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Posted by Valerie Slater nee Owen on 04/04/2021 Email
Came across this website by accident. Great info, read and piccies! and found family on here too. Thanks for all the hard work and great site!
Posted by Karen on 04/03/2021
Great website, full of information. I came here looking for information regarding my 2x great grandfather and grandmother Joseph Charlton who lived at number 3 Charles Street. I was hoping to find some photos as I have no idea what he looks like but unfortunately I will have to keep looking. But thanks for all the information
Posted by Jean Gale on 03/03/2021
Just a general question. Did the miners family get compensation if they were killed in a mining accident. I found the site very interesting thank you very much.
Posted by KEVIN DODSWORTH on 27/02/2021 Email
Thank you so much for this wonderful site. I have actually discovered that 2 of my great grand uncles actually lived in the village as well as working at the pit. Sadly also discovered that my great great grand uncle was killed in a mining accident in 1902 at the pit face. keep up the good work.
Posted by Guy Goodings on 23/07/2020
My great Grandfather was Dick Ramsey of Hilton Street, Marden. My grandfather, George Redpath is shown as living with the Ramsey family and my gran, Peggy at the house in Hilton Street. They later moved into Whitburn. Dick was a lovely man. His son Tom also worked at the pit and was proud of being a miner
Posted by Fred Duffield on 04/06/2020 Email
what a great website taught me a lot about where i grew up in Quarry Lane form 1958 a lot of these things were changing when i was still a kid ive been recently reliving most of my childhood during this lock down walking all over these places and telling my wife about places which are no longer there or totally unrecognizable now then i discovered this site wonderful read thanks
Posted by Elaine Beattie on 14/09/2019 Email
What a wonderful source of information! Thank you so much for putting this site together. The images and anecdotes have helped me so much in my research for the children’s book I’m writing, set in a fictional ‘village that vanished’. Your site is easy to navigate and packed with fascinating information about an incredible part of our region. Thanks again.
Posted by JAMES DEREK WILSON on 04/09/2019
Well done Bill Robinson great work i always new Burdis was killed by a wagon but never new Great uncle Thomas was killed by a bus.
Posted by John Davison on 11/02/2019 Email
A sad note that my sister Linda(Davison) passed away on 21 Jan 2019 age 69 years.Linda Fought her illness for 4 years with tenacity.It was her final wish that her ashes were sprinkled on the site of our childhood house at 12a Hilton street.Which we done after laying a wreath..During this moment It went through my mind that there cannot be many alive who were born in the colliery and thought’s of everyone who we shared our carefree great childhood days with and some great families..The best of days without a doubt…Its a shame that the fantastic community spirit sadly cannot be copied today.
Posted by Denis Wilson on 03/11/2018 Email
Hi, I’m not from Marsden myself but this website is great to keep memories alive. Being from an old pit village myself (Castletown) its amazing how much things have changed in so little time. I also appreciate the fishing section with the marks map as i fish the area now and again. Well done on your hard work and keep those memories alive.
Posted by Judith Said on 24/10/2018 Email
What a wonderful website. My grandmother and her family came from the street opposite the pit head. Your site has told me of the connection to the Glebe church which I always wondered about. The family name is Finkle if anyone knows anything about them I would be really great full as they are an enigma
Posted by Janet grace gwynn madden hall on 05/07/2018 Email
We lived at 10 mill lane Whitburn we sold our home and moved to Australia in 1971 my dad Peter hall worked at the mars den colliery my mum was grace hall madden wills I have 3 brothers Peter Howard and Michael I love reading about the old history which I could turn back time .
Posted by Martin Williams on 12/04/2018 Email
I used to live at Souter view,No 85.my name is Martin williams.I attended Marsden school from 1975 to 1981.I remember Mrs Dixon,Mr Burke,Mr Byrne,Mrs Payne,Mr foster.And my classmates,Glenn holstrom,David smurthwaite,Jason Rodgers,Caroline Atkinson,Nicola unsworth and others with fond memories.Such a great place to grow up.
Posted by Peter Turton on 03/04/2018 Email
We have moved to the area from North Yorkshire. We are used to leading walks and we are now doing this for the National Trust from Souter Lighthouse. The information on this website is invaluable, particularly for the vanished Marsden village. The memories section is so interesting. I have never come across such a well-resourced local history site
Posted by Pamela Prince on 10/03/2018
This site is wonderful. I have seen photos of my late Uncle Billy Prince and late cousin young Billy Prince and recognized many names and faces of people who knew my family and whose names I knew growing up as a child. My Dad’s family originated from Whitburn. My grandfather Thomas Prince was a stoneman at the pit until he retired.
