One sentence summary – Seaham and its harbor have undergone a significant transformation from an industrial hub to a tourist-friendly destination, attracting visitors with its picturesque coastline, historical landmarks, and stunning natural beauty.
At a glance
- Seaham and the east Durham coast have undergone a significant transformation in the 21st century.
- The old coaly harbor now has a marina feel.
- Several eating places and ice cream parlors have opened on the clifftop, attracting visitors to the area.
- The area is home to the famous statue of Tommy, the First World War soldier, which watches over the surroundings.
- Seaham Harbour has a rich history, dating back to its foundation in 1828, and was primarily built to exploit its coal riches.
The details
Seaham and the east Durham coast have undergone a significant transformation in the 21st century.
The old coaly harbor now has a marina feel.
Several eating places and ice cream parlors have opened on the clifftop.
These establishments are attracting visitors to the area.
The Famous Statue of Tommy
The area is also home to the famous statue of Tommy, the First World War soldier.
This statue watches over the surroundings.
Seaham Harbour has a rich history, dating back to its foundation in 1828.
The first coal shipment left the harbor in 1831.
The 3rd Marquess of Londonderry purchased the Seaham estate in 1821.
His primary intention was to exploit its coal riches.
However, when he failed to secure exclusive coal exporting rights in Sunderland, he decided to build Seaham Harbour.
The coal trade thrived in the area.
In 1905, the 6th Marquess of Londonderry expanded the harbor to accommodate the growing industry.
However, the closure of the east coast mines in the late 20th century marked the end of the harbor’s industrial era.
The “Turning the Tide” Clean-up Project
In recent years, the area has experienced a revival through the “Turning the Tide” clean-up project.
This project has greatly improved the fortunes of the area.
Formerly known for its industrial activities, Seaham Harbour has now transformed into a popular seaside destination.
The history of Seaham Harbour is not without tragedy.
In 1962, the George Elmy lifeboat was dispatched to rescue a fishing coble.
However, it was tragically overwhelmed by a massive wave.
The lifeboat was washed up on Chemical Beach, with only one survivor.
Despite its industrial past, Seaham Harbour has become a popular spot for photographers.
The combination of fading industry, the British seaside, and the power of the elements attracts many photographers.
They come to capture its unique charm.
Among their favorite subjects is the lighthouse at the end of the north pier.
Overall, Seaham and its harbor have experienced a significant transformation over the years.
From its origins as an industrial hub, it has shifted towards a more tourist-friendly destination.
It attracts visitors with its picturesque coastline, historical landmarks, and stunning natural beauty.
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| thenorthernecho.co.uk |
|---|
| – Seaham and the east Durham coast have undergone a transformation in the 21st century. – |
| The old coaly harbor is developing a marina feel with eating places and ice cream parlors opening on the clifftop. – |
| The famous statue of Tommy, the First World War soldier, watches over the area. |
| – The 6th Marquess of Londonderry’s statue stands outside the former headquarters of his mining company. |
| – Seaham Harbour was founded in 1828 and the first coal left the harbor in 1831. – |
| The 3rd Marquess of Londonderry bought the Seaham estate in 1821 to exploit its coal riches. |
| – When the 3rd Marquess failed to get exclusive coal exporting rights in Sunderland, he started building Seaham Harbour. – |
| The coal trade was large enough for the 6th Marquess to enlarge the harbor in 1905. – |
| The closure of the east coast mines in the late 20th century ended the harbor’s industrial era. – |
| The Turning the Tide clean-up project has improved the area’s fortunes. – Seaham Harbour was once exclusively a resort of industry but is now a popular seaside destination. – |
| The George Elmy lifeboat was called out to rescue a fishing coble in 1962 but was overwhelmed by a massive wave. – |
| The lifeboat was washed up on Chemical Beach with only one survivor. – Photographers are drawn to Seaham Harbour for its combination of fading industry, the British seaside, and the power of the elements. – |
| The lighthouse at the end of the north pier is a favorite subject for photographers. |
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