Hartlepool: A Journey Through Time, Tradition and Transformation

Introduction

Hartlepool, a town with a rich history on the Durham coast, presents a narrative that spans over thirteen centuries. From its early religious foundations to its development as a crucial port, its modern connection to building conservation, and its wartime experience, Hartlepool's story is one of resilience and transformation. This expanded account explores the town's past, incorporating its significant role as the first place in Britain to be bombarded during World War I, drawing on historical sources, and integrating a contemporary perspective on heritage preservation.

Early Religious and Cultural Beginnings

Hartlepool's documented history begins in the 7th century, with the establishment of a monastery around 640 AD. This monastery, known as Hereteu, was founded by Hieu, who is noted as being among the first women to take the veil in Northumberland. The monastery later came under the leadership of St. Hilda, a figure of considerable historical and religious importance, before she moved to Whitby. St. Hilda’s time at Hartlepool contributed to the religious and cultural significance of the site, and the development of the early Christian community. The precise location of the original monastery is not known but it is thought to have been near the later Friary, and possibly close to the original chapel of St Helen. The name ‘Heortness’ was used both to refer to the peninsula on which Hartlepool is situated, and also the town itself. The name has Anglo-Saxon roots in the word "heorot" which means hart, or stag, which may indicate the presence of deer in the area. This connection to the local environment underscores the importance of considering the ecology when studying historic settlements [1].

The monastery at Hartlepool played an important role in the early development of Christianity in the region. St. Hilda, known for her wisdom and piety, contributed to the religious and cultural importance of the site. The construction of the monastery would have contributed to the development of local architecture, using local materials. Archaeological discoveries, such as Runic stones found near the churchyard, provide additional insights into Hartlepool’s early history, indicating a connection to its Anglo-Saxon monastic past [2]. The discovery of these stones near the church suggests a connection between the Saxon monastery and early Christian establishments in the area, and indicates the town's long history of religious significance.

Medieval Invasions, Royal Charters, and Governance

Hartlepool faced invasions and looting by the forces of Robert the Bruce in 1311 and 1312, during the Scottish Wars of Independence [3]. This demonstrates the town's vulnerability during times of conflict and highlights the necessity for fortifications. Throughout its history, Hartlepool received numerous royal charters that defined its rights and privileges. For instance, a charter granted by King John allowed for a market at the manor of Hertilpole [3]. These charters confirmed Hartlepool’s status as a borough, and gave rights and customs to its citizens. The town was governed by a mayor and burgesses, with a council house or guild hall, and the mayor also acted as a Justice of the Peace. The town also had a court of pie powder held during fairs and markets [3]. In the 16th century, Hartlepool was declared part of the county of York. These charters illustrate how royal authority influenced the town’s governance and economic activities, allowing the town to develop its own local identity.

The Development of Hartlepool as a Port

Hartlepool's development as a port has been a central theme in its history. In the 19th century, the town experienced significant change with the construction of docks and railway connections, leading to its transformation into a modern port. It became a separate port from Newcastle in 1844 [3]. The opening of the docks led to a large population increase and the development of West Hartlepool. The population increased from approximately 1000 to 9277 people, as a result of the port's success [3]. This rapid growth created challenges, such as outbreaks of cholera. However, historical records indicate Hartlepool was a significant port in the medieval period, with frequent requisitions for ships and sailors, which demonstrates its importance in maritime trade. The town also had a market and fair, where it received keelage for ships plying there. The town also transported provisions to English garrisons in Scotland [3].

The town's geographical location made it a valuable location for both trade and defense. Its location made it vulnerable to attack, and the town was fortified by walls with towers [3]. Hartlepool’s harbor also provided a safe location during storms, and could accommodate a large number of ships. The town also had a pier that was important for the local fishing industry [3]. In 1832, the town’s harbour and pier were in disrepair, and the port was in a state of decline. This led to the building of new docks and railway connections in the 19th century, which greatly increased the commercial success of the town [3]. The geological context is also significant. The area's structural history includes phases from pre-Upper Carboniferous to post-Permian periods, which influences the local materials available for building, and the overall character of the landscape [4]. The presence of coal measures also highlights the significance of mining in the region’s economic development.

