I was born and bred in Seaham, leaving the town when I was twenty one and I have quite a few memories of the place.

THE DIFFERENCE CHURCH STREET IS NOW.

I remember vividly the great big chemist shop, called Forsters, later Co-op chemist in the centre on the right hand side going down from the Church-a lovely shop with five glass windows either side of the entrance. I worked there as a young girl. Boots the Chemist on the opposite corner, a Timothy White and Taylors Chemist further down. Woolworths was also a lovely big store, as was Dogharts, food shops- Meadow Dairy, Gallons, Broughs, drapers-Naisbits, Greenwoods, Minskies etc. Maynards lovely sweet shop-just to mention a few. Church Street seemed to be so busy and noisy with peoples chatter in those days.

Another thing I remember is "the wooden bridge" over the railway line at Seaham Station.

As a girl of eleven I went to Seaham Intermediate School on Station Road, and after lunch going with a friend down to the Staation, climbing the steps of the wooden bridge standing on the top bit waiting for the Steam Trains to come along and go under the bridge. The feeling of mystery and delight when the steam rose up through the gaps in the boards enveloping us completely - we were lost for a few seconds - Alas no more Steam Engines. I also recall these engines pulling numerous huge wagons filled with coal, slate and timber - alas no more coal wagons.

After spending some time at the Station we would take a stroll along the "Bungalow Field" leading to the back of Seaham Hall, which at the time was a Sanatorium for people with T.B. We were able to get close enough to be able to wave to the patients who were out on the veranda - Alas Seaham Hall has stood derelict for years

I remember the pits in Seaham in particular Seaham Colliery, because as a girl I used to go to the I.M. Chapel Enfield Road which backed onto the pit yard. Often we would get over the wall, and climb, jump and run on the huge pile of felled trees, these logs were absolutly gigantic. Of course we shouldn't have been there, but it was such fun - Alas no more piles of great massive logs.

Seaham always seemed to be such a busy town a hive of industry with the pits, and the railway wagon shuntering, the blacksmiths shops etc not to mention the busy Port with big ships too-ing and frowing. Alas all this has vanished.

Support for this page was provided
by the Seaham Project.