Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Wallsend has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Wallsend.
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Sights in Wallsend
Wallsend is a historic town located in Tyne and Wear, England.Just a few miles east of Newcastle upon Tyne, Wallsend is steeped in history dating back to the Roman occupation of Britain. The town’s name derives from the AngloSaxon words “weall” and “sende”, meaning “a Roman fortification”.
The Romans built a fort at the site of Wallsend and it remained an important strategic stronghold until the end of the Roman Empire. Today, the site of the fort is marked by the remains of Hadrian’s Wall, which runs through the town.
Wallsend is also home to Segedunum Roman Fort, one of the bestpreserved forts in Britain. The fort was built in the early 2nd century AD and served as a base for the Roman garrison stationed in the area. The fort’s walls and gates are still largely intact and it is now open to the public as a museum.
Other notable sights in Wallsend include the 700yearold St Peter’s Church, the 12thcentury convent of St Mary’s and the Grade I listed Wallsend Hall.
Wallsend is a fascinating town with a rich history. It is well worth a visit for anyone interested in Britain’s Roman past.
History of Wallsend
Wallsend, on the River Tyne in North East England, was founded by the Romans as part of Hadrian’s Wall. The area then became a hub for coal mining and shipbuilding. For many years, Wallsend was the most densely populated settlement in the country, with a population of over 75,000 in just 2.3 square miles. Today, it is a thriving community with a rich history and heritage.
The Roman Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of a 73mile long fortification to protect the Roman Empire from the Picts and Scots to the north. The wall was completed in AD122 and Wallsend became an important strategic base, with a fort, garrison and supplies. The wall was built by soldiers from all over the Empire, including Africa, Arabia and Syria, and it is thought that around 1,000 men were stationed at Wallsend.
When the Romans left Britain in the 5th century, the area was taken over by the AngloSaxons. They called the settlement Welsheyl, meaning ‘wall’s end’, and it became the capital of the Kingdom of Northumbria. In the 9th century, the Vikings besieged and then conquered the AngloSaxon kingdoms, including Northumbria. Wallsend was burned down, but the area was soon rebuilt and became an important trading post.
The area prospered during the Industrial Revolution, with coal mining and shipbuilding becoming major industries. Wallsend was at the forefront of shipbuilding innovation, with the first steampowered ship being built here in 1814. The first ironhulled ship, the SS Vauxhall, was also built in Wallsend in 1837. The shipyards here built some of the most famous ships in the world, including the Mauretania, which held the Blue Riband for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean for 20 years. At its peak, over 25,000 people were employed in the shipyards.
The coal mines were also very productive, with over 50 pits in operation by the late 19th century. However, as the demand for coal declined, the mines started to close, with the last one shutting in 1986. Wallsend then went through a period of decline, with high unemployment and social problems.
Fortunately, in recent years, Wallsend has undergone a regeneration, with new shops, homes and leisure facilities. The town has been revitalised and is once again a thriving community.
Vacation in Wallsend
Wallsend is a historic town located on the River Tyne in North East England. The town has a rich history and was once an important maritime centre. These days, Wallsend is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its varied mix of attractions.
Wallsend is perhaps best known for its Roman ruins. The town was an important garrison for the Roman army and the ruins of Hadrian’s Wall can still be seen today. Visitors can explore the remains of the wall, as well as the nearby Roman fort of Segedunum.
Another popular tourist attraction in Wallsend is the AngloSaxon cemetery. This ancient burial ground was discovered in the 19th century and is the final resting place of some of the earliest AngloSaxon settlers in England.
For those interested in maritime history, a visit to Wallsend’s Maritime Centre is a must. The centre tells the story of the town’s shipbuilding past, as well as its more recent role as a centre for offshore oil and gas fabrication.
Fans of contemporary art will also find plenty to see in Wallsend. The town is home to a number of public artworks, including the ‘WalesRussia’ mural which commemorates the town’s twinning with the Russian city of Taganrog.
Of course, no visit to Wallsend would be complete without taking a ride on the famous Wallsend Slipway. This unique funicular railway has been carrying passengers up and down the steep slipway since 1884.
So, whether you’re interested in history, art, or just want to take in the stunning views of the River Tyne, Wallsend has plenty to offer.
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