The Alum House is the oldest licensed building in South Shields. The building dates back to the 1700s but it is not mentioned as pub until 1838. The Ship and Harbour Lights both predate this as pubs.
The Alum House takes its name from the Alum Shale which was off loaded nearby for use in Isaac Cookson’s Chemical Works. Alum was used in glass making and making Epsom salts.
The Alum House was owned by the Wood brewing family for over 100 years. In 1937 the Alum became the drawing offices for Tyne Dock Engineering.
During the war it was used as a base for the Home Guard in the 1980s it was used to sell furniture.
In 1989 it became a pub again owned by the Vaux brewery.
It is owned by Marston’s Brewery now.
Sources:
British Newspaper Archives
Licensing Records
Terry Ford
Trade Directories
Photos:
South Tyneside Libraries
Terry Ford