A brief history of Cambois
This week, we bring our readers an interesting article concerning the history of Cambois. It is only a brief history, but very informative.
According to a map dated 1760, the ruins of a church were to be found to the east of the old Parish Church. The existence of this church is confirmed by a record which states that a chapel at CAMMUS, ie Cambois, which is a recent spelling, was built by the Bishop of Durham and given in 1204 to the monks of Westminster Abbey, near Morpeth.
Cambois pit in 1968, the year it closed after 200 years
The earliest mention of coal is found in connection with Cambois when permission was given to the monks to carry it from the seashore.
The antiquity of Cambois is proved by the fact that just over 90 years ago, a Saxon burial ground with the bodies laid in a circle was excavated near to Cambois Farm, where the Buccaneer is situated today, once Browns Farm.
Salt-making had been an important industry in the district for nearly 600 years. We can quote the following from Sir William Burton, who said in 1635: "Here is more salt made, and more saltworks than in any part of England, but such a cloud of smoke that you cannot see to walk."
Moreover, Daniel Defoe said that passing through Northumberland, about 1700, huge volumes of smoke could be seen rising from the salt pans 16 miles away.
The tiny port of Cambois at the mouth of the Wansbeck was used by the monks of Newminster to export wool and grain. After the time of Cromwell the port must have been improved.
The making of grindstones and whetstones in Bedlingtonshire brought trade to the little harbour.
The sinking of Cambois pit and the construction of the staithes at North Blyth by the Cowpen Coal Company in 1867 brought in a great change.
The increase in population necessitated the making of a new parish carved out of the large parish of Bedlington, and Cambois Church, dedicated to St Peter, was built in 1865. St Andrew's Mission Church appears to have been built about 35 years later.
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Help please......I was born in Cambois (Sinkers Row). Moved dow south in 1958. I have been trying to find old photo's of Cambois, especially the housed. Can you help or give me any infor. I have tried vrious sights but no pic's of family life.
Appreciate any advise.
Regards Ann