Whitley Bay has a long history dating back to 1100 when King Henry I gave the land to the Priory of Tynemouth. Old industries included coal mining and limestone quarrying. In the late 19th century, more people began visiting Whitley Bay for holidays when the railway line opened in 1882. Several iconic landmarks were built in the early 20th century, including the Spanish City in 1910 and St. Mary's Lighthouse in 1898. Over time, the town has undergone regeneration with demolition of older structures and development of new areas, parks, and a library.

1. The History Of Whitley Bay
 Whitley was first mentioned in 1100 when King Henry I gave
it to the Priory of Tynemouth.
 In 1345, Edward III granted Gilbert de Whitley a licence to
add battlements to his manor house at Whitley.
 Old industries in Whitley were mainly coalmining and
limestone quarrying.
By Lucy Cotterill, Year 3

2. Whitley Bay railway station
• More people started to come to Whitley Bay for their holidays when the
North Tyne Loop railway line was opened in 1882.
• The railway connected the towns and villages at the coast to Newcastle.
• The rail line is now used for the Metro. The old railway stations are now
used as Metro stations.
Whitley Bay train
station

3. People used to come to Whitley
Bay by train for their holidays.
Fewer people come on holiday
to Whitley Bay now that flights
are cheaper! There are still
hotels and a caravan park.

4. The lighthouse and keepers cottages were built in 1898. It was a working
lighthouse until 1984.My Dad takes us on bike rides to the lighthouse. My
mum used to work in the café that was there when she was 15. If it was
quiet she had to clean the outside windows of the cottages!

5. Why “Whitley Bay”?
• The town was known as Whitley but was often confused
with Whitby in North Yorkshire.
• The name was officially changed to Whitley Bay after a
mistake in 1901, when a body was meant to be buried in
Whitley, but was taken to Whitby by mistake.
• I know Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay very well because
we used to have family holidays there with our cousins.
Whitley Bay ,North Tyneside. Whitby, North Yorkshire

6. The Spanish city
The Spanish city was built in 1910. As you can see
the Dome used to be a much more cared for and a
pretty place.
Spanish City in the
past! Spanish City now!

7. Dire Straits, one of my Mum’s
favourite bands, sing about The
Spanish City in their song. ‘Tunnel
of Love” Some of the lyrics are
written at the new plaza!

8. War memorial
The War memorial is here to show
us the people fought and died for
us in World Wars 1 and 2.

9. Whitley Bay Ice Rink
Whitley Bay ice rink opened in 1955. The owner of the building is Mr Francis Smith.
It is the home of the Whitley Bay ice hockey team; Whitley Warriors. There used to
be concerts held here as well as skating!

10. The Skate park is a really fun place for
kids .The skate park was built in 2008
and is just at the end of my street. I
have been taking my scooter here since
I was 2!

11. Whitley Bay Library
This is the old library that was
recently demolished. I used to
go there a lot to borrow
books and did ‘bounce and
rhyme’ there as a baby.
The new library in the
centre of town was
opened in 2013.

12. Regeneration
The Boardwalk Cafe – Demolished, March 2015
My Mum took us to the Boardwalk to meet our friends when I was
young. I feel sad not to go there any more but I’ll look forward to going
there when the site is improved.

13. Regeneration
The Avenue – Demolished, March 2015
This pub in Park Avenue closed in the early
2000's and is being demolished as part of the
regeneration plan for Whitley Bay

14. Whitley Bay - Time Line
1882 - North Tyne Loop railway built
2013 – New library building opens
1937 to 1945 - Second Word War
1100 – Whitley belonged to the Priory of Tynemouth
St Mary’s Lighthouse opens - 1898
1901 – Whitley becomes known as Whitley Bay
1910 - Spanish City built
Park School opens - 1903
(Coquet Park First School)
First World War - 1914 to 1917
Whitley Bay Ice-rink opens-1955
Rendezvous Café built - 1930
1926 - North Promenade extended
Coquet Park School moves - 2003
1984 - Lighthouse decommissioned
By Lucy Cotterill

15. I LOVE LIVING
IN WHITLEY
BAY!