Seaglass
Discover the natural treasure of Seaham's coastline - beautiful seaglass washed up by the North Sea, creating unique gems perfect for collectors and beach enthusiasts.
The History of Seaham Seaglass
Historic Seaham Bottle Works (1853-1921)
The Victorian glass factory that created Seaham's seaglass legacy
Victorian Glass Heritage
Seaham's seaglass story begins in the Victorian era with the establishment of Seaham Bottle Works in 1853. This industrial glass factory was founded by the renowned Candlish family and became one of the largest bottle manufacturers in the North East of England.
The Candlish Legacy
The Candlish Glass Works operated from 1853 to 1921, producing millions of bottles, jars, and glass containers. The factory employed hundreds of local workers and was a cornerstone of Seaham's industrial economy during the height of the Victorian industrial revolution.
Industrial Waste Becomes Treasure
For nearly 70 years, the factory's waste glass and broken products were simply dumped directly into the North Sea. What seemed like industrial pollution at the time has become Seaham's greatest natural treasure, as the sea has spent over a century transforming this waste into beautiful seaglass.
Nature's Artistry
The North Sea's powerful waves, combined with sand and time, have tumbled these glass fragments for over 100 years. This natural process has created the smooth, frosted gems that now wash up on Seaham's beaches, making it one of the world's premier seaglass collecting destinations.
What is Seaglass?
Seaglass, also known as beach glass or sea glass, is created when pieces of glass are naturally tumbled by ocean waves and sand over many years. This process creates smooth, frosted gems that wash up on our beautiful Seaham beaches.
Seaham is internationally renowned as one of the world's best seaglass collecting locations due to its unique industrial heritage. The Victorian-era Candlish Glass Works (1853-1921) left behind an extraordinary legacy - decades of glass waste that the North Sea has transformed into a collector's paradise.
What makes Seaham seaglass special is not just its abundance, but its exceptional quality and rare colors. The industrial origin means you can find unusual colors that are virtually impossible to find elsewhere, including the famous Seaham "multi" pieces that display multiple colors in a single fragment.
Each piece tells a story of Victorian industry, maritime power, and nature's remarkable ability to transform human waste into objects of beauty. The glass fragments have been tumbling in the North Sea for over a century, creating the perfect frosted finish that makes Seaham seaglass so highly prized by collectors worldwide.
Seaham Seaglass Timeline
1853
Seaham Bottle Works established by the Candlish family
1853-1921
68 years of glass production and waste disposal into the North Sea
1921
Factory closes, but the sea continues its work on the glass waste
Present Day
Over 100 years later, Seaham is world-famous for its abundant, high-quality seaglass
Seaglass Colours & Rarity
White/Clear
Very Common
Green
Common
Blue
Uncommon
Red
Very Rare
Collecting Tips
Best Times
Early morning after high tide or storms when new treasures are revealed.
Best Locations
Seaham Hall Beach, Nose's Point, and the areas around the harbor are prime spots.
What to Look For
Smooth, frosted pieces without sharp edges. Rare colors like red, orange, and cobalt blue are special finds!
Safety
Always be mindful of tides and weather conditions when collecting. Check tide times before heading to the beach, wear appropriate footwear for rocky surfaces, and never turn your back on the sea. Be aware of changing weather conditions and inform someone of your plans when collecting alone.