Newbiggin, also being referred to by its full name of Newbiggin by the Sea, has a long and varied history dating back over a thousand years.The town was originally called South Wallerick. After the Danish invasion in AD875 the town was renamed Neubegang or Newbegining, with several different spellings until we have the present Newbiggin.
In the 14th century, Newbiggin was a very important maritime centre, called upon to support Edward III in his campaigns against the Scots.
At one time Newbiggin was a major port for the shipping of grain. It is said that it was third only in importance after London and Hull.
Fishing has always been associated with Newbiggin, although later many inhabitants were employed in coal mining, by Victorian times, Newbiggin was Northumberland's favourite seaside town, attracting hundreds of visitors every day in the summer months.
With the decline in the fishing industry, coal mining was the main employment in the town in more recent times, although the mines have all gone now.
As early as 1828, Newbiggin was a popular beach resort, with facilities to cater for visitors. There were five good public houses, one of which had bathing facilities, several shops, and lodging houses.
By the beginning of the 1900's, Newbiggin was Northumberland's favourite seaside town, having hundreds of visitors every day in the summer months.
This DVD “The Fisher Folk of Northumbria” gives an insight into this small fishing village during the 1940’s. This is a very rare film and is very educational.
See life in Newbiggin as you may never have seen before.
This product was added to our catalog on Thursday 11 September, 2008.
