The town’s name is derived from its location as it is situated at the end of Hadrian’s Wall and home to Segedunum Roman Fort, which protects the eastern end of the wall. Visitors can explore Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum for an insight into the days of the Roman Empire and Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The attraction draws visitors from around the world. The gateway to Hadrian’s Wall, it is the most excavated fort along the wall and features a 35 metre viewing tower and large interactive museum. Wallsend has a famous history of shipbuilding. The original Wigham Richardson shipyard merged to form Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson, best known for building the RMS Mauretania. Much of Wallsend’s history was driven by coal mining, with seven pits active between 1778 and 1935 at Wallsend Colliery. The town hosts an annual festival and fireworks display.