Seaham beach, looking towards Sunderland, 4 or 5 miles to the north. Seaham Hall and the ancient St Mary's church are about 150 yards west of the road. Photograph taken in 2004.
Lady Londondery's ' Town Baths ' on the north side of the valley immediately north of Bath Tce. Built in 1834, salt water was used in two large baths, showers and a bathing machine. Used only by the wealthier townsfolk, their popularity waned after piped water became available in Seaham in 1854. Disused after 1870 they were demolished in 1934. Photograph probably c 1880
This is possibly one of the earliest photographs of Seaham which can be dated with any certainty. This footbridge was erected in 1834 over what is popularly though incorrectly known as Bessies Hole to Lady Londonderry's Baths ( 1834 - 1934 ). The bridge was reportedly demolished around 1860 when the current coast road was opened ( 1861 )
This stream probably carried a lot more water in the 1800s, there are reports of bridges in the Dene being washed away and A&E Gardens being flooded
In order to build the coast road the Dene was levelled using ballast from sailing ships, it was reported that the ships actually sailed into the Dene at high tide to unload the ballast where it was needed
