After the decline of its coal industry, Seaham has risen from its ashes to become a sought-after property hot spot. Aranda Garrard finds out why. THE town of Seaham owes much to its rich industrial history of railways, docks and coal mining.
The area, which lies in the postcode district of SR7, is five miles south of Sunderland and grew out of a need for a harbour to transport coal between Durham, London and the Continent in the 1830s. Coal played a major part in the lives of those who lived in Seaham after the sinking of the first pit. The area expanded again in the 1900s with its dock doubling in size and two new quays, including a lighthouse and piers in 1905. Today, these remain virtually untouched by time. Seaham Hall is one of the area’s main attractions, popular for weddings, conferences, and boasting an outstanding menu in its restaurant. The hall lies on the outskirts of Seaham and dates from the early 1790s. Its use today is a far cry from during the First World War, when it was a hospital, and later, a TB sanatorium. Other historical buildings include the former Londonderry Offices opposite the harbour. These were used as a base for managing the railways, docks and coal mines. The building has also been a police station, but today it has been transformed into luxury apartments, combining classical and French architecture. The beaches near Seaham are magnificent and are regularly used for both local and national angling competitions. Pre-industrial buildings in Seaham are rare, but include the town’s only Grade I-listed building, St Mary’s Church. Victorian and Edwardian buildings still survive in some parts of the town, including Adolphus Street West, Cornelia Terrace and Vane Terrace. Pubs include The Golden Lion and The Duke of Wellington. Pattinson, Sunderland branch manager Lynn Kirkley said: “Seaham is a small coastal town close to Sunderland and Durham which is known for its links with the poet Lord Byron, who was married at Seaham Hall. “Its coastline is now designated as part of Durham Heritage Coast and is popular with dog walkers, sea divers, bird watchers and cyclists. Despite its rich industrial history, Seaham is very forward looking and the decline of the coal industry has given extra impetus for regeneration. “The town has changed its focus in recent years and now has world-class commercial facilities for major businesses, with housing developments such as Eastshore Village to match. “Seaham has a good range of educational facilities, including Seaham School of Technology and nearby Byron College. “Lord Byron also gives his name to the town’s Byron Place shopping development which features a number of famous high street names, and Dalton Park retail village is only three miles away.” | 
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