Countdown to Seaham continues with a brief history

The Real History of Sea Glass Hunting in Seaham, England

Tucked along the rugged coastline of northeast England lies a quiet town with a not-so-quiet past. Seaham, now a serene beachcomber’s dream, was once home to one of the most prolific glass bottleworks in the world. Today, its shores are scattered with vibrant remnants of that industrial era sea glass gems that have become the stuff of legends for collectors like me.

The Londonderry Bottleworks Legacy

From the mid-1800s to the early 20th century, Seaham was home to the Londonderry Bottleworks, founded by the Marquess of Londonderry in 1853. At its height, the factory produced over 20,000 hand-blown glass bottles *per day*. Back then, scraps and defective pieces were simply dumped into the North Sea.

Fast forward a century, and those discarded glass fragments tumbled by waves, salt, and sand have transformed into smooth, frosted sea glass unlike anywhere else.

Why Seaham Sea Glass Is So Unique

Unlike most common sea glass, which tends to be green, brown, or clear, Seaham's beaches are known for vivid, multicoloured “end-of-day” pieces. These one-of-a-kind finds come from the leftover molten glass that glassblowers mixed together at the end of their shift.

You'll find swirls of cobalt, turquoise, red, yellow even rare uranium glass that glows under UV light. Each piece is a little work of accidental art.

From Waste to Wonder

Sea glass reminds us that what’s discarded can still be beautiful. Every piece has a story, shaped by the sea over time. That’s the spirit behind the Modern-Day Beachcombing Kit  created to help you enjoy the adventure of discovery, whether you're new to collecting or a seasoned beachcomber.

Share Your Seaham Treasures

Have you hunted the shores of Seaham? I’d love to see what you’ve found! Tag @shorelinetreasures on Instagram or Facebook, or drop a comment below with your favourite piece.

And if you're planning your own adventure, don’t forget to pack the essentials and grab your Modern-Day Beachcombing Kit and let the tide lead the way.#SeahamSeaGlass

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