First mentioned in 1876 and modified in 1878 by Mark Rest it was originally called the Royal Hotel.
In 1884 it became the Royal Grill operated by F.M Laing. There was a grand portico and gardens at the front of the hotel, the gardens were later removed.
Marr’s Corner was a tobacconist shop on the corner of Royal Hotel and it was a popular place for people to meet for a date.
It stopped being called the Royal Hotel and became the Ship and Royal in 1969.
I remember outside it was also a haunt of the well known marmite character Billy Meths who would either hurl abuse at you or tell you funny stories or both at the same time!
The Ship and Royal is still open now.
Sources:
British Newspaper Archives
Licensing Records
Terry Ford
Trade Directories
Photos:
South Tyneside Libraries
Ron Lawson, Sunderland Antiquarian Society
Terry Ford