We are often asked where the term "monkey hangers" comes from and also why the Club has a monkey as a Mascot, so here is the monkey legend to explain&

The monkey-hanging legend is the most famous story connected with Hartlepool.

One stormy day during the Napoleonic Wars, a French ship was wrecked off the Hartlepool coast.

The fishermen of Hartlepool, fearing an invasion, kept a close watch on the French vessel as it struggled against the storm, but when the vessel was severely battered and sunk they turned their attention to the wreckage washed ashore.

The only survivor, clinging onto the wreckage, was the ship's pet monkey looking wet and sorrowful and dressed to amuse in a military style uniform.

The fishermen questioned the monkey and held a beach-based trial.

Unfamiliar with what a Frenchman looked like and obviously unable to make sense of the replies it gave, they came to the conclusion that this monkey was a French spy and should be sentenced to death.

The unfortunate creature was to die by hanging, with the mast of a fishing boat providing a convenient gallows.

In 2005, a monkey bone was washed up on the beach at Seaton Carew - whether or not the bone is conneced to the legend remains a mystery.

For more information about the town of Hartlepool, go to www.thisishartlepool.co.uk