St Mary's Island (Tyne and Wear) facts for kids
St. Mary's Island is a small island located near Whitley Bay in Tyne and Wear, England. It's made of sandstone and is a special place called a Local Nature Reserve. This means it's protected for its wildlife and natural beauty.
The island connects to the mainland by a rocky path called a causeway. You can walk across this path when the tide is low, which is about 16 hours a day. The most famous building on the island is St. Mary's Lighthouse, built in 1898.
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Discovering St. Mary's Island's Past
What Was St. Mary's Island Called Before?
Long ago, St. Mary's Island had different names. It was once known as Bates Island, Hartley Bates, or Bates Hill. This was because the Bates family, who were important in the local area, owned the island.
The land on the coast nearby was called Hartley. Sometimes, people mistakenly called the island Bait Island.
Ancient History: The Chapel and Its Light
In medieval times, a chapel stood on the island. This chapel was dedicated to St Helen. Inside the chapel, there was a special light called the Lady Light. It was also known as St. Katherine's Light.
Later, people wrongly thought this light was for St. Mary. Because of this mistake, the island became known as St. Mary's Island. We're not sure if this light helped guide ships or if it was only for religious purposes.
Next to the chapel, there was a burial ground. Monks and local people were buried there. Sadly, any signs of St. Helen's Chapel were destroyed. This happened when the lighthouse was built in 1898.
The Island's Old Inn
During the 1800s, there was an inn on the island. It was called the 'Square and Compass'. A man named Mr. George Ewen ran this inn.
In 1895, the inn was closed down. This happened after people complained about noisy customers. The customers were walking onto private land nearby.
St. Mary's Lighthouse: A Guiding Light
When Was the Lighthouse Built?
The famous St. Mary's Lighthouse was built in 1898. It stands tall on the island. For many years, its light helped guide ships safely along the coast.
When Did the Lighthouse Stop Working?
The lighthouse continued to shine until 1984. In that year, it was officially taken out of service. It no longer needed to guide ships.
Visiting the Lighthouse Today
Today, the lighthouse is a popular place for visitors. You can climb the many steps to the very top. From there, you can see the lantern room.
There is also a Visitors' Centre on the island. Here, you can learn more about the lighthouse and the island's history. It's a great place to explore!