Posted by Steve Twine on 26/02/2018
My Mum, Jean Auty, remembered that her Grandad Samuel Auty and Grandma Susannah Auty lived. at Salmons Hall. I’ve spotted the Auty surname on your website. Her Grandad lost one of his eyes working in the pit. I have a photo if you would like it.
Posted by mosie on 31/01/2018
Searching for family. My grandfather Robert Bennett worked down the mine and my grandmother Maria (Ria) was a Knocker Upper. They lived in Marsden Village with three sons George, Ben and Robert. My cousin Derek died after falling from the cliffs. Does anyone remember anything??
Posted by John anderson on 22/01/2018 Email
Congratulations again on this website, well done Peter Webber I had gone underground when you started, apprentices with me were, Harry Patterson, Troy Rod Hartley, Trever Vieche Bill Turnbull, Don Howe, Matty Harrison & Dennis Mackief the latter two were in a band called the Tornadoes playing at local dance halls in South Shields. Great times we used look forward to getting back to work after holidays as we were having so much fun Lots more stories regards john anderson
Posted by Margaret Cooper on 30/12/2017 Email
A big thank you to Ray for posting this photo. Peggy was my mother and this is the first photo I have seen of my mam as a young girl. It was wonderful to see. Thanks again regards Margaret Cooper nee Wood
Posted by Ian Williamson on 09/12/2017 Email
What a fantastic resource this is. I left Whitburn in 1968 and reading this has brought back so many memories, thank you. I lived in Ash Grove, my Granddad was Tommy Williamson a depiuty aaaat Whitburn pit, my dad Don Williamson also worked at the pit as did my unce Tony Williamson (he later went to Westoe Colliery). Please keep up the good work.
Posted by Geoffrey Bateman on 07/11/2017 Email
Congratulations on such a detailed and well laid out website. Very interesting reading. I came here due to a referral from a fellow genealogist living in Whitburn as my wife’s grand father John Robert (Bob) Kinson was a pit-man at Whitburn up until closure when he retired, her uncle Robert John (Bobby) Kinson was the Storeman and transferred to Westoe until retiring to the Miner’s Cottage in Harton where he died in 2014 aged 92, and her father George Downey (Geordie) Kinson was winding engine man who transferred to Westoe where sadly at the age of 61 he died following the Miners Strike in 1985. All three of them were Companions/Buffs and lived in Harton. Any memories would be most welcome. Thank you.
Posted by Jon Day on 14/10/2017
Tom Day..does that name ring a bell ? Lived at Birch ave whitburn and from what i remember he played cricket at whitburn cricket club . I know Barry Emmerson was a good friend of his , Tom passed away afew years ago in cornwal , I was wondering if anyone had any old photo’s of him im one of his son’s we lost touch when he left us while i was a child. Thank you in advance.
Posted by john laurence oliver on 07/08/2017 Email
hi guys,just been looking over your site and boy,does it bring memories back.my dad Geordie oliver worked at the pit till it closed and was transferred to monkwearmouth colliery.i was born in 1954 so might have missed any boats being at the wharry but as kids we would often go there.sneak along the bottom of the cliffs when the red flag was flying,pretend we were soldiers sneaking along jackies beach not caring real guns were being fired and so along to the wharry.I recall remains of the houses,walls and doorways with the pit heap slowly covering them.we would spend all day there,maybe cooking limpets and willicks and taking potshots at everything with our catties. We had a boat at whitburn,the Rosalie,and had a few pots and later me dad got me some net and a seagull outboard.brilliant times.i think I remember alan chapman-did he have a brother david? a Gordon happer(hopper)lived in elm drive no 14, we lived at 16,he was a year or two older though.caught a huge lobster at roker when we
Posted by Wendy Wright on 29/07/2017 Email
Seeking information – ancestor John Wright was a gardener living at The Lizards, Marsden, Whitburn, when his daughter was born in 1887. Had moved away by 1891. From maps etc think The Lizards is now the riding school. Wonder where John Wright was gardener – possibly Marsden Hall? Grateful for any suggestions. Have enjoyed my ‘virtual visit’ via your excellent website.
