The rocks (or Black Middens) at the mouth of the Tyne were dangerous to shipping. To help the sailors it was decided to erect a building that had lights to guide the boats.

The first Low Light was built in 1540 on the left bank of the Pow Burn. The High Light was built on the other side (or bank) of the burn. These were later replaced with the ‘Old High Beacon which was built (or erected) in 1727. This building was replaced by the High and Low Lights in 1802.