Steetley Magnesite Works were opened in 1937 and were built to extract magnesium from sea water. They were often called the Palliser works and were owned for most of the time by Steetley of Worksop. Production increased in 1939 because the site was the only one in the UK producing much needed magnesite in World War 2 for steel production.
In 1997, the company was sold to Britmag and was again sold in 2002 to CJC Chemicals but neither of these companies enjoyed success and it was closed in 2005.
The chimney, which could be seen from great distance up the Durham coast was built in 1961, and in 2012 was demolished aided by a young boy who had won the privilidge of firing the explosive in a raffle for Hartlepool Hospice.
After many problems with the safety of the derelict plant and youngsters attracted by the similarity of it to swimming pools and diving boards, Hartlepool Council have finally cleared the site now.
Takenin 1999 from West View Road looking towards the Headland, the now demolished Brus Arms is on the right and Steetley is on the skyline.
More detail »Taken in August 1983 at Crimdon looking towards Hartlepool and Steetley Magnesite. The chimney and pier are clearly visible.
More detail »Looking north towards the Steetley Works from the turning circle at the end of the Promenade. The cylindrical concrete structure behaind the fence id the base of a WW2 spigot mortar.
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General view of reaction system showing the two reaction tanks and settling tank.
pre 1997
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The flow of sea water throughout the plant is controlled from this central panel.
pre 1997
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One of three settling tanks.
pre 1997
(Note the railway line on the left and the lovely view up the Durham coast)
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Dolime hydration plant where dolime is slaked with fresh water to a fine dry powder.
More detail »Railway wagons at the Steetley Magnesite Works.
More detail »The photograph has been taken on waste land in Old Cemetery Road looking towards Steetley in May 1999. The brick wall is that of Hartlepool Old Cemetery (often known as Spion Kop) The Jewish Cemetery entrance can just be identified by pillars in the wall close to Steetley.
More detail »Taken in 1999 from Hartlepool Trading Estate, Steetley can be seen behind the railway embankment. On the right of the photo is The Touchdown Inn opened in 1958 and closed in 2007. It is currently a Chinese restaurant.
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