Dates and facts in this map are drawn from the records below.
140 years of iron & steel · 1840 to 1980
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County Durham · 1840 to 1980
For 140 years, a hilltop town in County Durham made iron and steel for the world's ships, bridges and railways. Then, one September day in 1980, it all stopped.
Use the slider, or press play, to move through nearly two centuries of history. The timeline pauses at each milestone so you can read; tap any building to hear its story.