Coal Mining in Prudhoe

Coal mining began in Prudhoe in the fifteenth century, but it was around 1860 that the major developments in the pits began to take place in the area. The West Wylam pit was owned by Matthew Liddell, a staunch Roman Catholic who built Prudhoe Hall as his seat of residence. With the opening of the mines the influx of workers caused a dramatic rise in the population. Coal mining finally came to an end in 1961, and local employment is now provided largely by light industry in Low Prudhoe, with many of the population travelling to Tyne and Wear to work. During World War II, there was a large ICI factory in Low Prudhoe which produced fertiliser. Although it was replaced by the factory that is now SCA, its heritage is the Spetchells, several hills made of chalk that was a by-product of the fertiliser manufacturing process.

Coal Mining in Prudhoe

Coal mining began in Prudhoe in the fifteenth century, but it was around 1860 that the major developments in the pits began to take place in the area. The West Wylam pit was owned by Matthew Liddell, a staunch Roman Catholic who built Prudhoe Hall as his seat of residence. With the opening of the mines the influx of workers caused a dramatic rise in the population. Coal mining finally came to an end in 1961, and local employment is now provided largely by light industry in Low Prudhoe, with many of the population travelling to Tyne and Wear to work. During World War II, there was a large ICI factory in Low Prudhoe which produced fertiliser. Although it was replaced by the factory that is now SCA, its heritage is the Spetchells, several hills made of chalk that was a by-product of the fertiliser manufacturing process.

Religion in Prudhoe

Many of the ‘immigrants’ were Irish Catholics who emigrated during the Irish famine of 1845-7, and later found employment in the developing pits in the Prudhoe area. Matthew Liddell provided for their religious needs by establishing a place of worship in Prudhoe Hall. This subsequently became the Church of Our Lady and St Cuthbert, which in 1905 was moved to Highfield Lane. Anglicanism is well served by St Mary Magdalene in Prudhoe, St Mary the Virgin in Ovingham and St George’s in Mickley. There is also a strong tradition of Methodism in the area and the photo collection contains many pictures of past and present Methodist chapels.

Religion in Prudhoe

Many of the ‘immigrants’ were Irish Catholics who emigrated during the Irish famine of 1845-7, and later found employment in the developing pits in the Prudhoe area. Matthew Liddell provided for their religious needs by establishing a place of worship in Prudhoe Hall. This subsequently became the Church of Our Lady and St Cuthbert, which in 1905 was moved to Highfield Lane. Anglicanism is well served by St Mary Magdalene in Prudhoe, St Mary the Virgin in Ovingham and St George’s in Mickley. There is also a strong tradition of Methodism in the area and the photo collection contains many pictures of past and present Methodist chapels.

The Spetchells

The Spetchells is a mecca for naturalists, as it provides a unique chalk-based habitat in the area. It resides in the extensive Prudhoe Riverside Park, which also provides a wealth of other recreational activities, such as walking, cycling and canoeing. Prudhoe also has its famous Gleemen and, along with neighbouring Mickley, has always been famous as a source of football talent.

Although the Rio, Rex and Palace cinemas are long gone, there is always plenty to do in Prudhoe. One popular recreation is to join the Local History Society, creator of this website.

The Spetchells

The Spetchells is a mecca for naturalists, as it provides a unique chalk-based habitat in the area. It resides in the extensive Prudhoe Riverside Park, which also provides a wealth of other recreational activities, such as walking, cycling and canoeing. Prudhoe also has its famous Gleemen and, along with neighbouring Mickley, has always been famous as a source of football talent.

Although the Rio, Rex and Palace cinemas are long gone, there is always plenty to do in Prudhoe. One popular recreation is to join the Local History Society, creator of this website.