Ashington

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From its early beginnings in the 1850's as a small group of farm holdings, Ashington has grown during the industrial revolution of the last century into a community of thousands still coming to terms with the demise of the industry which helped it grow and prosper in the first place - coal mining.

With the discovery of rich and abundant coal seams under the soil and sea the construction of Ashington as a pit village began in the 1880's and by 1887 consisted of 665 cottages.

Ashington Colliery itself was opened in 1867 after the first attempt at a mine at Fell 'em Doon failed bringing more people into the area in search of work thus steadily increasing the need for more affordable housing nearby. By 1920 the Ashington Coal Company had opened four pits, Ashington, Woodhorn, Linton and Ellington.

As Ashington's population grew such fundamental things as shops and schools were needed. Station Road, the main east/west route running through the town became the main shopping thoroughfare either side of Station Bridge where various traders set up their wares on either side of the street.

In 1873 the first school to be built in Ashington (still then considered a parish of nearby Bothal) was called Bothal. This was situated to the west of the town in the area of High Market. Further schools were built and named according to the area they covered - North, East and South.

The towns first two public houses, the Portland and the Grand were opened around 1890 and the Council Chambers, a permanent home for the local council was built on the quieter west side of Station Road around 1910. The building still stands to this day and is more well known because of its clock tower which dominates the skyline.

Entertainment was provided by the towns five picture houses, Wallaw, Pavillion, Buffalo, Miners (became the Regal) and the Hippodrome. Sadly all these have now closed with the last, the Wallaw shutting its doors for the final time in 1982 though the Pavillion (the "Piv") is still going strong as a Bingo Hall.

Other notable buildings were the Central Hall built in 1924 (demolished 1989) on Woodhorn Road where concerts were held and the Co-oP Arcade which was built around 1925 and still going strong to this day.

Ashington Today...

With the closure of most of the collieries - only Ellington is still in production, Ashington has had to change with the times. Station Road is now pedestrianised with tree's, flowerbeds and a statue of its most famous son Jackie Milburn at its centre.

Future plans include a golf course, more houses and shops at the east end of town near the new Ashington Hospital as well as proposals of an indoor shopping mall either in place of Portland Park or nearby.

Only time will tell......

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For a more in-depth look at Ashington's past click the "Local History" banner at the bottom of this page.

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