A Benedictine priory was built on this headland in the late 11th century, on the site of an Anglo-Saxon monastery where kings of Northumbria were buried. Because the headland controls the river mouth, it was also fortified, and the castle walls and gatehouse enclose the priory ruins. The tall east end of the church still stands.
Gun batteries were added here and stayed in use until the Second World War; you can go down into the restored magazine. It is run by English Heritage, and the views up and down the coast are the best in Tynemouth.