1974 grey sky view former coal staithes, dating to 1905 and allowing coal wagons to run on rails to load coal onto colliers anchored at the end, South Dock, Seaham Harbour, County Durham, North East England, UK
The 3rd Marquis of Londonderry built a harbour at Seaham, which opened in 1831, to facilitate the transport of goods from local industries, including coal. The 6th Marquis of Londonderry extended and deepened the harbour in 1905, to deal with the millions of tonnes of coal being exported through Seaham from the County Durham pits. Coal staithes were built at the new South Dock in May 1905. The staithes were short, wooden piers, which projected into the harbour and allowed coal coal wagons to run on rails to the end. Colliers anchored at the end of the staithes and the coal was emptied down chutes into the colliers' holds. Later, to avoid the breakage of coal, the coal wagons were lowered onto the decks of the colliers and emptied there. By 1992 Seaham's three coal mines (Dawdon, Vane Tempest and Seaham Colliery) had closed. The coal staithes at Seaham Harbour have also been demolished. Grey sky autumn view of Seaham Harbour coal staithes in November 1974.
Size: 1622px × 1081px
Location: Coal Staithes, South Dock, Seaham Harbour, County Durham, North East England, UK
Photo credit: © robert harrison / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: autumn, autumnal, coal, coast, coastal, county, day, dock, docks, dockside, durham, east, england, grey, harbour, historic, history, industry, north, overcast, pier, piers, seaham, sky, south, staithes, uk, view, wooden
