My Home Town

West Hartlepool

ENGLAND

The industrialisation of Hartlepool began with the building of a railway linking it with the South Durham coalfield in 1835. In 1847 a rival railway reached the coast just south of Hartlepool, and docks were built at its terminus. A new town, West Hartlepool, was established to the south and east of the docks, and the two settlements remained administratively separate until 1969

History of Hartlepool. A settlement was established here in the 7th century when a monastery was founded on the headland north of the harbour. It became a local market centre in the 11th century,and in the 12th century the harbour was improved and Hartlepool became the official port for the Palatinate bishopric of Durham. Town walls were built in medieval times.

Ralph Ward Jackson
Founder of the town of West Hartlepool

Where is West Hartlepool ?

The Borough of Hartlepool, with its port and docks is situated on the north-east coast of England. Formally part of the County of Durham, then Cleveland. It lies 15 miles south of Sunderland and 7 miles north of Middlesbrough. Hartlepool has a compact urban centre surrounded by an attractive rural area containing the villages of Hart, Elwick, Dalton Piercy, Greatham and Newton Bewley. The sandy beaches of Seaton Carew lie to the south of the town, whilst to the north lies Crimdon Dene with golden sands and green valley. A holiday destination for Hartlepudlians and miners families from the nearby coal mining villages of Blackhall and Horden.

Rossmere Park

The Port

The port is still a vital part of Hartlepools economy, with new enterprises replacing the Shipyards and heavy industry. A marina and prestigious shopping and residential area occupy the derelict dockland. On the same site is the Historic Quay where visitors can see HMS Trincomalee, the oldest British warship still afloat. The Museum of Hartlepool is nearby, as is the Paddle Steamer Wingfield Castle. HMS Warrior, now on show in Portsmouth, was refurbished in Hartlepool using the skills of its Shipbuilding Artisans.  

Seaton Carew

Moors and Dales

The town is ideally situated to the Yorkshire Moors and Dales. It is only a short drive to the historic cities of York and Durham, with a two hour drive to the Lake District and three hours to Scotland. Whitby a picturesque town of Captain Cook and Dracula fame, is less than one hours drive away. This town is also famous for its Kippers and Fish and Chips, which are reputed to be the best in Britain.

Ward Jackson Park Fountain