The Story Jingling Geordie

Jingling Geordie's Hole is a cave in Tynemouth. It was originally called The Jingling Man's Hole. There is a cave in the cliffs below Tynemouth Castle, and it became a place of a legend - Jingling Geordie.

The Origin Story

Jingling Geordie was reputedly a pirate in the 1600's. He used a stone window in the cliffside to keep a watch out for ships coming into the harbour. Geordie and his crew would lure the ship towards the rocks, wreck them and then plunder their cargo. There was apparently a myriad of tunnels in the cliffs where Jingling Geordie and his crew stored their ill gotten gains.

Legend also says that he came by his name because he still had fetters around his ankles that jingled as he walked. Some people say that they can still here jingling today.

For years it was rumoured that the caves still held treasure on a vast scale. Until one day when a young boy entered the caves and after some pretty unbelievable tasks - featuring a dragon and a magic bugle - he apparently found a vast hall filled with gold and jewels.

Key Locations

Tynemouth Priory and Castle is an historic site located on a promontory at the mouth of the Tyne at Tynemouth. The medieval Benedictine priory was protected by walls, towers, and a gatehouse.

Tynemouth Castle

King Edwards Bay is a small sandy bay enclosed by cliffs and grassy banks and as such is an excellent environment for family use. The beach is at the foot of Tynemouth Priory and Castle. It is a perfect place to sit and relax on a hot summer day. 

King Edwards Bay

 Gloriously restored to the former glory of its grand Victorian days, Tynemouth Station now offers a vast covered space for the famous markets each weekend.Its magnificent glazed roof offers shelter whatever the British weather brings, rain or shine! 

Tynemouth Market

Continue Your Journey Through Storied Landscapes

Explore another legend from North East England and the Scottish Borders.

Next story: The Tale of Billy Blind