Posted by Kath Morrison on 11/07/2017 Email
What a great site. I lived in Arthur Street from 71 to 82 but mum and dad Julia and Amby Egan were there till 2015. Love looking at how the area was and what changes were made. Great days playing on the pit heap and the wharry during school holidays. Must see if I have any old photos.
Posted by Dave Gouch on 06/06/2017
Has anyone got any photos of the Whitburn Home Guard during WW2 – or any pics of the wooden barracks or fields trenches on the Rifle Range?
Posted by Lloyd on 26/04/2017 Email
Thank you for a Tyme Trip down Memory lane of Marsden and a view of Marsden Whitburn to day A well preserved piece of in sight history. The memories of walking them later riding a bike around the area have been revived to go into an autobiography which brings to mind a car break down ona wet March night by the gates to the colliery. Will now look forward to a regular viewing of the site.
Posted by Craig F Cunningham on 01/03/2017 Email
Lovely site,brings back a good few memories.Its strange to see yourself on a website photograph from the late 60s.i.e.Whitburn Workshop fitters.Good times,great apprenticeship.I remember a few of the lads in the picture and will come back on that. Regards craig
Posted by Kathleen Wilcox on 18/02/2017 Email
I have just read your account if marsden hall. My mother worked as a cleaner fir a number of years in the 1960s when the Hall was used as NCB offices. I used to go with her sometimes on an evening and sit and do my homework in one of the huge rooms. I remember being scared of the attics as there were rumours of them being haunted.
Posted by John L Dickinson on 09/01/2017 Email
Just came across the site and has given me much pleasure, with many memories from stories told by my family and things that I can remember. Some familiar names mentioned which moved on to Westoe and my short time at that pit. My family mainly came from Whitburn with my great grandfather being involved with the sinking of the shaft and an under-manager. Very enjoyable read.
Posted by Harry Todd on 14/11/2016
Marvelous site. Keeping a live Marsden’s proud industrial and social past. If not for sites like yours this heritage would be lost for ever. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Ernie Henderson on 07/10/2016 Email
Love this group I keep popping in to see what’s new4-231
Posted by Lynda Jones on 11/09/2016 Email
Lynda Jones nee Welsh Just spent last two hours reading the Marsden Banner group loved it. My claim to fame was one of the last passengers on the rattler in my prom with my mam. Remember the wharry with all the kids from the colliery Peter Brennan would tell everyone that he saved me from drowning but always forgot to mention he threw me in first.My dad was an overman at Whitburn until it closed then went to Boldon until it closed. Sadly he is no longer with us but he would have loved all this history. Thanks for a lovely reminiscing couple of hours.
Posted by Stan Godfrey on 11/04/2016 Email
Fabulous site. My dad, Tommy Godfrey, worked at Whitburn pit then Monkwearmouth when it closed. Memories of going into the pit head canteen on Fridays during school holidays when our dad would slice a Mars Bar for the three of us to share. Even did it for my own kids. Saw Derek Wilson’s name on the site. If it’s the person I think he is, he was head and shoulders above us at football…left winger?….. His grandad was our caretaker at Marsdem Junior mixed. He had played in the famous Portsmouth team. I once found a medal on the field and handed it to him. In my memory, probably distorted, it was a cup winner’s medal. It was tiny but then I had Ron Guthrie ‘s medal from 1973 for a day and it too was so small for something so momentous. Jacky was nicer to me after that. I lent the school some stalactites my dad brought up from the pit. Never quite had the courage to ask for them back. My friend Michael Murphy, the lighthouse keeper ‘s son, donated a massive bulb, now on sho
Posted by Ted Prince on 01/04/2016
Very interesting reading spot on lads
Posted by Cecilia Chapman ( nee Graham ) on 09/02/2016 Email
Brilliant site ! So many childhood memories stirred ! I lived at No 2 Mill lane Whitburn colliery in the officials houses my father was Victor Graham ( little Vic ) who was the SRN at the colliery medical centre and basically ran a little first aid office out of the back kitchen for the local residents and even their pets on occasion !
