North-East History Hub
Local History - Genealogy - Archaeology
Northumberland - County Durham - Teesside - Tyne & Wear
The 'Information Station' for
all your historical needs in the North-East of England. Use the menu on
the left, or browse recent news stories below.
There's also an e-Newsletter and the 'North-East History Tour' at www.northeasthistorytour.blogspot.com
Please forward news and comment to me at: HistoryMick
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Week 14 Update (Posted Saturday 9th April 2011)
I am sorry to say that there will be no Week 14 Update – nor, indeed, will there be any more updates to the North-East History Hub, for the same has been discontinued.
It has been great fun maintaining the website over the past year, but I have been forced to turn my hand to other things as I have been unable to secure enough subscribers to my two-monthly e-Newsletter to make the venture financially viable. Quite simply, the minimal income from the e-Newsletter does not justify the huge amount of time and effort that goes into both its production and the maintenance of the website.
This website will remain in place for a while with this holding page, as it has a lot of useful links in its various sections, but eventually it will disappear. I certainly plan to keep the North-East History Tour blog going for some time yet, though. This gives me great pleasure – if zero income! I can also be found running the British & Irish Genealogy blog – so do keep tabs on this. BI-Gen, as it's called, will be the main thrust of my efforts from now on - so do try to help me on my way with your support.
My best wishes to you all - and thank you to the many who have sent their regards since the final e-Newsletter was issued last week.
Mick Southwick
P.S. Needless to say, if you'd like to thank me for the service over the past year then the best way to do this would be a donation via the button above - and perhaps a short message to micksouthwick@blueyonder.co.uk .
And the shop is still operating!.....
Week 13 Update (Posted Saturday 2nd April 2011)
Zurbaran Paintings Saved
The Zurbaran paintings at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, have been saved for the North-East by a surprise £15m swoop by businessman, Jonathan Ruffer. After years of worry that the works of art will be sold at auction by their owners, the Church of England, and lost to the region, along came high-flying saviour, Mr Ruffer, to satisfy all parties. The Church get their cash, the North-East gets to keep the paintings - and, furthermore, talks are now taking place to turn Auckland Castle into an arty tourist attraction. The purchase will see the works of art loaned back to the castle on a permanent basis. Jonathan Ruffer was born in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, and trained as a stockbroker and barrister before moving into investment management - and, astonishingly, had never even seen the paintings prior to the purchase.
Off-Limits Treasures on Show
English Heritage is opening up its northern archaeology store in Helmsley, North Yorkshire, to enable members of the public to view its hidden holdings from across Northern England - including as far north as Northumberland and Co.Durham. The centre is home to 800,000 artefacts from the prehistoric to the modern eras, and the free tours will take place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on 27th April, 25th May, 29th June, 27th July, 28th September and 26th October. To book, call Helmsley Castle Tourist Information Centre on (01439) 770442. The tours are wheelchair accessible.
Wallsend Theatre Demolished
The former Borough Theatre in Wallsend has been demolished. The famous landmark had been lying empty for several years and was in a poor state of repair. A campaign tried to save it, but the council insisted that any scheme to convert the building into an 'entertainment venue' was not financially viable. Build in 1909, it has been a part of the Wallsend community for a century as a theatre, cinema and bingo hall, and held a special place in many people's hearts. Several items of historical interest were salvaged by experts before the demolition began.
Cleveland Ironstone Project
The Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum and Cleveland Model Railway Club have joined forces in a joint venture to recreate a model of the famous 'Zig-Zag Railway' which was once used to haul ironstone up steep gradients to the main Whitby-Middlesbrough railway line for its journey to nearby steel works. A special launch event was held for the project last week.
Discovery Museum's New Project
Newcastle's Discovery Museum is to launch a new 'Family History Project'. Over the next few months they will be organising an events and activities programme to help people who want to begin their own research, and are on the lookout for locals who may have interesting stories to tell. A temporary exhibition will start in November. Website at www.twmuseums.org.uk/discovery , and blog at www.twmuseums.org.uk/engage/blog/ .
Talks & Lectures
Tuesday 12th April (7.30pm) - From Bedlam to Psychiatry by Dr Jonathan Andrews, at Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Beaumont Street, Hexham. All welcome (£2). See here.
Thursday 14th April (7pm-9pm) - Victorian Characters by Norman Kirtlan, at Sunderland Museum. All welcome (small fee). See here.
Events & Other Stuff
Over the weekend of 9th-10th April, people living in Northumberland can enjoy free and discounted entry to many of the county's historic venues. Details of the Residents' Festival can be found here - and please note that you have to get your hands on the special leaflet containing the vouchers first!
