Exploring Seaham: Sea Glass Hunting and Industrial History in North East England

On a long-awaited visit to Seaham, North East England, in search of sea glass, I was captivated by its rich industrial history, which significantly contributed to the abundance of sea glass found on its beaches. Known for its expansive shores and unique treasures, Seaham holds a special place for anyone who appreciates sea glass hunting and stories from the past.

The Magic of Sea Glass

Seaham’s beaches are renowned among sea glass enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. The shores are heavily sprinkled with colourful glass pieces, shaped and smoothed by years of tumbling in the sea. As I strolled along the sandy coastline, I felt a thrill every time I uncovered a small, beautifully frosted gem. The glass comes in a variety of colours, from classic greens and blues to rare, vibrant reds and purples—each piece holding a bit of history within it.

The Seaham area boasts a rich history of glass production dating back to 1853, this venture eventually merged into the Londonderry Bottle Works, which operated until 1921 and produced up to 20,000 hand-blown bottles every day. The bottles were exported via ship to London and Europe. Local resources such as sand and limestone were utilized, and rejected glass—often referred to as “end of day” glass—was carelessly discarded into the sea. This waste has contributed to the sea glass we treasure today.

When searching for sea glass, I recommend looking for the lighter green pieces, often considered the original “Seaham glass,” which tend to be smoother and older. Collectors can also find a variety of glass types, including codd marbles (used as seals for fizzy drinks), safety glass with wire reinforcement, bottle necks, and even pieces of sea pottery! I found a sea pottery bottle stopper.

The most common finds in Seaham are clear and green glass, the predominant colours produced by the bottle works. Additionally, you might stumble upon yellow, red, blue, aqua, and even pastel shades of milk glass.

The different shades of glass reflect the chemicals used in the melting process, as well as the temperature and duration of the melt. Among the most sought-after treasures are the “Seaham Multis”—a coveted find for sea glass hunters. These unique pieces are believed to originate from the waste glass discarded by glassmaking factories in nearby Sunderland. Notably, the Hartley Wood factory produced highly decorated vases popular among Victorians, and its waste likely contributed to the colourful “Multis” found on Seaham’s beaches.

A Look into Seaham’s Industrial Past

Seaham's fascinating industrial heritage is evident as you explore the area. The town was once a bustling centre for glassmaking, and another significant industrial site was the Londonderry Brickworks, which opened in 1868 and closed in 1965. Initially using local clay, red bricks from this factory can often be found along the beach, serving as a reminder of the region's industrial past.

The coal mining history in the area is particularly notable. Dawden Colliery opened in 1907 and continued operations until 1991, a late date in the context of coal mining in the region. The coal at Dawden was deep underground and located beneath the North Sea. For decades, all the collieries in the area, including Dawden, incrementally dumped their coal waste off the 12-kilometer stretch of cliffs back into the sea. It’s estimated that approximately 2.5 million tonnes of colliery waste were discarded each year, extending seven kilometres into the sea and significantly contributing to environmental degradation.

Regenerating the coast

Thankfully, after the mines closed, a massive regeneration project began. The “Turning the Tide (TTT)” project, involving 14 organizations, including Durham County Council and the National Trust, launched a £10 million program for environmental improvements. From 1997 to 2002, significant work was done to restore the coastline, transforming it into a thriving habitat for wildlife.

Now, over 20 years later, the beach and coastline are beginning to recover, creating a coastal haven for both nature and people. However, I noticed a distinct lack of shells, seabirds, and seaweed, suggesting that the habitat may still be healing from years of abuse.

Rediscovering the Past, One Piece at a Time

Every piece of sea glass felt like a tangible connection to Seaham’s past, making my search for these gems both a treasure hunt and a tribute. Witnessing how nature has reclaimed and transformed industrial remnants into something beautiful, I reflected on the layers of history that each piece represents—reminding us of Seaham's vibrant industrial legacy intertwined with the ever-changing beauty of the coast.

Tips and Information

I had a thoroughly enjoyable trip to Seaham and would highly recommend a visit to anyone interested in sea glass hunting and industrial history.

For a charming stay, consider the “No. 16” Accommodation on Tempest Road, a lovely boutique Air BnB that offers a cozy retreat. And don’t miss out on the delicious fish and chips from Bell’s Fish & Chips on the seafront—it's the perfect way to end a day of sea glass hunting!