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North Sunderland (Seahouses) Harbour

 

Probably better known now as Seahouses Harbour, North Sunderland Harbour (it's correct title) began life as a small wooden jetty between 2 natural rock promontories. The first 'modern' jetty or pier was built by the Lord Crewe trustees, and the first phase of construction began in 1786.

 

 

It was an important task, as during the early to mid 1700's, both the fishing and lime trades began to thrive. As well as this, the export of coal and quarry stone from the harbour ensured it's growth. The four lime-kilns, which are still visible were built to support the trades.

 

Although the coal and lime industries began to decline during the 19th century, the harbour usage reached it's peak, with an abundance of fishing vessels, colliers and other vessels utilising the main piers. In fact, during the early 1800's Alexander Ewing aquired some land near the harbour for the processing of herring, building herring yards and smokehouses, and by 1855, six of these yards were in existance.

 

At least 50 herring boats, as well as other traditonal fishing vessels operated from North Sunderland, and combined with the growing marked for fish and curing, the harbour remained successful enough to warrant further expansion. A second phase of construction began in 1886, and lasted for 3 years, resulting in the basic layout still seen today.

 

During its life, the harbour had always accomodated the passenger trade, and it was this that caused the eastern pier to be extended in 1933. By this time, Billy Sheil, founder of 'Glad Tidings' had been transporting passengers to the Farne Islands for 15 years. The passenger trade would continue to grow steadily until the present day, and a 'hammer head' was added to the North Pier.

 

Over the years the call for the local fishing industries decreased compounded by the closure of the North Sunderland Railway in the 1950's. By the 1980's the harbour was homing around 30 fishing boats. Comparatively recently the tradional industries have been overtaken by the leisure and tourism industry, with the majority of boats still remaining catering for this; although of course some fishing boats remain.

 

The harbour maintance remains constant, with a wall built under Crewe Street in 1988 to help combat erosion, a concrete casing was added to the inner harbour in 1991, and emergency repairs were made in 2000. The same year saw the slipway extended, the cost of both totalling £160,000. Dredging of the harbour occurs every two to three years to remove the silt and sedement that continually builds up.