Towards the end of the 19th century marine biology was greatly influenced by the German Anton Dorhn and his ambitious scheme of creating “zoological stations” at coastal sites. Such was the inspiration that gave birth to the first lab at Cullercoats, a primitive wooden hut on the shore next to the old salt water baths. It was built by the Northumberland Sea Fisheries Committee in 1897, but was unfortunately burnt down in 1904.
Academics from Armstrong College, the precursor of Newcastle University, approached the owner of the site, Mr Wilfrid H. Hudleston, M.A., F.R.S., regarding the construction of a new laboratory. Entirely, at his own cost, Mr Hudleston, an eminent geologist and ornithologist, funded the new structure suitably adapted for marine science. Hudleston was descended through his mother’s side from the Dove family; he named the building after his ancestor Eleanor Dove which explains the puzzling name! It was designed by a Newcastle Architect, Mr Lish, and was opened on the 29th September 1908 by the Duke of Northumberland. The joint Coat of Arms of the Huddleston and Dove family occurs on the west gable along with the motto “Soli deo honour et Gloria”
The Dove Marine Laboratory became a Department of Armstrong College with a Marine Laboratory Committee representing the College, the Northumberland Sea Fisheries Committee and the Northumberland Education Committee. Armstrong College were yearly tenants, but exercised scientific control of the research, and staff of the laboratory were employed by the University. The apparatus and the library however were funded from a Government organisation - H.M. Development Commission. The latter organisation also funded the 1959 extensions to the building. The building subsequently passed entirely into the ownership of the University in 1967.
Entering a new century for the labs, refurbishment and development is ensuring that this iconic building will continue to serve marine science, education and outreach on the north-east coast.