Heugh Battery: The Only WWI Battlefield in Britain

On 16 December 1914, during the first few months of World War One, the North East of England was bombarded by the German Navy.

Scarborough and Whitby where targets and had no real defence so the civilian casualties there brought the war and much propaganda to the fore.

Hartlepool Headland was also heavily bombarded in the raid. But, Hartlepool, with Heugh Battery along with some remarkable brave people, fought back, creating a ‘battle’ that to this day you can learn about at the very site, in remarkable detail and visuals.

Heugh Battery then also became the location of the first British soldier’s death in WWI, on British soil. In fact Private Theophilus Jones of the Durham Light Infantry became the first British Soldier’s death in war, on British soil, in over 200 years.

Brief History Of Heugh Battery

Heugh Battery began life well before any war with the Germans. It was built in Victorian times as part of the coastal defence against the French.

Lots of coastal defence posts together with Heugh Battery were built at the same time in 1860. They were known as ‘Palmerston’s Follies’, after the Prime Minister at the time, Lord Palmerston.

They were nicknamed Follies due to the cost as well as the French not really being the threat they once were.

Hartlepool originally had 3 coastal batteries, Heugh, Lighthouse and Fairy Cove.

Of course times changed and firepower changed with time. In 1900 there was an overhaul and Heugh was fitted with 2 6inch Mk VIII guns whilst Lighthouse got a 6inch Mk VII gun in 1907. These 3 guns would be the ones to be used in action in 1914.

Heugh Battery Battle Of 1914

On that day in 1914, at 8.10 am, people of Hartlepool Headland were setting off to work. The first shell came in from the German ships and communications were lost almost immediately. The odds were made worse too as it was volunteer troops on duty at battery on that morning.

The German ships got within only a few thousand yards. However, false extensions to the battery and a large shape you can see at the back of the battery walls helped camouflage the shape of houses from the sea on the horizon. There were a few civilian caualties but it could have been worse.

Heugh Battery, communications torn, fired back. The commander and the watchtower had to use people as runners to give orders to the guns.

The bombardment lasted nearly an hour and the Germans fired 1150 shells at Hartlepool. The British fired 123 rounds back. The difference between the two sides was that the German shells largely failed to explode or missed targets and all but a few of the British shells were direct hits. Remarkable to say the least in the circumstances.

The war was brought home to Britain. There were 114 civilian deaths in total and 443 injured. Plus 7 soldiers died at the Battery. I must admit that before today I had heard more of the Whitby and Scarborough bombardments than this bigger one at Hartlepool.

A good reason for this is that Whitby and Scarborough had no battery defences and with a smaller loss of life. Propaganda for the call up for war meant the news of these two other places required more public attention.

What happened at Hartlepool and the brave soldiers and townsfolk here should never be forgotten and the volunteers that run the museum do a great job.

Heugh Battery Museum

Today, Heugh Battery still stands, not in military posture but as a physical reminder of the past where people can learn and discover not just about that battle but about all its times before and after.

As you approach along the coastal path you can see the guns and the old battery location overlooking the sea.

It was time to take a closer look. It feels hidden away in the modern world of housing and promenade, but the battery and the history is remarkably kept alive by volunteers with an absolute wealth of knowledge.

The collection within the museum is astounding and any person with any inkling of military history enthusiasm must absolutely take in a visit here!

Wandering around the exhibits you get a real sense of the scale of the place. The gun placements and positions looking out to the sea and how it feels like one little target against what would have been a whole seascape of enemy ships out in the low cloud.

Among the key features of Heugh Battery are its original gun emplacements, which visitors can walk around and observe. The artillery pieces, while not functional, have been preserved to give a sense of the firepower that once protected the coast.

Additionally, the battery houses a collection that showcases artifacts from its operational days, including uniforms, maps, and photographs, providing a tangible connection to the past

Collections have grown over the years and the staff in each area really know their stuff! You have a question and the answers come comprehensively and enthusiastically.

You can also take a look underneath where the shells would have been hand made ready for firing. Mock ups of WWI trenches give a unique feel and help you understand conditions of the war as a whole too.

Lots of thought has been made too to pique the interest of children and I could see families enjoying an interesting tour and being so inquisitive.

To be honest, this museum should not be a secret to anybody, if you are in the area, then there is no excuse not to visit.

Visiting Information

One thing I noticed when visiting was the remarkable people and volunteers that have helped keep Heugh Battery as it is and do all to preserve the history and help to educate visitors.

The cost to enter is by a donation amount of your own choice on entry.

Opening hours are Friday to Monday, 10 AM to 4 PM.

The location is on Hartlepool Headland, Postcode TS24 0PS.

Throughout the year are events and special occasions to look out for. Plus you can enquire about guided tours that not only cover this battery but also the old Lighthouse Battery and the war history of Hartlepool.

There is a tea room in the museum called Poppy Tea Room.

Heugh Battery is very dog friendly and they are allowed in the tea rooms too. Please keep on a lead of course.

Attractions Nearby

I came upon Heugh Battery during a walk along the Durham Heritahe Coast. So I was able to savour so many local things to see and do.

After a museum visit you could take in some fresh air and a walk along Crimdon Dene Beach. Or a little south you can get close to nature with the seals at Seal Sands.

Conclusion

I loved the visit here to Heugh Battery. The location, the history, the people. A marvelous location.

Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique day out, Heugh Battery offers something for everyone. Embrace the opportunity to explore this historical gem and uncover the layers of stories that shaped it into a key part of Britain’s coastal heritage.

There is a whole lot more to Heugh Battery than meets the eye. A real learning visit and a great day out.