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The ‘three castles' emblem of Newcastle Corporation and the date 1783 are still just visible NZ1465 : River Tyne Tide Stone

It is said that the engraver Thomas Bewick appealed to Newcastle Corporation on behalf of the illiterate stonemason who had not been paid for the carving.

The 'tide stone' marked the limit upstream of the Port of Tyne Authority. Formerly, it marked the upper point at which the river was tidal; marked in the river by a shallow rapid known as the Hedwin Streams. Following dredging of the river and its embankment by the River Tyne Improvement Commission, it is now tidal as far as Wylam Bridge.

The corporation of Newcastle used to survey the bounds from Tynemouth to Hedwin Streams in their barge every Ascension Day. Locals used to know the stone as the 'kissing stone', because here the Mayor of Newcastle would alight at the stone and kiss who he judged to be the prettiest Heddon girl from those assembled, presenting her with a golden sovereign. It is alleged that this ritual was stopped when it was realised that the mayor was selecting his own relatives. The last annual survey took place in 1851. Afterwards it was made every five years and then by the River Tyne Improvement Commission, every seven.
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