Once dominated by coal mining, which has long since disappeared, the town has shifted to a more modern focus mainly on engineering, chemicals and distribution today.
Take a look at the employers in Birtley over the past years, large and small. In addition to the pits, Birtley was particularly well known for its brick making and Iron Works.
During the reign of Elizabeth I, Birtley's salt production was nearly two-thirds of the total processed in the country.
