The North East’s lighthouse history is full of extraordinary ‘firsts’ – the first fog signals were sounded from Bamburgh Castle, the first lighthouses guided ships into the Tyne, and the first, purpose built, electrically powered lighthouse in the world was Souter Point Lighthouse.
Local historian and Newcastle City Guide John Emslie brings these stories to life, drawing on his experience as a local guide with Souter Lighthouse and the National Trust.
Expect maritime intrigue, stories of lighthouses that moved, mysterious lights, wreckers, local legends and plenty of surprises from a fascinating, largely overlooked chapter of North East history.
“All prices include a venue levy and £2.70 booking fee (listed as cmsn during the checkout process) unless otherwise stated. All fees apply whether booking online, over the phone or in person at the box office.
The Tyne Theatre and Opera House box office is open for phone and in-person bookings from the 1867 Café Bar 10am-3pm Mon-Fri (or until show start if there is a performance that evening + an hour before weekend performances).
For information on accessible bookings, please click here”
Apart from a brief interlude in Sheffield, John has lived in Tyneside his entire life, working as a Clinical Scientist in the Genetics Department of Newcastle Hospitals until he retired.
However, John’s true passion has always been local history; and retirement has allowed him to indulge this passion, and inflict his enthusiasm on others.
John now volunteers as a guide with the Ouseburn Trust, Trinity House, The National Trust (Souter Lighthouse), English Heritage (Bessie Surtees House), and is a qualified Newcastle City Guide.