Posted by Colin Bayfield on 04/02/2016 Email
Many thanks for this brilliant website! Peters account of his life at work really moved me an brought a tear when read a mention of my father Albert Bayfield. He made it to Unit Electrical Engineer and was there till the pit closed. We lived at 1, South View and I have many happy memories between the age of 6 to 1 4ish. I remember dads colleagues Bill McDermait and Willy Wilson. Dad moved on to Bolden Coll and when that closed became Area Electrical Engineer based at Team Valley. Would love to here from anybody that knew Albert. Again well done, a terrific web site, it brings back so many fond memories. Colin (62) living in East Kilbride, Scotland
Posted by bernard kane on 01/02/2016 Email
exellent, keep up the good work,gf peter kane lived arther st c1910, also john j son
Posted by Aldo Del-Greco on 22/01/2016
Hi. What a fantastic website. Between 1965 and 1972 my brothers and I used to go past Marsden village and colliery on the Economic buses on our way to school in Sunderland. I remember the changes to this area over those years as bit by bit the houses, pit and railway gradually disappeared from the landscape. Several buildings on the west side of the coast road survived long after (remember the Purple Onion?) until they too were demolished. I lived in the Kingsway from 1954 until 1983 and remember well the steam (and later diesel) trains hauling NCB hopper wagons full of coal from Whitburn colliery past the bottom of the garden on their way to Westoe colliery. Sometime in the early 1960s an attractive young teacher called Mrs Cauwood started teaching at St Bedes primary school in Derby street. Was she related to the Marsden Cauwoods? I regularly visit the area and am dismayed at how little of the region’s industrial heritage survives. So well done Marsden Banner Group for your website.
Posted by Allan Davenport on 15/01/2016 Email
Thank you for a a great site, but also for providing a wonderful piece of family history. The lady referred to in the piece about the Unfortunate Marsden Lad, L C William Cooper Brown, and named as Elizabeth Ann Dickinson, was my Grandmother. Elizabeth married Herbert Davenport , 25 December, 1920. My father, Kenneth Davenport , was born 19 June, 1922. Gran moved to Marlborough Street, In Shields , with her sister, Hannah Brown living in the flat below. I knew of the Whitburn connections, but had never known of the link to Marsden Grotto. Many thanks for this information.
Posted by ian robertson on 10/11/2015 Email
I am a retired mining surveyor, and once worked at the Crystal palace, when the NCB drilling rig was drilling for coal. I am a member of Harton & Westoe Banner Group, and we have a collection of photographs from the late George Atkinson, who wrote a short history of St Hilda Colliery. I have also added Templetown Colliery history to this . I wondered if we could meet up to discuss extending your first class site to include all of the collieries in South Tyneside. I have quite a number of photographs you may be interested in.
Posted by Brian Orrock on 15/10/2015 Email
Derek, was great to catch up today and so many thanks to introduce to this web site, on reading this it brings back so may memories of our youth fishing and the Wherry or the Wharry as we new it, your art work is fantastic and look forward to reading more on the site, you should mention the times we had at the garage and your go cart in the back garden. Do you remember the scrap we had in the rec, i do because i lost as you were much stronger than me, hee hee
Posted by caroline on 24/09/2015 Email
I work in the Local Studies library in South Shields and love this site. So much hard work has been put into it and I tell the staff to use it as a valuable resource. Brilliant
Posted by George Whitehead on 23/09/2015 Email
This is a great site since my last corespondence I have hat contact from my old friend from when I was a young boy also neighbour frame where I used to live and we have exchanged a few emails recalling old times .I wonder if anyone knows the whereabouts of a Linda Sharpe (Sharpe) being her maiden name ,who lived in the houses on marsden view in the late 50s she moved from there to Arthur street which was situated in the houses opposite from where Whitburn pit used to be. Any news about her would be really appreciated as my sister Ann would love to make contact with her
Posted by George whitehead on 15/09/2015 Email
message for John Davidson John I am in Portugal at the moment soon as I get back I will be in touch this server won’t let me send emails
Posted by John Davison on 14/09/2015 Email
reading the message from geordie whitehead,did try to contact via email but failed.If Geordie is reading this can you contact the banner sect and get my email add.Would be great to talk after some 50+ years.fingers crossed
Posted by dougie miller on 05/09/2015
fantastic site,in addition to derek wilsons fishing tips i would use jam jar tops with the snood passed thro! then dug into the sand at low tide at seaburn had to be first back at next low tide to collect the catch!
