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
