thumb|400px|Blast Beach near Dawdon was used for exterior shots of the planet Fiorina "Fury" 161 in [[Alien 3.]]

Dawdon is a former pit community to the south of Seaham, in County Durham, England. An area of the beach near Dawdon (known locally as "the Blast", a former waste coal dumping site) was used in the opening scenes of the science fiction film Alien 3.

History

The township of Dawdon (commonly spelled Dawden on old records and maps) was in the parish of Dalton-le-Dale and consisted of an area of 1,088 acres between the Durham coast and the townships of Seaham, Dalton-le-Dale and Cold Hesledon. Seaham Harbour was built in the township. The port and town grew during the 19th century. In 1866 Dawdon became a separate civil parish and became part of Seaham Harbour urban district, on 1 April 1937 the parish was abolished and merged with Seaham. and became part of the new Seaham urban district.

"The population in 1801 was 22; in 1811, 27; in 1821, 35; in 1831, in consequence of the construction of a new harbour, it had increased to 1022; in 1841, 2017; in 1851, 3538; in 1861, 6137; in 1871, 7132; in 1881, 7714; and in 1891, 9044." In 1931 the parish had a population of 19,399.

Climate

Like the rest of the United Kingdom, Dawdon has a temperate climate. At Equally there are only around 121.3 days Dawdon Colliery closed on the 25th of July, 1991.

Dawdon Miners' Welfare Club

The Club was a prominent community hub built in 1909 and funded by contributions from local coal miners. The club served as a central venue for social gatherings, including weddings, wakes, and public meetings, and held cultural significance in the area. It also featured in the 2000 film Billy Elliot, symbolizing the community's mining heritage.

See also

  • History of County Durham

References

  • News stories on Dawdon: [http://www.sunderlandecho.com]
  • A thousand old photos of Seaham, Dawdon and Murton: [http://www.east-durham.co.uk]
  • Dawdon Colliery Remembered