Posted by Bob Moreton on 26/08/2015 Email
Reading through your site has been magic taking me back to when I was a bairn and staying with my Uncle Jack & Aunty Florrie Souter in Hilton St in the 50s The picture of jack Souter and friends in a boat off the wharry the fellow to the left of uncle jack is his brother in law my father Perce Moreton worked for a while at Harton colliery then we moved out to Pelton Fell the chap on Jacks right is Roy Pretty his son in law and the little shrimp sat in front of Roy is me Great work
Posted by Paul mckenzie on 15/07/2015 Email
My father is Malcolm Mckenzie son of Annie cauwood It’s been great reading your article about our family My dad has the what I believe to be the original photo of the cauwood boys with there parents that was in the Salmon hall article Just wanted to say hi and will look forward to reading more Kindest regards Paul Mckenzie From Poole in Dorset
Posted by Jane Sheldon on 19/05/2015
Tremendous! I have spent the last 2 days reading and absorbing this wonderful website. Being keen on the social history of the North East I can only appreciate the amount of time it must have taken putting this site together. I was unaware of this villages existence until coming across your site. Thank you. If it was not like groups like yourselves these aspects of our social history would be lost forever. I will keep on visiting from time to time hoping you will continue to expand your site. Thank you again for a wonderful read.
Posted by Janet Gwynn was hall on 16/05/2015
My email doesn’t work at this stage . My dad Peter hall worked Whitburn colliery and we lived at 10 mill lane Whitburn
Posted by Josie Mortimer on 12/04/2015
Just found this site My Grandad played for Marsden Colliery Band when they won the 1000 guinea trophy
Posted by Carol Edwardson on 09/04/2015 Email
My mother’s family (Shewan) were very much involved in the mining industry and my father retired from the workshops at Whitburn in the 60’s. I am researching the family trees of both sides of our families and appreciate the rich, social history of which we are so proud. An excellent, informative site. Thank you.
Posted by George Whitehead on 05/04/2015 Email
This is a great site I have stumbled upon and brings back loads of memories. I lived at 4 marsden view more or less across from the junior school from 1953 till 1962. My dad worked at the pit just down the road. I used to pal about with Ken Brennen William John Davidson John and Paul Rose. Best days of my life we had nowt but happy as pigs in muck. My dad moved us away to a place. called Biddulph in Stoke and worked the pit there I was 12 when we moved I am now 64 and would move back ther in a heartbeat if circumstances would allow
Posted by Stephen Morris on 02/04/2015 Email
Local history at it’s best.
Posted by Colin Henry on 26/02/2015 Email
Congratulations on you very informative site, which I found through a Gazette article. I lived in Horsley Hill until I was about 17, in 1954, when I emigrated to Tasmania, Australia, where I still live. I was fascinated to learn there was a small village near Manhaven Bay. In the late 1940s and 50s we played at that beach, which we knew as Fishermens Bay and other coves along to Frenchmans Bay. We never realised there had been a settlement there. To reach the beaches we crossed the Marsden Rattler line, played in Marsden Cottage railway station and walked through farmers fields, sown with potatoes and turnips (snadgies). I still regularly visit the UK and South Shields and find it sad that so much has disappeared. One example is the Velvet Beds Beach entry which in my day had a cafe, ice cream kiosk and a place to hire tents and deck chairs. Last time I saw it the area was a ruin. As a retired journalist I appreciate the work that has gone into the site and thank those responsible.
Posted by Sue Blackwell on 15/02/2015
This site gets better every time I visit.
Posted by Paul Smithson on 08/02/2015
Thanks for that Brian.It’s about time the National Trust got their facts right and stop messing with our heritage. I will try and speak to someone at the lighthouse and put them right.Also I think in my young days I was told about Kitty Burn any more info?
Posted by Brian Cauwood on 04/02/2015 Email
In reply to the previous post by Paul Smithson: Hi Paul thank you for your comment. Roland Tuner (13/09/2014) also made a similar comment about the Wharry on this page. You will not find the name the Wharry or Wherry on any map, as the correct name for the cove is Harbour Quarry. However the locals have always called it the ‘Wharry’. The earliest written record I can find is from the Sunderland Echo April 1934 reporting on the tragic drowning of Kitty Burn and her cousin Doris. The paper writes ‘the beach at Whitburn colliery is known as the Wharry’. I like you have never heard it called the Wherry until recently. Local research would suggest that the name change possible emanated from the National Trust following its takeover of Souter point lighthouse in 1990. Although we can’t be sure of this, they do use the term ‘The Wherry’ We will amend this website to ensure where possible and in line with our heritage the name of the Wharry is retained. Hope this helps. Brian.
