First mentioned in 1876 and modified in 1878 by Mark Rest it was originally called the Royal Hotel.
![](http://southshieldslocalhistorygroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Pubs-Heritage-10-ShipRoyal-01-1876.jpg)
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.
![](http://southshieldslocalhistorygroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Pubs-Heritage-10-ShipRoyal-02-1890-STH0010006.jpg)
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.
![](http://southshieldslocalhistorygroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Pubs-Heritage-10-ShipRoyal-03-1968-Muddit-STH0006099.jpg)
It stopped being called the Royal Hotel and became the Ship and Royal in 1969.
![](http://southshieldslocalhistorygroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Pubs-Heritage-10-ShipRoyal-04-Ship-and-Royal-Lubi-STH0004493.jpg)
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!
![](http://southshieldslocalhistorygroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Pubs-Heritage-10-ShipRoyal-05-1989-Ron-Lawson.jpg)
The Ship and Royal is still open now.
![](http://southshieldslocalhistorygroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Pubs-Heritage-10-ShipRoyal-07-DSC-0571.jpg)
Sources:
British Newspaper Archives
Licensing Records
Terry Ford
Trade Directories
Photos:
South Tyneside Libraries
Ron Lawson, Sunderland Antiquarian Society
Terry Ford