I offer the following from the standpoint of an outsider but with a family interest and involvement-my wife's grandfather was Mayor in 1921/22. I have referred to the South Shields Centenary Booklet published in 1950 by the Corporation.
Although a garrison town at the time of the Romans (Arbeia Fort) the growth of South Shields did not develop greatly until the early 1800s. It was always in the shadow of its neighbour up the river-Newcastle upon Tyne.
A map prepared for the Gentlemen Bretheren of Trinity House "Newcastle uppon Tyne" of 1693 shows South Sheelds on the southern bank of the Tyne with indications along the shore of saltpans, and names of settlements such as Iarro and Haburn Key.
It would seem that the influence of the Newcastle authorities imposed restrictions on the good folk of Shields in utilising the natural assets of the Tyne.
The main industry was probably saltmaking from the saltpans along the shore and then in 1650 a glassworks was opened. The first shipyard was started in 1720 as did John Cookson's chemical works.
As regards the settlements it would seem that Westoe villlage was the residential area for the better off and the local businessmen.
The first signs of heavier industries came with the opening of the Templtown Colliery in 1810 followed by the more famous St Hilda's in 1825, and then in 1844 Harton, by which time coal staithes had been built along the shoreline for loading the ships with coal for export.
Two more collieries followed at The Bents (Westoe) and Whitburn further south along the North Sea coast.
Around 1850 the Tyne Dock was developed which enabled larger ships to use the port facilities.
In the late 1800s the vast areas of housing were developed in Tyne Dock, Laygate and Westoe.
In 1850 the town was incorporated as a Borough and in 1885 as a County Borough.
Into the twentieth century the town expanded southwards into Harton village and the Cleadon area and in 1946 the Council announced plans for building over 2000 houses.
The population in 1891 was around 79,000.
As I said these are impressions gleaned from rather infrequent visits, family discussions and reference to the publication noted. Apologies if my views are found to be short of the mark, but hope you find this of some interest.
