German ships rained more than 1,000 shells on the town in the Bombardment of Hartlepool in December 1914. But the town fought back and the Heugh Gun Battery answered the Germans with shells of their own. The Battery remains as a testament to the town's bravery.German ships rained more than 1,000 shells on the town in the Bombardment of Hartlepool in December 1914. But the town fought back and the Heugh Gun Battery answered the Germans with shells of their own. The Battery remains as a testament to the town's bravery.
German ships rained more than 1,000 shells on the town in the Bombardment of Hartlepool in December 1914. But the town fought back and the Heugh Gun Battery answered the Germans with shells of their own. The Battery remains as a testament to the town's bravery.

13 retro reasons why Hartlepool was the best town in the world before lockdown - and why that will never change

The world may be in virtual lockdown – but here’s why Hartlepool has been – and always will be –the envy of the world.
By Chris Cordner
Published 25th Mar 2020, 16:45 BST
Updated 25th Mar 2020, 21:28 BST

The town was unbowed in the face of German bombing over two world wars.

We welcomed the world when The Tall Ships Races came to town and showed them how to put on a spectacle.

We took 10,00 fans to an FA Cup derby with Sunderland in 2004 – and turned out in even greater force when 20,000 of you went to the 2005 Football League One play-off Final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

We’re a town which backs charity initiatives time and again, and a town which gave one of the world’s biggest footballing names his start in management.

There’s much more besides. Take a look.

Around 130 people were killed and 400 wounded in the attack. Yet Hartlepool fought back and in the months that followed, the town raised £13.6m for the war effort - more than any other town in the country.

1. The townspeople suffered too - but they fought back in style

Around 130 people were killed and 400 wounded in the attack. Yet Hartlepool fought back and in the months that followed, the town raised £13.6m for the war effort - more than any other town in the country. Photo: HM

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For 41 years, the Penny Bank had stood unharmed in Church Street. But on August 27, 1940, it was targeted in a Nazi air raid lasting from nightfall until dawn. day after the German attack, the Penny Bank was open once more, even if it was in temporary premises.

2. Bombed again but business was soon up and running

For 41 years, the Penny Bank had stood unharmed in Church Street. But on August 27, 1940, it was targeted in a Nazi air raid lasting from nightfall until dawn. day after the German attack, the Penny Bank was open once more, even if it was in temporary premises. Photo: Hartlepool Mail

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Hartlepool United gave Brian Clough his first taste of football management.

3. We developed the very best

Hartlepool United gave Brian Clough his first taste of football management. Photo: FLR

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Hartlepool is renowned for its caring spirit. In 2008, the town came together to fundraise and buy a £15,000 ventilator. It was used over ten years and gave non-invasive treatment to more than 400 people. CATCHLINE HM1309LIFELINE

4. Always there to help

Hartlepool is renowned for its caring spirit. In 2008, the town came together to fundraise and buy a £15,000 ventilator. It was used over ten years and gave non-invasive treatment to more than 400 people. CATCHLINE HM1309LIFELINE Photo: LH

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