Carol, I looked up the workhouse address on the excellent website www.workhouses.org.uk and the first South Shields workhouse, which covers 1864 was in German Street. A FindmyPast address search showed the inmates, unfortunately by initials only! If you give me your ancestor's name, I might be able to find him, unless you have FmP access yourself. I find looking for institutions on Ancestry pretty frustrating. Best wishes, Janet