Annf]

The speaker at the meeting held on the afternoon of Wednesday 16th November 2016 was Susan Lynn, who gave a power point presentation entitled 'Dolly - a North Shields Legend'.

Founded in 1225 North Shields became a busy seaport and through Susan's talk, the group were given an insight into the businesses, industries and social living conditions which existed in the area in the 1800's.  The 'low area',made up of 4 streets, at one time housed some 100 pubs, Dortwick Street known as 'salt pan village' and the opening of the Fish Quay in 1870 were some of the examples given, illustrated by early photographs of the town.

The 'wooden dolly' has been associated with North Shields for over 2 centuries, with there having been 7 'dollies' in total.  The original was a figurehead taken from the brig 'Alexander & Margaret' by a local businessman Alexander Bartleman.  His son David had lost his life when the vessel was attacked by pirates off the Norfolk coast in 1781.  Bartleman kept the figurehead in his garden until it was moved to the Quayside in 1814.  Over the years it has been necessary to replace 'dolly', the latest being made of molded clay and which is situated outside the Wooden Dolly public house (formerly the Kings Head), on the low street.

A most interesting presentation which not only illustrated the life of 'dolly' but a historical review of North Shields.