Much more efficient fuel led to complete transformation of local industry

THE Pease family had been troubled by the less than ideal transport links between Darlington and the port of Stockton-on-Tees since marrying into the Couldwell woolcombing empire in the 17th century.

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By the early 18th century, wool manufacturing and every other kind of industry was being transformed beyond recognition by a more efficient alternative to manual effort.

This new form of energy was greedy, and it soon became clear that an alternative was required to feed the must-have steam engines.

The fuel of choice had previously been timber, which was in plentiful supply and much easier to source than coal.