Capturing History, From Sculptures to Roman Forts: A Day Packed with Aerial Photography

It’s amazing how much you can accomplish with a little bit of planning. Although it was breezy today, I set off northeast towards Washington and South Shields, determined to make the most of the day. Despite the wind along the coast making things a bit tricky, I managed to capture a lot of great content. Today, I also decided to try something new—while my drone photos remained in landscape mode, I experimented with shooting aerial video in portrait format for a more mobile-friendly experience. Here’s a rundown of the locations I visited and the history behind them.

Old King Coal, Chester-le-Street: Honouring Mining Heritage

My first stop was Old King Coal, a sculpture located in Chester-le-Street that pays tribute to the area's mining history. The statue, created by sculptor Ray Lonsdale and installed in 2007, depicts a miner standing tall, a symbol of the region’s deep-rooted industrial past. Mining was the backbone of the North East’s economy, and this sculpture serves as a powerful reminder of the men who worked underground, often in dangerous conditions.

I captured some great drone photos and aerial video that bring out the statue’s striking form and the surrounding landscape. Despite the wind, the shots came out really well, giving a fresh perspective on this local monument.

Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium: A Chance Discovery

Next up was Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium, a spot I stumbled upon during my drive. After recently exploring a ruined greyhound track in Wheatley Hill, I thought this was worth checking out. The stadium, which has been in operation since 1946, is still used for greyhound racing and is one of the last remaining independent tracks in the country.

Although the stadium was closed when I visited, I managed to capture some excellent drone photos and aerial video. The drone gave a great overview of the stadium layout, with the track visible from above, offering a unique vantage point of this local sports venue.

Washington Old Mill: A Historic Gem

My next stop was Washington Old Mill, a National Trust site with a fascinating history dating back to the 17th century. The mill has undergone many transformations over the centuries, with its original function as a corn mill shifting as industry in the area evolved. It is also part of Washington’s rich history, a town that claims to be the ancestral home of George Washington.

While the National Trust typically doesn’t allow drones on their property, I safely captured drone photos and aerial video from a legal vantage point. The mill, nestled along the River Wear, looked beautiful from the air, and the drone shots really helped to show its picturesque setting.

St Paul’s Monastery, Jarrow: A Glimpse into Early Medieval Britain

I’ve always wanted to visit St Paul’s Monastery, a site steeped in history, dating back to 674 AD. It was here that the Venerable Bede, one of England’s greatest scholars, lived and worked. The church, still in use today, sits beside the atmospheric ruins of the monastery. St Paul’s was part of the twin monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow, which played a key role in the spread of Christianity and knowledge across medieval Europe.

I managed to capture some fantastic camera photos, drone photos, and aerial video. The ruins from above offer a unique perspective, with the ancient stone walls standing stark against the surrounding landscape. This spot is a dream for drone photography, as it combines both natural beauty and historical significance.

South Shields Town Hall: Civic Pride in the Heart of the Town

Next, I stopped by South Shields Town Hall, an impressive building that dominates the market square. Built in 1910, this Edwardian baroque-style structure is not only an architectural gem but also a key civic building in the area. Fun fact—I recently worked here as an extra in the TV series I Fought the Law, starring Sheridan Smith, and I even appeared in two scenes with her!

With the sun shining, I captured some lovely drone photos and aerial video of the town hall, highlighting the grand clock tower and its stunning architectural details. The drone shots also provided a great view of the surrounding town square.

Arbeia Roman Fort: A Gateway to Ancient Rome

Next on my list was Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields. Although the fort was closed when I arrived, I still managed to capture drone photos and aerial video of this fascinating site. Built around 160 AD, Arbeia once guarded the main sea route to Hadrian’s Wall and played a crucial role in the Roman Empire’s northern frontier. The fort later became a supply base for Roman garrisons along the wall, and today, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman military life.

The aerial video really brings out the fort’s layout, showcasing the reconstructed gatehouse and the ruins of the barracks and granaries. It’s amazing to think of the soldiers who once walked these grounds nearly 2,000 years ago.

Marsden Rock: Coastal Drama

After my time at Arbeia, I headed to Marsden Rock, an iconic limestone sea stack located on the coast near South Shields. The rock, a popular natural landmark, has been shaped over centuries by the relentless forces of the sea. While I visited Marsden Rock a few weeks ago, I hadn’t gotten up close until today.

It was a bit too windy for extensive drone video, but I managed to capture plenty of drone photos and some limited footage. The towering rock formation looked stunning, especially with the waves crashing against it, adding a real sense of drama to the shots.

Cleadon Windmill: A Historic Landmark

My final stop of the day was Cleadon Windmill, a striking ruin that I didn’t have time to visit during my previous trip to capture the nearby water tower. Built in the early 19th century, the windmill was in operation until the mid-19th century before being abandoned. Today, it stands as a monument to the area's rural past, offering great views over the surrounding countryside.

With plenty of time on my hands, I captured some fantastic drone photos and aerial video of the windmill. The drone shots brought out the windmill’s isolated position on the hilltop, while the aerial video gave a sweeping view of the countryside stretching out to the horizon.

Wrapping Up the Day

Although the coastal wind made things tricky, today was still a fantastic day of exploring and capturing history. From the industrial heritage of Old King Coal to the ancient Roman fort at Arbeia, the day was packed with a variety of fascinating sites. I’m particularly excited about the drone footage I captured in portrait mode, which should be perfect for sharing on mobile-friendly platforms.

So many sites, so much captured—I can’t wait to start editing and sharing all the content with you! Stay tuned for more adventures!