Elizabeth Hampson’s Books

The books of Elizabeth Hampson

Elizabeth (Beth) Hampson has prepared three invaluable books, two for Sunderland Point and one for Overton. Each contains a mass of useful information, and they are an indispensable source for anyone interested in these fascinating places.

Beth describes herself as more of a family historian and each volume contains family histories, research into significant past residents and newspaper cuttings. They are illustrated with many concise images and photographs. Beth has a light and easy-to-read writing style which adds to the pleasure of reading these books

For several years Beth worked with Jeremy Gibson of the Federation of Family History Societies helping to produce Family History Booklets and she co-authored with him for several titles. This was before the advent of the internet, and there were titles such as “Specialist Indexes for Family Historians” and “Marriage Indexes for Family Historians” amongst others.

She also says that Sunderland Point is in her blood. Beth has a long association with the Point reaching back to 1850, with four generations of her family holidaying at the Point. Her great grandfather Alderman John Turney visiting Wave Crest on Second Terrace for 50 years up to 1938.

This website already owes a considerable debt to Beth. She has been tireless in tracking down information from many sources for us to provide insight into past events and people.

In retirement Beth has had time to re-visit childhood memories many of which are of Sunderland Point. We rang and asked if she would send a photo of herself at SP and perhaps a couple of favourite SP photos

Beth Hampson at the stone pillar From the collection of Beth Hampson

‘If anything, says “Sunderland Point” to me it is the stone pillars on the 1st and 2nd Terrace’.

Photo from the collection of Beth Hampson

‘I took this photograph on one of my visits and I also had the privilege of seeing this lovely metal sculpture created by Ray Schofield who used to live on Sunderland Point’.

Dolphin House shortly after completion of building c.1914. From the collection of Beth Hampson.

This picture of Dolphin House is another favourite picture, one that I never saw, it’s view was always hidden in the vegetation’. 

Beth has very generously donated the contribution on sales of her books to the Mission Heritage Centre Trust which has been established to restore the Mission Church for use by residents and the public.

Copies cost £6.50 each or all three for £18. P&P £1.50. Orders from the immediate local area can be delivered free. They may be obtained in person by calling at number 7 or number 14 on the Point, or by contacting Lynne Levey at  lynne.levey@icloud.comor Alan Smith at alandsmith7@hotmail.co.uk

For an electronic copy at £5 please contact Beth direct at her email address beth.hampson@hotmail.co.uk

Also available for sale is a reprint of Hugh Cunliffe’s indispensable book ‘The Short History of Sunderland Point from the Early Days to Modern Times’ also priced at £6.50. A copy may be obtained by contacting Lynne or Alan as well as at the two addresses at Sunderland Point.