History of Newbiggin-by-the-sea
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is a coastal town in Northumberland. It has a wide variety of features that take the history of the area back from the 20th century to the earliest times.
The Church of St Bartholomew is recognisable for miles along the coastline with its medieval spire. At this time, Newbiggin had its own market charter and was thriving, acting as a major port between Newcastle and Berwick. Historical documents record that there was a pier here and remains of a hospital and coffins were discovered in the 1920s.
Most history of Newbiggin has been dominated by the coalmining industry in the area. However, the attraction of the seaside and the absence of a large port led to the rise of Newbiggin as a greater residential centre and a calmer tourist attraction. The arrival of the railway in the 19th century and the building of Newbiggin Railway Station helped its growth. Allowing people from all over Britain to visit its sandy beaches, also keeping up with the technology ment that not only was Newcastle and Morpeth thriving so was Newbiggin
A reminder of more recent events lies in the pillboxes that were built to defend the industrialised coastline from attack. These included two each at Newbiggin Point and Spital Point. Further military activity was a range at the mouth of the River Wansbeck.