South Shields, city (1991 pop. 86,488), South Tyneside, NE England, at the mouth of the Tyne River. It is a significant port. Shipbuilding and marine engineering are the main industries; chemicals and paints are manufactured. Within the vicinity are large parks, and the ruins of a Roman fort rest on Lawe Hill, above the Tyne. South Tyneside College, originally founded as a marine school, is in the city. The first unsinkable, self-righting lifeboat, designed by William Wouldhave, was launched from the city in 1790.
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