Tyneside plaques celebrate courage and comedy
New plaques honour men in two Tyneside towns. Tony Henderson reports
Blue plaques have been unveiled to men almost 200 years apart in towns which face each other across the Tyne.
In North Shields, a new plaque commemorates the 180th anniversary of a visit by famous slavery abolition campaigner Frederick Douglass, who delivered two lectures in the town in August 1846.
In Hebburn, another new plaque is in honour of locally-born comedian and actor Terry Joyce, described as a “legendary” performer.
When Frederick Douglass arrived in North Shields, despite having escaped slavery eight years earlier, he remained the legal property of another person. His freedom was later purchased by Newcastle-born Anna and Ellen Richardson.
His plaque is now in place outside the Baptist Church on Howard Street, where Douglass made his speeches, and was unveiled by Justine King, education coordinator for Show Racism the Red Card.
The plaque was installed by North Tyneside Council with support from the town’s heritage group, the Heritology Project.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in 19th-century America, Douglass was born into slavery on a Maryland plantation in 1818.
Although he escaped to freedom in 1838, he remained legally enslaved when he travelled to Britain and Ireland to campaign.
During his time in the North East, Douglass spoke to packed audiences about the realities of slavery and the abolitionist movement.
Later that year, his legal freedom was purchased by sisters-in-law Anna and Ellen Richardson, enabling him to return to the United States as a free man.
Coun Wendy Lott, chair of North Tyneside Council, said: “Frederick Douglass was a remarkable man whose courage, determination and powerful voice helped change the course of history.
“It is a source of pride that North Shields played a small but significant part in his journey to freedom, and this Blue Plaque ensures that connection will be remembered. It is important that we continue to celebrate those who stood up for equality and human dignity, and to recognise the values they inspire in us today.”
Terry Joyce appeared in roles in the sitcom Hebburn, Super Gran, Spender and Byker Grove. Off screen, he was a committed supporter of local causes, regularly giving his time and talent to fundraising events and community initiatives across South Tyneside.
He was also a big attraction on the club circuit and his plaque has been installed at the Iona Club in Hebburn.
The plaque reads: “Comedian, impressionist and actor. Star of clubs, stage, screen and supporter of charities. A proud Hebburn lad and legend who brought joy and laughter to all he met.”
The Deputy Mayor of South Tyneside, Coun Alan Rice, who unveiled the plaque, said: “It was a real pleasure and an honour to unveil this blue plaque in memory of Terry Joyce.
“Blue plaques play a significant role in preserving our local heritage and celebrating the people who have helped shape South Tyneside. This plaque serves as a permanent reminder of Terry’s achievements, both his professional accomplishments and the generosity and support he showed to others, in the town where he was born and raised.
“His legacy makes him a deserving recipient of this honour. The blue plaque ensures that Terry Joyce’s story will continue to inspire. We are proud to recognise it in this way.”
Terry’s wife Jennifer said: “We are immensely proud that Terry’s life and achievements are being recognised publicly. Terry was truly unique. He possessed a rare talent and a sharp wit, always giving back by making people’s days brighter.
“No matter where he was, he had an uncanny knack for delivering the perfect story or joke at the exact right moment. His incredible memory and flawless timing meant that everyone left his company feeling happier.
“Terry always said he was good at ‘living and laughing.’ That was his true gift. He was a constant ray of sunshine in our lives and in the lives of everyone he met. We are so honoured that his comedic genius, charitable work and his joyful spirit will continue to be remembered and celebrated through this lasting tribute.”
Terry Joyce was born in 1953 and died in 2024.
People are invited to submit nominations, with up to three plaques agreed and installed annually - one funded by South Tyneside Council and the other two privately funded.
Nominations for 2027 plaques close on August 31, 2026. For details about South Tyneside’s blue plaque scheme or to make a nomination, visit the council’s website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/blueplaques.