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The Campground
Location: Gateshead
Because of its natural geographical advantages this site has been utilised for centuries by military commanders seeking good camping facilities for this soldiers.
Its high position relative to the surrounding area has provided a reasonably dry and level facility within a marshy environment which would have made it very difficult for any potential enemy to launch a successful attack.
Local wells provided plenty of fresh water and the availability of good farming and hunting areas nearby ensured a plentiful supply of food rations. Most importantly it was an excellent vantage point to view the surrounding countryside and coast.
It would have been possible to monitor ships travelling to or from the major rivers of Tyne and Wear which would have provided valuable intelligence to the commander.
The camp was already in existence when the East York Militia marched in in 1781, where they were joined by the South Lincoln Militia transferring from camps at Tynemouth and Sunderland.The following year the North York Militia under the command of Sir Ralph Milbanke encamped on the same site for several months.
The top picture is a view of the site looking towards the Tyne and the second a similar view but looking towards the Wear. The coast can be easily seen with the naked eye on a clear day and the use of a telescope would have provided quite a detailed view.
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