Blue Plaque to Former Mayor Joseph Mason Moore

A former town Mayor has been honoured with a commemorative blue plaque in recognition of his accomplishments in South Shields.

Joseph Mason Moore (1831 to 1911) served as a member of South Shields Council from 1862 to 1871, including Mayor of South Shields (1870 to 1871). He then held the post of Town Clerk for 27 years.

As Town Clerk, Moore oversaw major development of the town during its period of rapid expansion, including the development of schools. He funded Harton Village School and was instrumental in the establishment of the Boys High School, privately funding several scholarships. He was a Trustee of the Marine School for many years. In his retirement he became President of South Shields Arts Club, Choral and Orchestral Society.

In 1881, Moore was President of the Northern Union of Mechanics Institutes, he was Secretary of South Shields Chamber of Commerce from 1860 and he served continuously as Vice-President of the new public library from 1873. He was a magistrate for over 30 years as well as serving as church warden at St Peter's in Harton Village for 44 years.

The commemorative Blue Plaque was unveiled at his former home Harton Hall, in Harton Village, by the Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Fay Cunningham, alongside the Mayoress, Stella Matthewson. Barbara Compton who nominated Moore for the tribute and local historian Jean Stokes, who supported the nomination, were also in attendance.

The Mayor said: "It was a real honour to unveil the Blue Plaque for Joseph Mason Moore in recognition of his contribution to South Shields during the mid to late 19^th century.

"During this time, he did much to improve Harton Village and South Shields, overseeing major development in the area, including schools, and supported arts and culture through this time as president of South Shields Arts Club, Choral and Orchestral Society.

"The Mayoress and I were delighted to give recognition to the incredible life and work of Joseph Mason Moore and pay tribute to his legacy in this way."

The gardens at Harton Hall were open to the public annually, as Moore took great pride in the garden he had created. When Moore died in 1911, Harton Hall was sold off and land he had acquired in Harton Village, including his garden, was sold off for housing. Moore Avenue, which is named after him.

Barbara and Jean were delighted with the placing of the Blue Plaque in Harton Village. They said: "It is a great pleasure to see one of the distinguished residents of Harton Village being recognised."

The Borough's Blue Plaque scheme recognises individuals and structures for their importance to local history and heritage. Members of the public are invited to put forward nominations with up to three plaques agreed and installed annually - one funded by the Council and the other two privately funded.

The Council-funded tribute to Joseph Mason Moore was agreed in 2024.

Councillor Judith Taylor, Lead Member for Culture, Leisure and the Visitor Economy, said: "We have a rich and proud heritage in South Tyneside. Through our Blue Plaque scheme, we honour significant people and places that have made a huge contribution to the Borough's culture and heritage, adding real cultural or civic value to South Tyneside or having played a key role in helping to shape our history and heritage to what it is today.

"We are delighted to give rightful recognition to Joseph Mason Moore and acknowledge the impact he had on the history of the town."

For further information about South Tyneside's Blue Plaque scheme, visit the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/blueplaques.