Historical asset gets honour from Blyth Town Council

One of Blyth’s major historical assets has been honoured by local councillors.
By David Sedgwick
Published 9th Sep 2021, 09:00 BST
Left to right: Colin Durward, Bugler Stanley Humphries, Mayor, Coun Margaret Richardson, Coun Kath Nisbet and Coun John Potts.Left to right: Colin Durward, Bugler Stanley Humphries, Mayor, Coun Margaret Richardson, Coun Kath Nisbet and Coun John Potts.
Left to right: Colin Durward, Bugler Stanley Humphries, Mayor, Coun Margaret Richardson, Coun Kath Nisbet and Coun John Potts.

Blyth Battery, a First World War coastal artillery battery, has been given blue plaque status by Blyth Town Council.

The artillery battery was built in 1916 and served in both the First World War and Second World War.

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It is now run by volunteers as a museum and contains several features associated with a defended port battery including replica 6-inch guns, observation posts and a searchlight building.

The site also contains a 1940’s family room highlighting the fashion and furniture of a typical wartime home.

Blyth Town Council have created a walking trail between each of the blue plaques and this one at Blyth Battery is the 20th to be erected on a site of historical importance in the town.

Due to the battery being a listed monument, the plaque was unable to be placed on the structure, so an alternative posting was required.

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Chair of Blyth Battery, Colin Durwood was delighted that the work of the volunteers had been recognised and honoured by the council.

He said: “We have obtained a magnificent piece of solid sandstone from Blaxter Quarry near Otterburn and placed the plaque onto that.

"It is great that the Town Council have recognised the historical importance of the site and we are all delighted that our volunteers hard work has been recognised.”

Blyth Town Council Mayor, Coun Margaret Richardson was delighted to unveil the plaque.

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She said: “We are a very proud town, and we recognise the important work that the men and women who served in the battery did to protect our port from enemies on the sea and in the air.

"The new plaque will remind everyone of this and I’m especially keen to help educate our young people so that our heritage can be preserved for generations to come.”

The battery will be open for Heritage Open days this weekend from 10.30am to 4pm.

There will be a host of exhibitions, re-enactments, and live entertainment for visitors to enjoy. Entry is free.

For more information on the Battery and events taking place visit https://www.blythbattery.org.uk/

Related topics:Blyth