Posted by Paul Smithson on 04/02/2015
Hello, can anybody tell me when the Wharry became the Wherry? I am a 84 year old and have lived in the area all my life and have never heard it called the Wherry before.
Posted by John Stone on 03/02/2015
Great website, an enjoyable read.
Posted by peter watson on 02/02/2015 Email
Hi, Just came across your website. A really good read even if you don’t come from the area like me. I now feel I should visit the area.A cracking website keep up keeping the past and the heritage alive.
Posted by Graeme Bell on 10/01/2015
love this site , old memories , class
Posted by David. Burdsall on 28/12/2014 Email
Hi just found your website looks good . I have been around in Whitburn and Marsden all my life on the beach in boats fishing ect. now I work on the river at Sunderland so never far from the sea . Good to see the pictures of the Wherry bridge. Never forget Chester and Davy good people I ended up fishing at the bents for a few years. If anyone remembers my Grandad he was the village Bobby at the colliery John Bell. Jock I think he went by. Thanks for putting this together . Davy Burdsall
Posted by brian turner on 22/11/2014
great reading all your storys my father used to tell me lots of these his name was paddy turner.he has been ment5ioned in one or two of the storys
Posted by Stanley O’Toole on 11/11/2014
Hi, great website you have got yourselves. I don’t belong the area but I have enjoyed reading about it. Fascinating history for a short piece of coastline. All the best for your future endeavors. Stanley
Posted by Betty Walker (nee Gill) on 10/10/2014 Email
What a fascinating website. Well done. I was born in Arthur Street in 1938. My Dad , Jim Gill was a weighman/check weighman at the colliery and his brother Tom Gill worked in the Coal Board offices. My uncles, Bob Gill and Percy Errington both worked at the coal face. I used to go to Marsden School and always remember the miners having their break sitting along the railings at the baths. I used to dread anyone speaking to me because I would not have recognised them with their coal dust blackened faces and helmets – they all looked the same! Dad died in 1943 and Mum (Cissy Mills) Grandma Mills and I moved to Essex in 1946. The prospects for work for Mum were greater in London. I used to return for school holidays and stayed with the Gills in Fern Avenue. Happy memories.
Posted by Paulline Marshall nee Wilkinson on 22/09/2014
What a fantastic site.I have been showing my dad Frank Wilkinson most of the sections and we were surprised to see a picture of my mam her sister and my granddad after a visit down the pit.My dad was born at Marsden and worked as an electrician from 1942-1968.I also rember such things as the bridge being blown up.My dad is now on a mission to getout his photos again as they have been used in the past for village displays.It is great that people have gone to such lengths to put the history together.
Posted by marcelle curry (nee oley ) on 13/09/2014 Email
Absolutely loved reading about salmons hall where my great aunt Hannah (Oley) lived . I remember going to visit her with my aunt annie .
Posted by Ronald Turner on 13/09/2014 Email
What a great website, brought a lot of memories back, I was born at 7 Marsden view, next to dereck Wilson’s garage in 1948, moving to Arthur street when I was 5 years old, a lot of the names mentioned I remember, other families from Marsden I remember were the ramseys, Pringles, Patterson. I played down the old miners welfare ground and learned to swim at the wharry as we called it not the wherry. There was a pond at the bottom of the pit heap next to the wharry that we used to go rafting on. There was a shop opposite the co-op called Cowans, I delivered newspapers from there, happy days sliding down the pit heap on a piece of conveyer belt, helping the fishermen pull there boats up the beach after a catch and being rewarded with a couple of crabs or a few mackerel.
Posted by Andrew Waring on 22/08/2014 Email
What a fantastic website. I have spent many hours trawling through each and every section and it has been very interesting to read and learn things about Whitburn/Marsden of old and very humbling to read about and see the photos of my mam’s(Jean Cauwood) side of our family. Those mentioned like my grandfather, Walter, Aunty Anne and great nana Ada all of whom I knew and loved dearly might be long gone but never will they be forgotten. Every time I take the dog for a walk now I will see things (that are not there anymore) in a completely different light! Thank-you to all concerned and please keep up the excellent work……
Posted by Bob Lowery on 29/07/2014 Email
Only one word excellent
Posted by Mark Routledge on 27/06/2014
Absolutely fascinating. My mother was born in Whitburn in the 1920’s and lived there & Marsden Village with her sisters and brothers. My Grandad was down Marsden Pit for many years after WW1. My mother will love all of the old pictures and stories. Thanks and well done.
