Shades in Church Street is pictured here in 1989. The Shades opened in 1856 and after it closed in 1970, it re-opened briefly as the New Shades.
Last year, Hartlepool Council stepped in to buy the derelict building in Church Street, giving the on-going regeneration of the area a massive boost.Shades in Church Street is pictured here in 1989. The Shades opened in 1856 and after it closed in 1970, it re-opened briefly as the New Shades.
Last year, Hartlepool Council stepped in to buy the derelict building in Church Street, giving the on-going regeneration of the area a massive boost.
Shades in Church Street is pictured here in 1989. The Shades opened in 1856 and after it closed in 1970, it re-opened briefly as the New Shades. Last year, Hartlepool Council stepped in to buy the derelict building in Church Street, giving the on-going regeneration of the area a massive boost.

11 pictures of Hartlepool and Billingham pubs: How many can you remember

If you ever wanted to know anything about pubs, just ask Ron Lawson.

The retired BT engineer was also a former JP and was on the licensing committee. More than that, he has compiled a vast array of 11,500 images of North East pubs.

It includes drinking spots across Hartlepool and East Durham and here’s some of his collection.

Take a look through and watch out for more in the weeks to come.