Wallsend
Local Info
Wallsend is a town in North Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, England, located about 4 miles east of Newcastle upon Tyne. It has a rich and varied history, largely defined by its unique geographical position and industrial heritage Roman Origins: Its name literally derives from its location as the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Roman fort of Segedunum stood here, protecting the wall's terminus at the River Tyne. Today, Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum offers insights into Roman life and is a significant visitor attraction, featuring a viewing tower and interactive museum. Latin signs are even dotted throughout the modern town to commemorate this history. Wallsend was a major center for industry, primarily coal mining and shipbuilding.Wallsend Colliery had seven pits active between 1778 and 1935. It was known for its high-quality "Wallsend coal" and saw significant advancements in mining safety and techniques, though it was also the site of tragic disasters, including an explosion in 1835 that killed over 100 miners. The town was home to the renowned Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson shipyard, responsible for building iconic vessels such as the RMS Mauretania (which held the Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic crossing for 22 years), the RMS Carpathia (which rescued Titanic survivors), and Charles Parsons' revolutionary Turbinia, the world's first turbo-charged steam vessel. While major shipbuilding largely ceased in 2007, some marine engineering, such as offshore oil rig construction, continues. Today, Wallsend is a residential town with a population of over 43,000. While its heavy industries have declined, it remains an industrial area with some marine supplies production, light manufacturing, and service activities. The town has expanded significantly since WWII and has undergone regeneration efforts, with new facilities, housing, and improvements to its town centre and parks. It has good transport links to Newcastle and the coast via the Tyne and Wear Metro.
