Sunderland

Exporting coal was really the first big industry in Sunderland, and the one which caused it to grow. It became the first shipbuilding port in the country, and was also the first place to make rope using steam powered machines. Sunderland made rope, glass, pottery, sails, and also built ships.

These trades caused Sunderland to grow extremely quickly in the 19th century. However by the mid 19th century, the major industries like shipbuilding and coal exportation were starting to go into decline.