Finally after years of deliberation and discussion, the two towns amalgamated on April 1st 1967 and became Hartlepool.
On March 29th 1967, Hartlepool and West Hartlepool finally amalgamated after many years of deliberation and discussion. The Hartlepool Mail at the time carried a supplement and there were many adverts like this one for Blackett's Department Store which wished the new town well.
More detail »At seconds after 12 pm on April 1st 1967, there was a large firework display on Grayfields Recreation Ground to celebrate the birth of the new Hartlepool. The fireworks cost £200 which was considered quite a sum at the time.
The image has been taken at nearby Ryehill Gardens.
More detail »As part of the new Hartlepool celebrations, the first Miss Hartlepool was chosen by the then Hartlepool United manager Brian Clough. The young lady was Susan Stelling of Catcote Road who was a 6th former at Hartlepool High School for Girls and she is seen here getting a congratulatory kiss from Mr Clough.
Susan, who sadly passed away some years ago, was the sister of Sky TV presenter Jeff Stelling.
More detail »This image shows historian and ex headteacher Robert Wood signing copies of his book West Hartlepool. Sponsored by the council, the book was released in 1967 to coincide with the end of the Victorian town West Hartlepool and the beginning of the amalgamated Hartlepool.
The book is still very regularly consulted today by anyone with an interest in the town's past And many homes have a copy. the mayor, Councillor George Groves is looking on.
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