100 years ago today 1500 shells were fired at Hartlepool during the bombardment by the German Cruisers Seydlitz, Moltke and Blucher. Leading to the death of the first soldier killed on British soil during the First World War.
A series of events took place today to mark the occasion
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Thomas Richardson had acquired the Hartlepool Iron Works in 1847 and this bridge lintel is dated 1851. Although it doesnt appear to be structural as the surround bridge is much newer.
A friend at Network Rail informs me there is a 1940 steel deck built from old rails that carries no tracks.
The live line are carried by a modern steel slab deck installed in 1989.
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Hart Windmill was built in the 19th Century and was operational until 1915, although a mill is thought to have stood on the hill since 1314
It was restored in 1991 as previous to that it had no wooden cap, although it still lacks any sails.
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This pillbox is stranded in a gated housing development at the southern corner of the golf course.
It looks like all the opening have been blocked, but it cannot be approached for a closer look.
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The area to the North-West of Hartlepool seems to have been a heavily defended during World War 2.
Here is another example of a pillbox in that area, although sadly this one is sealed up and covered in grafiti.
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I contrast to yesterdays heavily vandalised example, this pillbox within the grounds of a golf course is in remarkably good condition with no damage or graffiti
Inside all the metal shutters for the firing position are still intact.
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This whole area is now in the middle of an extensive housing development, so I don’t think this one is going to be around much longer.
The Defence Of Britain database from the 1990s lists many in this area that are now gone under housing.
UPDATE :
I have received information that as of 26th July 2012, this pillbox has been demolished. Another one bites the dust.
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Here’s a modern oddity for you, a house in Hartlepool that’s been coated with aluminum beer cans.
The story goes that a gentleman called Phil Musspratt started off with just a wall in the garden, but its now spread over the whole house.
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Ralph Ward Jackson (7 June 1806 – 6 August 1880) was the founder of West Hartlepool and was the towns first MP in 1868.
The sculptor was Edward Onslow Ford
It was donated by Colonel J. W. Cameron, the founder of Camerons brewery to mark the jubilee of the opening of the towns first dock and harbour.
The statue was unveiled on 12th June 1897 by the Marquis of Londonderry.
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This sculpture of a sundial by Neil Talbot and was received by Mayor Gwynneth Hanson on May 15th 1995
It was commissioned by Cleveland Arts (now Tees Valley Arts)
It stands on some tiles which show local geology but they are in very poor condition already.