North Shields

North Shields is a coastal town. It is eight miles (13 km) north-east of Newcastle upon Tyne, on the north bank of the River Tyne.

North Shields
North Shields Fish Quay
North Shields Location within Tyne and Wear
Population	34,423 (2011 census North Tyneside wards of Chirton, Collingwood and Riverside)
OS grid reference	[NZ3568 NZ3568]
Metropolitan borough	North Tyneside
Metropolitan county	Tyne and Wear
Region	North East
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	NORTH SHIELDS
Postcode district	NE29, NE30
Dialling code	0191
Police	Northumbria
Fire	Tyne and Wear
Ambulance	North East
UK Parliament	North Tyneside Tynemouth
List of places UK England Tyne and Wear 55.0097°N 1.4448°W / 55.0097; -1.4448

It was part of Northumberland. The "Shields " part of its name comes from Middle English. It meant "temporary sheds or huts used by fishermen". Now North Shields is in the Metropolitan Borough of Tynemouth.

Fishing and shipbuilding have been active here. There is a Royal Quays Marina for private boats.