St Mary’s Island is situated a couple of hundred metres offshore between Whitley Bay and Seaton Sluice in Northumberland. At low tide it is linked to the mainland by a causeway. The island was originally called Bates or Bait from the Bates family, who lived at nearby Milbourn Hall.
The island was used by smugglers until 1896-8 when the lighthouse was built by Miller of Tynemouth. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1984 and was bought by North Tyneside Council in 1986. It is open to the public today.
The island was used by smugglers until 1896-8 when the lighthouse was built by Miller of Tynemouth. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1984 and was bought by North Tyneside Council in 1986. It is open to the public today.
The island is made of sandstone. There was once a chapel on it, which was associated with Tynemouth Priory and was dedicated to St Helen but no trace of it remains today. Drowned sailors who washed ashore were buried in the cemetery. The sanctuary light, which was kept lit as a navigation light for sailors was referred to as Our Lady’s or St Mary’s light, which is how the island got its present name.
There is one house on the island, in addition to the lighthouse and its associated buildings.
There is one house on the island, in addition to the lighthouse and its associated buildings.
St Mary's Island at low tide
Approaching St Mary's Island
Lighthouse
Lighthouse and associated buildings
Looking up the stairs inside the lighthouse
Lens
View looking south from the top of the lighthouse
Purpose built cupboard
Looking east towards where the seals haul out at low tide
Lighthouse - in need of a paint?
Lighthouse garden
Looking north from St Mary's Island
No public access beyond this point
Seats and picnic tables outside the lighthouse
Shed
Lighthouse
The only house on the island
The owners of the house value their privacy
St Mary's Island
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