A prominent landmark in South Shields is the Edwardian Town Hall, built 1905-1910, a sumptuous building “the most convincing expression in the county of Edwardian prosperity”. The architect was E. E. Fetch of London. Ornamentation includes several references to the town’s nautical heritage: Britannia and other sculpted figures in the pediment above the front entrance, a figure of Mercury atop a globe on the dome of the Council chamber, fountains and nymph lampholders in the forecourt alongside a statue of Queen Victoria. The 145-foot clock tower contains a Potts chiming clock and five bells, and is topped by a weathervane in the shape of a galleon.
