"For decades, a taxidermied dog has been an intriguing fixture in the wall of our Tynemouth pub."
For an impressive 145 years, visitors have been captivated by the sight of a stuffed dog prominently displayed in the wall of a local pub.
The Turks Head, located in Tynemouth, North Tyneside, is commonly known as "The Stuffed Dog" due to its famous resident, Wandering Willie, a sheepdog who has become an enduring symbol of the establishment over the years.
According to general manager Nigel Meadows, the tale of Willie is quite remarkable. Legend has it that he was originally tasked with gathering a wandering shepherd's flock, but was inadvertently left behind when the shepherd mistakenly thought all his sheep were accounted for and departed, leaving Willie to catch up on his own.
Fortunately for Willie, a local ferry master took him in, and the dog quickly became a cherished figure, guiding passengers ashore until his passing in 1880. Afterward, he was preserved and mounted, securing his place in the pub's history.
Mr. Meadows shared, "Everyone knows this pub as the one featuring the dead dog in the wall." He began his journey at the pub approximately 17 years ago as a glass collector.
"Initially, it feels a bit odd having a dead dog on display, but soon, anyone working here becomes completely enamored with him," the general manager remarked. "He’s our dog now."
The story continues that in 1873, while Willie and his shepherd were herding sheep towards the market through South Shields, the flock was startled by the bustling sounds of the town and scattered in disarray. When Willie returned to the market, he realized his master had moved on without him.
Willie stayed at the marketplace, waiting for his master to come back, growling and snapping at anyone who tried to assist him or provide food, surviving only on scraps he could find nearby, according to Mr. Meadows.
In an unexpected turn, one of the ferry masters decided to show kindness in the Victorian manner by taking Willie onto a ferry and throwing him into the River Tyne, believing it would relieve him from his suffering.
However, in an inspiring twist, Willie swam back to shore, emerging with newfound vitality, Mr. Meadows recounted.
"Willie was revitalized and subsequently adopted by another ferry master, joyfully sailing back and forth each day, happily barking and helping usher passengers and schoolchildren to safety on land."
Recently, Willie was temporarily removed from his perch for a cleaning and inspection by a taxidermy expert based in Newcastle.
According to Mr. Meadows, there was no unpleasant odor emanating from the sheepdog. "People are often astonished by this fact," he noted. "He’s incredibly well-preserved."
He further explained that for the first century, Willie was not protected by a glass case, so he simply absorbed the scents of the pub throughout the years.
As it stands, Wandering Willie has gained international recognition. Mr. Meadows shared that locals visiting places as distant as Canada have been asked, "Oh, do you hail from Tynemouth? Are you familiar with the pub that features the dead dog?"
"It’s a well-known aspect of Tynemouth’s charm," he concluded.
