Past meets present in Hartlepool

It’s all a matter of perspective, isn’t it?  Once Hartlepool had thriving docklands where we’re standing now.  In 1913 alone over 1 million tons of timber and iron-ore were imported, and 2.5 million tons of coal and coke from the Durham pits left these docks.  World War II brought change, as well as bombardment, but the town picked itself up and looked for new industries to replace the old.

In the 1990s a marina brought a new lease of life to the town.  Old shipbuilding skills had not been lost and HMS Trincomalee was restored locally, soon to be joined by the paddlesteamer PSS Wingfield Castle.  Both now form part of Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience museum.  But what of the surrounds?  There we have an issue or two with our local council.  Jackson’s Landing was an attractive looking shopping complex, whose cafe enjoyed some of the best views in Hartlepool. Today it has been razed to the ground, after standing empty for countless years.  The seagulls now enjoy the forlorn open space.

But it’s not all bad, as you can see.  Great skies!  And Thursday’s Special has me back in our marina again, thanks to Paula.

78 comments

  3. You seem to have the cloud-goddesses well and truly on your side, even if not the local council. Hugs from a morning when I don’t know how to dress -12° to 25° predicted, and I’ve got shopping, coffee with friends and a forum with the local MP. I’m not a fan of between seasons sartorial dilemmas. So I’ll go back and look at your lovely water and clouds and silhouettes again.

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    1. Good plan! 🙂 🙂 The MP? Minding your p’s and q’s , of course. Just had a whistlestop visit from the son, who’s off to Lsbon on a stag do tomorrow. He looks worn out already. 😦 But good to see him however briefly.

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      1. It was an ICT course which took place in the Grand Hotel where we stayed. When I found I was going on a course to Hartlepool I was surprised at the choice of location as it could have taken place anywhere and it was a few hours drive from home. I usually was sent on courses to either Manchester or London.

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    1. Don’t ever engage my husband in conversation about the local coucil, Sue. Your ears will hurt! 🙂 🙂 But they haven’t managed to spoil it completely. I can always look past the ‘not so great’. 🙂

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    1. Sometimes they outnumber the people, Paula. 🙂 🙂 I was at Whitby recently and the school children were having their packed lunches in the harbour. The seagulls took it as an open invitation.

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  17. Great photos Jo. What a dramatic sky to go with a dramatic story. I agree with Becky and the loss of heritage for commercial gain. I’ll join Michael and Mr B. We’ll sort the world out no problem 😀

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