Location 4: The BODLEWELL Bank
You cannot return to the High Street without making a note of Bodlewell Lane. The supply of water for the parish and for all the shipping frequenting the port was from Low Street. Close to the foot of Water Lane, in Low street there were three pumps; the principal pump was next to Water Lane, and was kept by Barbara Salmon. The last named pump was principally used for supplying water to the colliers, a long hose pipe leading from the pump to the water boat in the river. In early days nearly all the water had to be carried home from the pumps, principally on the head in skeels or pans.
It was noted that the girls in Sunderland walked the most erect of any girls in the north, and this was attributed partly to the upright steady walk with such an unstable article on the head. There was also Bodlewell pump; the customers at Bodlewell were supplied as they stood in the street. The nozzle of the pump is still visible through the wall today; a Boddle was a Scottish coin and bought a skeel of water.
When the household work was over, the females, tidying themselves, would go to the pump for water. All would have to pay for their supply, some customers paid monthly or quarterly, others had to pay as they got it. The principal breweries in the town were located in the Low Street, and close to the river. Each brewery had its own well from which they drew their supplies for the purposes of their trade; they had also to supply their collier customers with water.
Looking towards the opposite side of the lane, at its junction with Low Street, stood Bodlewell Lane Police Station. In the past the now unoccupied land leading up to the Corporation Quay was occupied by many different types of businesses. Among these were a Custom’s House, Ships’ Chandler, an Engineering Works, a Sailmaker and other businesses associated with shipping. There was also a Death House or the ‘Deed House’.
Retracing our steps to High Street and looking across to the south side behind Lambton Tower Block, Queen Street Masonic Lodge can be seen. This building was constructed in 1785 to replace the Vine Street Lodge which had been destroyed by fire. It was in this area with a frontage on High Street that the Golden Lion Inn stood. A deed for this property was drawn up dated 1296. A witness to this was the father of one of the most famous men the history of Scotland, Robert the Bruce.
March 1809.
To be sold by auction All the capital and commodious Golden Lion Inn, Sunderland, situated in the centre of that very flourishing and improving town, containing 2 very large dining rooms, 22 other sitting and lodging rooms, 2 kitchens, pantries, cellars etc., very extensive stabling and other conveniences belonging the same. The premises are well calculated for being divided should a purchaser be so inclined; the front part of which may be converted into a shop, equal if not superior to the best in that town, with an excellent dwelling house attached. The other part of the premise with the stabling might form a very good small inn or public house. GOLDEN LION INN SUNDERLAND Thomas and Jane Brown beg leave to inform the gentlemen commercial travellers, their friends and the public, that they taken and entered upon the above capital and commodious inn, and hope by unremitted exertions and their accommodations to merit their patronage and support. Trafalgar coach runs from the house as usual Sunderland 3rd May 1809
