Capturing Industrial Heritage and Civic Grandeur: A Day Closer to Home

Today wasn’t about long travels, but rather a chance to explore some fascinating locations closer to home. Though I only visited two places, I was able to capture some fantastic content and learn a lot along the way. It just goes to show that you don’t always need to venture far to uncover some great stories.

Brancepeth Works – James Durrans & Sons Ltd: A Glimpse into Industry

My first stop was Brancepeth Works, where I had the pleasure of meeting with the site manager from James Durrans & Sons Ltd. This family-run company has been in business since 1863, specialising in producing carbon-based products for industrial use. The manager was incredibly generous with his time, showing me around and explaining what they do at the works while I snapped photos.

The highlight of the visit was discovering some old mining structures that had recently been unearthed on the site, believed to be remnants of old coke ovens. These would have been used to convert coal into coke, a crucial process in the production of iron and steel during the industrial revolution. It was amazing to see this piece of history resurface, offering a glimpse into the site’s past.

I captured some great drone video and aerial photos of the site, which show both the modern industrial works and the historical remnants side by side. These images highlight the layers of history embedded in the landscape, from the site's industrial beginnings to its role today.

Bishop Auckland Town Hall: History in the Heart of the Town

Next, I visited Bishop Auckland Town Hall, an ornate and beautiful building situated in the heart of the market square. Built in 1862, this impressive structure has long been a centre of civic life in the town. With the sun shining brightly, it was the perfect opportunity to capture some stunning shots.

I focused on aerial videography and drone photography, which really brought out the architectural details of the building. From above, the drone footage captured the full grandeur of the Town Hall, with its clock tower rising above the bustling market square. The sunshine added a lovely warmth to the photos, making the building's stonework stand out against the blue sky.

Wrapping Up the Day

Though today’s travels were local, it was a reminder of how much history is waiting to be uncovered in familiar places. From the newly discovered mining structures at Brancepeth Works to the timeless beauty of Bishop Auckland Town Hall, it was a day full of discoveries. The drone photography and aerial videography captured the essence of both sites, and I’m looking forward to sharing the photos and videos with everyone soon.

Northern Perspectives: A Pictorial Journey through the Northeast?

As I continue to explore and capture these amazing locations, I’ve been thinking about creating a pictorial book that would showcase some of the incredible places across the Northeast. It would combine photography, aerial views, and researched history, giving a fresh perspective on familiar and hidden gems alike. I’d love to hear your thoughts—would this be something you’d be interested in? Let me know what you think!

Stay tuned for more as I continue to explore the hidden corners of the North East!