For more than 100 years, generations of town workers found employment in yards such as Gray’s and Laings.
There were other famous yards too such as Irvine’s, Richardsons and Pounders and we can share memories of them thanks to the excellent Hartlepool Library Service and Hartlepool Museum Service.
We have photos of ships, yards, dry docks and an oil rig leaving Hartlepool.
Did you work in the industry? Take a look at our collection and then get in touch to share your memories.
1. Irvine's yard
Ships under construction at Irvine's Harbour Yard. Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service. Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service
2. Pictured at work at Pounders
Inside Pounders works with four of their workers posing around a coble. Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service. Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service
3. Pictured in dry dock
An unidentified ship in the Gray’s Graythorp dry dock. Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service. Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service
4. In port at Irvine's Quay
The steam trawler Elsie and four others alongside Irvine's Quay. Photo: Hartlepool Library Service Photo: Hartlepool Library Service