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Wouldhave Memorial
Posted by peter cook on 16/9/2025, 7:23 am
An old undated postcard photo showing the Wouldhave Memorial.
Re: Wouldhave Memorial
Posted by Michael arbon on 16/9/2025, 8:43 am, in reply to "Wouldhave Memorial"
I asked google ai to annalize your photo and this is what it produced.
A Glimpse into South Shields' Proud Maritime Heritage: The Wouldhave Memorial Circa 1900
This captivating photograph, dating from around 1900, offers a historic view of the Wouldhave Memorial at Pier Head in South Shields. The image not only captures a significant local landmark but also provides a window into the daily life and commercial environment of this bustling seaside town at the turn of the 20th century.
At the heart of the photograph stands the impressive Wouldhave Memorial, a clock tower unveiled in 1890. The memorial was erected to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee and, more importantly, to honour William Wouldhave, a parish clerk from South Shields credited with inventing the self-righting lifeboat. This innovation revolutionized sea rescue and has been instrumental in saving countless lives. The memorial itself is a testament to the town's deep-rooted connection with the sea and its pride in this life-saving invention. A nearby plaque also acknowledges Henry Greathead, who built the first purpose-built lifeboat, though the primary dedication is to Wouldhave, reflecting a local perspective on a historical controversy over the invention's true originator.
The backdrop of the photograph reveals a vibrant street scene along what is likely Ocean Road, a prominent thoroughfare in South Shields. Two establishments are clearly visible: "Brown's Cafe" and the "Marine Restaurant." Historical records from the South Tyneside Libraries confirm the presence of a "Brown's Cafe" in this location during this period, making it a genuine feature of the local landscape. The "Marine Restaurant" is most likely associated with the "Marine Hotel," a well-established hotel on Ocean Road that first opened its doors in 1868. Given its proximity to the seafront and the memorial, it would have been a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
The people in the photograph, dressed in the typical attire of the era, and the presence of a bicycle, a common mode of transport at the time, further enrich the historical context. The overall composition of the image, with the memorial as a focal point and the surrounding businesses and daily life, paints a vivid picture of South Shields as a proud maritime community and a burgeoning seaside resort.
This photograph serves as an invaluable historical document, preserving a moment in time when the legacy of maritime innovation was proudly celebrated in the heart of South Shields, a town shaped and defined by its relationship with the North Sea.
No problem Peter. You should try chatGPT or google.ai sometime you will be amazed at what information they produce, just upload your photo and type in information and wait.
