Central Library, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead - 0191 433 8420 St Mary's Church, Gateshead - 0191 478 4222 enquiries@gateshead.gov.uk

The first record of Hebburn mentions a settlement of fishermen's huts in the 8th century, which were burned by the Vikings.

Local legend claims that, until recently, a preserved longship lay embedded on the south bank of the Tyne at Hebburn. The object, visible at low tide, was however the remains of an old wooden "coal lighter". A genuine longship would likely have been salvaged by a historical society, or have had a protection order placed upon it.

In the 14th century the landscape was dominated by a pele tower. A 4'6" (140 cm) tall wall, a portion of which still remains at St. John's Church, could also be seen. The Lordship of the Manor of Hebburn passed through the hands of a number of families during the Middle Ages, including the Hodgsons of Hebburn (James 1974, Hodgson).