Hartlepool: The First Bombardment of WWI

Adding to Hartlepool's complex history is its unfortunate distinction as the first place in Britain to be bombarded during World War I. On the 16th of December 1914, German warships attacked the town, causing significant damage and loss of life [5]. This event marked a turning point in the war, bringing the conflict directly to the British home front and leaving a lasting impact on the town and its people [5, 6]. The raid on Hartlepool was part of a larger attack that also targeted Scarborough and Whitby [5]. The German ships fired 1,150 shells into Hartlepool, striking targets including the steelworks, gasworks, railways, seven churches, and 300 houses. People fled the town by road and attempted to do so by train. In total 86 civilians were killed and 424 injured in Hartlepool [7, 8]. Seven soldiers were killed and 14 injured [7]. The death of Private Theophilus Jones of the Durham Light Infantry was the first death of a British soldier from enemy action on British soil for 200 years [7]. The bombardment caused a great scandal in Britain, and became a rallying cry against Germany for its attack upon civilians, and against the Royal Navy for failing to prevent it [6]. The attack became part of a British propaganda campaign, with ‘Remember Scarborough’ used on army recruitment posters, while editorials in neutral America condemned it, stating "This is not warfare, this is murder" [6]. The German ships were at such short range that many shells failed to explode or ricocheted into the town [9]. The shore batteries found their shells had no effect on the armored sides of the ships, so instead aimed at masts and rigging [9]. The accuracy of the third gun was sufficient to oblige one of the German ships to move behind the lighthouse to prevent further hits [9]. The raid on Hartlepool caused significant damage, but also highlighted the resilience of the community. This attack demonstrated the vulnerability of coastal communities and the far-reaching effects of modern warfare.

Contemporary Heritage Preservation and Building Practices

Today, there is a focus on the preservation of Hartlepool's heritage by groups and individuals working in building conservation. This involves combining traditional skills with modern technology to achieve sustainable solutions. The approach emphasizes an ethical commitment to quality craftsmanship, and a focus on the use of local materials [10, 11]. This is important for the restoration and preservation of Hartlepool’s historical sites, and for the preservation of local skills. The work undertaken contributes to the preservation of the local built environment, and also encourages a connection to the past, and to the importance of local materials and skills [10, 11]. This also incorporates modern techniques such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) to improve project management and efficiency [12-14].

Architectural and Archaeological Significance

Hartlepool’s built environment reflects its long and complex history. The town walls, although partially in ruins, give an indication of the fortifications of earlier times. These walls were strengthened with demi-bastions, gates, and sallyports, secured by machicolations and portcullis, demonstrating the town’s strategic importance and the challenges it faced in the past [3]. The town also has evidence of a submerged forest, including remains of trees, hazel nuts, and deer antlers, demonstrating a link with the natural environment, and also how the area has changed over time [3].

Conclusion

Hartlepool is a town where the past is clearly visible, from its ancient monastic sites and fortifications to the modern structures of West Hartlepool. With a history that spans over 1300 years, the town has experienced religious foundations, maritime trade, royal charters, modern development, and the tragedy of being the first place in Britain to be bombarded in World War I. The town's narrative, now being actively preserved by building conservationists, illustrates the ongoing importance of traditional building techniques, the use of local materials, craftsmanship in heritage preservation, and the impact of global conflicts on local communities.

By combining historical accounts with contemporary insights, this narrative aims to provide a thorough understanding of Hartlepool's rich heritage, architectural significance, and ongoing evolution, emphasizing the importance of preserving its cultural legacy through craftsmanship, ethical building practices, and remembering its significant role in wartime history.

Citations

[12] Heruteu Ltd., Technological Growth Strategy.

[10, 11] Heruteu Ltd., Dry Stone Walling: Cost Analysis and Pricing Strategies.

[13, 14] Heruteu Ltd., Pasted Text (BIM Applications).

[1] Heruteu Ltd., Hartlepool: History, Heritage, and Heruteu.

[5-8] Wikipedia, Raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitby.

[9] Massie, Robert K. (2004). Castles of Steel: Britain, Germany, and the Winning of the Great War at Sea. London: Jonathan Cape.

[3] History of Hartlepool , from https://books.googleusercontent.com/books/content?req=AKW5QadWtledB2Sp5RwPUztpAvJDu4MyCqaglFIYGVaPBWrYLiJD-4LgIvLnhiCg25Jhg-2dPmITmmQnfTxa3snjPa5Q4lmKl8L-Lyg0agW87EkY0kv1xVFcJDZiQj_Sz87f53-Zlot0o-dxd7M1sRBkHX27uHdeIIeVbBQ97JD9kCFrOOE6-aP8hiAWn-Bu1Pa7ugHzhCRL0iEg-7V7WIWKPG4TnrgbzsmuNSxBqrkd96KkpcXqzew_a0lEqnXe4qlerV6n1rbV3egA_9okFTgQ8_2CZVFB8w

[2] Bosworth, Runic Epitaphs Found at Hartlepool

[4] CEE Materials Reading Assignment from https://engineering.rowan.edu/_docs/civilenvironmental/cee-materials-reading-assignment.pdf.