Medieval Hartlepool : In-depth Information

The De Brus family founded the medieval town of Hartlepool in the beginning of the 12 th century and through archaeological excavations we found that a harbour and a primarily agricultural settlement were in place at this time along with an earlier 12 th century church.

By the end of the 12 th century, further investment by the De Brus family allowed the construction of a Franciscan Friary and the reconstruction of the church. The town spread further out towards the harbour, which around this time saw the construction of more substantial harbour facilities.

Hartlepool played a major role as a safe port during Scottish Wars. The town acted as a supply point and a naval centre at a time when the River Tyne was not safe. The town walls were built as a result of Scottish raids. The wall ran from the cliffs above Fairy Cove, across the isthmus to the medieval harbour and across the mouth of the harbour, before making a return along the coast. The wall enclosed the entire medieval town of Hartlepool, the Friary, the harbour and a substantial part of the town fields.

From the end of the 15 th century, the town went into a swift decline. During Civil Wars, Hartlepool was occupied by a Scottish Garrison who made repairs and enhancements to the wall.

In the 18 th century it is recorded that the trade in Hartlepool diminished further and it did not recover until the formation of Hartlepool dock and Railway Company. These were formed in 1835 and brought coal from the east Durham coalfields.

The century development of the headland as a modern port prompted an increase in population and a return to prosperity.

Medieval Hartlepool

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