The Knott's Flats at Tynemouth

Image: © Russel Wills Taken: 7 Aug 2014

Building started in the 1930s and by 1938 they were nearing completion. They were probably the first-ever flats built with special features to help tenants withstand air raids, essential with the gathering clouds of war. Two of the special features were the use of fire resistant materials throughout, unusual for those days, and the huge cellars designed as air raid shelters. It was thought these flats could have become a prime target for Nazi bombers as they stood on a high cliff overlooking the mouth of the Tyne, above the dangerous Black Middens reef and looking out to the North Sea. In fact each flat was designed to look out over the river or the sea and the building would also become a notable landmark for sailors coming home to the river and that was particularly appropriate, seeing that the original intention was for some of them it would become home.

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