Posted by colin hood on 11/06/2014
fantastic read,loads off information and photos I remember from my childhood, especially the photo of Lindsay street where im told by my mam that I was the last person to be born before it was demolished
Posted by Graeme Bell on 06/06/2014 Email
excellent site , keep up the good work
Posted by kevin duffy on 05/06/2014 Email
what a really good read , sat and read peter webbers page and the amount of people and names i knew were amazing, family members mentioned from Marsden Village and the likes.If this was in book form it would be Excellent for the older people to read like my mother Joan Liddel Marsden village name and related to the Robinsons another name that cropped up on Peters page,well done
Posted by John Coatsworth on 24/05/2014 Email
Excellent. My great aunt, Miss Tones, taught at the Marsden School in the 1920’s or 1930’s before moving onto the Cleadon Village School. I remember stories of her travelling on The Rattler. I have the clock presented to her in 1953 when she retired from Cleadon Village school. She died in 1965 or 1966 when I was a boy. Does anyone recall her teaching at Marsden.
Posted by Jon Warren on 23/05/2014 Email
Excellent site Will the banner be going to the Gala?
Posted by John Simmonds on 10/05/2014 Email
I have just spent a most engrossing couple of hours reading Peter Webber’s page which I came across completely by accident while seaching for something else. Thanks to all concerned for this wonderful site.
Posted by Alan Wingrove on 09/05/2014
I have recently discovered this site after doing some investigation work on my family tree. The family on my mothers side comes from Marsden. The family lived on North Street and Hilton Street, my great grandfather was (according to his death certificate) an Engine Man (Electic lighting) at Marsden Colliery. I would be pleased if anyone out there can shed any light on what his job was…I have been told he could have been working on the Marsden Rattler or he could have worked the winding engine at the colliery. Unfortunately tragedy befell the family in Dec 1911 when he died. His name was George Kellett, his wife died before him leaving a number of children. Having been to Whitburn I have located the family grave in the cemetery on Mill Lane, I have also seen that where North Street was is now probably at the bottom of the cliff. I find the pictures on this site really interesting as I can see that it must have been a hard life living in Marsden….yet they show a commun
Posted by caroline oates on 03/05/2014 Email
Great site. My Granda C.J.’Kit’ Oates worked at Marsden & my dad Alan Oates grew up in Whitburn. Re the WW1 Zeppelins, dad says granda told him a Zeppelin passed over their training ground at Cleadon hills & they tried to dig pits deep enough to get angle right for field artillery to hit it, but it got away
Posted by Mary Wheatley on 01/05/2014 Email
I was interested to see the email from Diane Wilson referring to her great grandparents Hannah and Arthur Cauwood. Diane is obviously a relative of ours (one of many I would imagine unknown to me and my sisters June and Eileen), as our mother was Janet Cauwood, one of the 4 daughters of Hannah and Arthur. Janet was the twin of John and came down south to find work in the depression around 1926. Although she lived the rest of her life in Surrey, she always yearned for South Shields and never stopped talking about Salmons Hall. We often came up to see her beloved brothers, and indeed we came in 1944 and stayed for 3 months when granny Hannah died. We do have some snaps of some of the uncles, (I believe including Oliver). We love your website, and we know mum would have loved it too. Keep up the good work. Mary Wheatley.
Posted by Mrs E Johnson on 15/04/2014 Email
What a wonderful website. I was brought up in Marsden village and loved my childhood living there. To be able read about and see all these amazing photographs of times past is very emotional. Although I have lived in South Yorkshire for many years I feel closer to my roots now than I have for many a year. Thank you for putting this website together you should be proud for yourselves. Best wishes Mrs Johnson
Posted by Dave Gouch on 07/04/2014 Email
I’ve posted the first pics on the new public gallery. Can anyone identify the mystery men? Drop me a line if you have any information.
