Established in 1890, as Shildon Town first joined the Auckland and District League in 1892. In 1900, the Railwaymen were part of the Northern League Division Two, but folded due to financial issues. The club re-formed as Shildon Athletic in 1903 to take the place of resigned Stockton St Johns in the Northern League. They moved to the North Eastern League in 1907. The Club changed their name to Shildon in 1923, until 1933, when they re-joined the Northern League, after 20th and 21st place finishes. They enjoyed immediate success, finishing as runner-ups in their first year, before winning four successive titles from 1934 to 1937.