Hartlepool Marina

Sunset

A wonderful sunset over Hartlepool Marina. This has always been a popular place for photographers.

Hart-in-the-pool

The name of Hartlepool, according to the author Sir Cuthbert Sharp, comes from origins unknown. But in the time of Bede, the old town on the peninsula, was called Heruteu - the island of the stag. By mediaeval times, the town was known as Hertepol - the pool of the hart or, hart in the pool - becoming Hart-le-Pool.

Hartlepool Marina, said to be one the finest in Europe, was built at a cost of more than £60 million pounds. As well as the Marina itself, which has 500 fully serviced pontoon berths and a selection of quayside berths, the area around Navigation Point has some excellent bars and restaurants - with new businesses opening all the time. Whatever you fancy, I am sure you will find something here to suit your taste whether it's Algerian food, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean cuisine, Spanish tapas, a bistro, fast food, an ice-cream parlour or even good ol' fish and chips, with bread and butter, washed down with a nice cup of tea!

Bars ad Restaurants

Looking across the Marina looking towards the bars and restaurants in Navigation Point - a very picturesque setting and very popular in all weather.

Reflections

All calm on a Winter's afternoon in the Marina.

Lock Office

The Marina looking towards the Lock Office and the old Customs House which dates back to 1911. In the background are some of the many luxury apartments that have been built in this area over the years.

PSS Wingfield Castle

The PSS Wingfield Castle, and her sister ship the Tattershall Castle, were delivered to the London & North Eastern Railway (which later became the British Transport Commission) and was used as a ferry on the River Humber between Hull and New Holland. During the second world war, both acted as waterborne winch platforms for barrage balloons.

The Wingfield Castle, which was built by the yards of Sir William Gray in the town, was restored during the 1970's and had several owners before further restoration in her original building berth in Hartlepool. The PSS Wingfield Castle is open to the public and admission is free through the Museum of Hartlepool. Refreshments are available on board.

Figure Head

The figure head at the bow of the HMS Trincomalee, the oldest British warship still afloat, which can be seen in Hartlepool's Historic Quay and Maritime Experience. HMS Trincomalee was built in Bombay, India in 1817, and was brought to Hartlepool in 1987, where it's taken over 10 years to restore the ship to her former glory.

Jackson's Wharf

Jackson's Wharf public house and restaurant as seen from the Historic Quay.

The Highlight

"The Highlight" is a monument built in memory to all those who lost their lives at sea and dates back to 1839. It was initially situated in the Longhill area of Hartlepool - known to many, of a certain age, as Wagga. Wagga was part of town which is, more or less, directly opposite the Belle Vue Social Club. At one time there was a small housing estate there together with shops, pubs and even its own social club - in fact, quite a thriving community. Some may recall the Steelworks Bridge, which ran from Wagga to Coronation Drive, in Seaton Carew.

There was also the story of the "Wagga Sunset" or "Wagga Moon" which was the glow from the slagheap of the steel works visible in the night sky. Then there was a more recent phenomenon of a 'wagga dot'. There seems to be conflicting reports as to exactly what a wagga dot is. Some say if you had a spot on your face, and you came from Wagga, it was a wagga dot or perhaps it was simply a tattooed dot on your cheek, or the backs of your hands.

A view of Hartlepool Marina looking towards Navigation Point. This was taken from the top of Christ Church in Church Square - now the home of Hartlepool Art Gallery. I climbed the 174 stairs to get to the top which cost me all of 50p! You can view this image in a larger size by clicking on the photograph.

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Hartlepool Marina

Hartlepool Marina, said to be one the finest in Europe, was built at a cost of more than £60 million pounds. As well as the Marina itself, which has 500 fully serviced pontoon berths and a selection of quayside berths, the area around it has some excellent bars and restaurants. Whatever you fancy, I am sure you will find something here to suit your taste whether it is Algerian, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean cuisine, Spanish, a bistro, fast food, an American-style diner and ice-cream parlour or even good ol' fish and chips!

To see larger images of the photographs below, click on the small picture.

The Monkey statue is near the lock gates.

Did you know that residents of Hartlepool are known as Monkey Hangers?

No Monkey!

As the story goes, during the Napoleonic Wars a ship was wrecked off the coast and the only survivor who made it to land on a raft was a monkey. The people of old Hartlepool - known as Crofters - being unable to understand a word this little stranger spoke decided that he must have been either a Frenchman, or a spy, so they hanged him. The only problem with this tale is that the people of Hartlepool, being sailors and fishermen and living on a large natural harbour, would certainly have known the difference between an animal and a Frenchman! Nevertheless, the monkey legend has stayed with the townsfolk of Hartlepool ever since.