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Hendon, Sunderland facts for kids

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Hendon
Sunderland South Docks June 1969.jpg
Hendon docks, 1969
Hendon is located in Tyne and Wear
Hendon
Hendon
Population 12,597 (2011.Ward)
Metropolitan borough
Metropolitan county
Region
Country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town SUNDERLAND
Postcode district SR1, SR2
Dialling code 0191
Police Northumbria
Fire Tyne and Wear
Ambulance North East
EU Parliament North East England
UK Parliament
  • Sunderland Central
List of places
UK
England
Tyne and Wear
54°54′01″N 1°22′05″W / 54.9002°N 1.36807°W / 54.9002; -1.36807

Hendon is an area in the eastern part of Sunderland, located in Tyne and Wear, North East England. It is often called the East End of Sunderland. This area has a long history, known for its factories and many Victorian-era houses. You can also see some tall apartment buildings here. Hendon is situated just west of the Sunderland Docks.

Discovering Hendon: A Historic Sunderland Area

Hendon has played an important role in Sunderland's past. It was a busy place for industry and has been home to many people over the centuries. Let's explore some of its key historical moments.

Early Days and Industry

Hendon was a hub for important industries. Its location near the docks made it perfect for many businesses.

Birth of Shipbuilding

Shipbuilding in Sunderland actually started right here in Hendon. The very first shipyard opened in 1346. It was started by a person named Thomas Menvill. This marked the beginning of a long and proud shipbuilding tradition for the city.

The Old Barracks

The old east end of Sunderland was once home to the Sunderland Barracks. These were military buildings used by soldiers. They were located near the south docks, close to where Warren Court is today. The barracks were removed in the 1930s.

A Unique Bridge

In 1948, a very special bridge opened in Hendon. It was the world's first aluminium bascule bridge. A bascule bridge is a type of movable bridge that opens to let boats pass. This bridge connected Hendon and Hudson Docks. Sadly, it had problems with corrosion and was taken down in 1977.

A Sad Day in History: The Victoria Hall Disaster

Hendon was the site of a very tragic event known as the Victoria Hall disaster. This happened on June 16, 1883. A large number of children were at a theatre. As they were leaving, many children rushed down the stairs to get free toys. This caused a terrible crush. Sadly, 183 children died during this event. It remains the worst stampede disaster in British history.

Home of Football: Sunderland AFC's Roots

Hendon is also famous for its connection to football. It was the home of Sunderland AFC's very first football ground. This ground was called The Blue House Field. The football club itself was started nearby in 1879. It was founded by James Allen at the Hendon Board School. Today, part of that original site is home to the Raich Carter Sports Centre. This centre is named after Raich Carter, a famous England international footballer who was born in the area.

Life in Modern Hendon

Today, Hendon is a lively community with schools, shops, and important roads.

Schools and Shops

The area has several primary schools for younger students. These include Hudson Road Primary and Valley Road Primary. You can also find many shops along Villette Road, like Gregg's bakery.

Main Roads and Streets

Hendon has several main roads that connect different parts of the area. Some of these include Villette Road, Commercial Road, Hendon Road, Gray Road, Mowbray Road, and Hendon Valley Road. There are also some very long streets in Hendon. These "long streets" include Cairo Street, Hastings Street, Canon Cockin Street, St Leonard's Street, Percy Terrace, and Hunter Terrace. They are lined with many terraced houses and even stretch into a newer area called Grangetown.

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