The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Todd Yard Docks
A memorable glimpse at the industrial docks and timber yards of West Hartlepool in the 30s.
From the collection of:
Overview
At the dockside West Hartlepool timber merchants known locally as Todd’s Yard, the bowler-hatted George Horsley is pictured amidst acres of log piles with his favourite carpenter, who saws pit props by hand, destined for the Durham coalfields. Misty panoramic views of the seaside docks take in bustling railways, shipyards and a rare glimpse of the coal staithes in Victoria Dock.
George Horsley was the son of Mathew Horsley, a local river pilot who bought shares in sailing vessels and then branched out becoming a steamship owner. The Horsleys were also timber merchants and coal exporters, counting shipyard owner William Gray amongst their distinguished friends. The filmmaker is probably George’s younger brother Neville Horsley, who produced many home movies of important local events the family attended such as the opening of West Hartlepool Airport, also featured on BFI Player.
Related
Watch for free
The Disabled and Work The Disabled and Work
Documentary 1981 32 mins Location: Middlesbrough
A film which shows the desire and dedication of those with disability to become integrated into the world of work.
Watch for free
Bellamy on Beer Bellamy on Beer
Promotional 1982 9 mins Location: Hartlepool
David Bellamy puts his head into hops, then into a fermenting tank, watches it mash into wort and has a pint – all grist to our engaging presenter.
Watch for free
Hartlepool Sleeper Depot Hartlepool Sleeper Depot
Industry sponsored film 1957 13 mins Silent Location: Hartlepool
The life of a railway sleeper is not an easy one, and here they get prepared for the rain, the snow and ice, and the thousands of tons of steel hurtling over them, day in day out.
Watch for free
Hartlepool Rovers' Diamond Jubilee Rugby Match with Bob Oakes Hartlepool Rovers' Diamond Jubilee Rugby Match with Bob Oakes
Amateur film 1939 17 mins Silent Location: Hartlepool
Rare footage of Rugby Union legend Bob Oakes and his International XV team in action against Hartlepool Rovers.
Watch for free
Opening of West Hartlepool Airport Opening of West Hartlepool Airport
Home movie 1939 8 mins Silent Location: Hartlepool
A red letter day for Hartlepool aviation as the Secretary of State for Air opens a new civic airport at Greatham on the brink of World War Two.
Watch for free
M.V. “General Guisan” for Suisse -Atlantique Soc de Nav Maritime SA M.V. “General Guisan” for Suisse -Atlantique Soc de Nav Maritime SA
Industry sponsored film 1946 29 mins Silent Location: Hartlepool
William Grays of Hartlepool show off their shipbuilding prowess after World War Two, from the skilled craft of ship modelling to the launch and sea trial of the General Guisan.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
Watch for free
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Watch for free
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.