Posted by Bob Freeman on 30/03/2014 Email
Fantastic website,I still have vivid memories of the area in the mid sixties early seventies. Well done to all who contributed to putting this site together. Top Job
Posted by Patricia Turnbull on 17/03/2014
I’ve really enjoyed reading about the history and looking at the old pictures of our area. I walk the Coastal path from Marsden over to The Wherry and Whitburn Village often. I will see it all in a new light after reading this. Thank you
Posted by Robert Lewis Johnson on 02/03/2014 Email
My name is Robert Lewis Johnson. One of the people you have listed on your Memorial page is Francis Burdett Johnson. Francis is my Great Grand Father. My Grand Father Henry Thomas worked at the Marsden Colliery as joiner. He and his family came to Australia in 1930 to Broken Hill New South Wales, a large Mining Town. After graduating from University I worked in the mining industry as an mechanical engineer. Then for the last 18 years until my retirement I worked as a mines inspector investigating accidents similar to my Great Grand Fathers many years ago. Regards Robert
Posted by Billy Stewart on 01/03/2014 Email
Derek and Brian Good work lads in what you are doing in keeping alive our coastal heritage. Another generation and these memories could have been lost forever. I knew both your dad’s from fishing. Canny blokes and good crack both of them. Keep up the good work and I look forward reading any updates. Billy Stewart
Posted by diane wilson on 28/02/2014
looking at one of the salmon’s hall photos I recognized arthur and hannah cauwood, my grandfather oliver’s parents, I have an old photo of them at home which includes think annie, their daughter. It was lovely to find this photo on website as I don’t have any of my grandfather as a young man.
Posted by Ian Powell on 21/02/2014
Very interesting site. My Mothers family all worked at the Pit,they were called Wilkinson and lived in Henry St.My grandfather Thomas Wilkinson died as a result of injureies received at the Pit.My Grandmother remarried another miner at Whitburn, George Stephenson.
Posted by Jim Coxon on 05/02/2014 Email
I am finding the site very interesting and relevant to my current research project. I am particularly interested in the idea the miner and mining communities had special qualities not found in other industries. The amount of interest in local history and heritage in the North East seems to support this hypothesis. I would appreciate any more stories such as those on this site or any opinions on the idea that I have mentioned above.
Posted by Robert Arthur on 15/01/2014 Email
Found this site to be very interesting
Posted by Judith Gill on 04/01/2014 Email
Great site. My Grandfather worked at Whitburn Pit. Used to ride the Marsden rattler with my father to go and meet him about 1958?
Posted by Bill Ellwood on 23/12/2013 Email
Hi Guys That really brought back a lot memories. I remember lots of the lads that Peter has mentioned in his Blog. I also worked with Peters father. The one thing that I miss from those good old days was the sense of community spirit. We worked hard but had a laugh as we never knew if our time would be up. Some of the tricks that we got unto at work was really unbelievable when you think about it in todays Health & Safety culture. Many thanks for an enjoyable read. Bill
Posted by graham slesser on 14/12/2013 Email
what a brilliant website you have here,loved looking through it,and will keep popping in and looking again and again
Posted by Jeff Turner on 12/12/2013
a fantastic site both informative and humourous in throughout. many thanks to Derek Wilson for putting me on to it. my grandparents my father my uncles and aunt lived for a time in north street i believe. my grandfather thomas william (tot) turner. my Father and some of his brothers worked at whitburn pit. my father also worked for a time in the marsden quarry. my uncle Tot i believe was the baths superintendant in the latter years of the collieries life i myself worked for twelve years at westoe colliery up until its closure so the pit banter ive read about on this site has rekindled many a fond memory along with memories from my childhood days spent swimming at the wherry or crabbing with my hook, mind you me dar would never show me where the best holes were.
Posted by Peter Webber on 16/11/2013 Email
Served my time as a fitter at Whitburn, transfered to Westoe when pit closed.My late father was a bellman at Whitburn.
Posted by George Kane on 22/10/2013 Email
An every informative website about a part of the coastline I love. It’s nice to see our history been kept alive and not forgotten. Keep up the good work and good luck with the banner project. Hopefully I will still be around to see the banner displayed again. George K
Posted by Ray Cauwood on 18/10/2013 EmailThis site is wonderful it tells me things about the Cauwood family I always wanted to know. I have re-found my family and my roots, I will be back (home) as often as I can, we have a motorhome so it’s not so far from Manchester 140 miles, and 3 hours up the A1,,, I have very fond and happy memories of holidays during school holidays,,,,