Durham Records Online have issued another update as to new additions to their database, covering the following areas: Stockton's Durham Road Cemetery, Monk Hesleden (bap & bur), Hunstanworth (bap) + Durham Marriage Bonds update.
Week 12 Update (Posted Saturday 26th March 2011)
Industrial Heritage Survey
English Heritage will soon be conducting a survey in the North-East to identify which pieces of the region's industrial heritage are at risk of deteriorating beyond repair - which will lead to a debate about which sites should be saved. It's part of the organisation's annual nationwide survey, and will lead, of course, to the publication of the 'Heritage At Risk' register in October. Local landmarks which seem to be near the top of the list are: the Bowes Railway in Gateshead, the Pithead Baths at Lynemouth, and the Phosphate Rock Silo at Billingham. Members of the public can help by visiting www.english-heritage.org.uk and leaving their comments.
Beamish Keeps On Growing
Hetton's Silver Prize Band Hall is being dismantled and moved to Beamish Museum. The iconic building was erected in South Market Street almost 100 years ago, but has recently fell out of use and has been threatened with demolition. Bosses at Beamish Museum have stepped in, however, to offer the structure a second life at their world famous 300-acre attraction in Co.Durham, where it will be used as an educational music room. Fundraising is currently taking place in the town to help pay for the reconstruction process.
Newbiggin's Women Put Their Backs Into It
Earlier this month the women of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea hauled the ageing (and giant) Mary Joicey lifeboat through the streets of their town to its final resting place as the centrepiece of a new historical display. Newbiggin's new Maritime Centre will be the vessel's new home, and the whole process of getting it there was a tribute of sorts to times of old, when the womenfolk would often be required to perform the task in times of emergency. OK, so they had a bit of help from a tractor this time, but it was a very symbolic moment for the town - the lifeboat itself being the piece if kit that helped save 90 folk before its retirement in 1989. It still needs a bit of restoration, but this should be completed in time for the new Centre's opening later this year.
Stan Laurel's Home to be Auctioned
A nondescript terraced house in Princes Street, Bishop Auckland, which was once the home of Stan Laurel is soon to be auctioned off. The world-famous comedy actor (real name Arthur Stanley Jefferson) lived there as a child with his parents, and attended nearby King James Grammar School - and was even baptised at St.Peter's Church in 1891. The sale of the house will take place at Newcastle Falcons Rugby Ground on Tuesday 29th March. For the full story + picture, see here.
Walks & Tours
A large selection of guided walks in Co.Durham during April-September can be found here.
I have just come across news of another walking festival ('Rothbury & Coquetdale') taking place during 18th-25th June - full details at www.rothburywalking.co.uk .
Events & Other Stuff
A Family History Crash Course has been arranged at Gateshead Heritage @ St.Mary’s (St.Mary’s Church) on 10th April (10am-3.30pm). Ring Anthea Lang on (0191) 4334699 if you want to go along (fee of £10). Also, at the same venue, are regular ‘Family History Surgeries’ (29th March, 5th April, 12th April, 19th April, 26th April, 3rd May, etc., usually at 2pm) – again ring Anthea for further information, or email heritage@gateshead.gov.uk .
Week 11 Update (Posted Saturday 19th March 2011)
First of all may I apologise for any trouble you may have had accessing my website over the past day or two. There was some sort of problem with my hosting company so the issue was beyond my control. Hopefully, everything is now running smoothly.
Spring Awakening
Highlight of the gradual re-opening of the region's tourist attractions must surely be the occasion of the swinging back of the gates of Vindolanda Roman Fort and nearby Roman Army Museum, two of our best historical venues. Vindolanda has been refurbished, of course, which is good news in itself, but the return of some of the famous Vindolanda Tablets to the site is a major boon. Originally excavated in 1973, the priceless artefacts enjoy pride of place on the revamped site, and are sure to be the year's big draw during the duration of their loan stay (possibly up to three years!). Sister site, the nearby Roman Army Museum, near Carvoran/Greenhead, is also very proud of its new attraction, a 20-minute film showing life on the Wall through the eyes of a new recruit. For both sites, see www.vindolanda.com - and an 'official' opening of both will be conducted by the Duchess of Northumberland on 19th April.
Stockton High Street Regeneration
The project is not without controversy, but it seems that the long-planned revamp of Stockton's historic High Street is imminent. A five-year, £20m plan to inject new life into the slightly sagging thoroughfare was unveiled a few days ago - a scheme which involves investment in the 'Historic Heritage Quarter' to repair and restore the original features of up to 16 historic buildings. The old Globe Theatre will also be refurbished, access to the riverside improved, as well as a host of other developments. Locals can view and comment on the plans at the former Johnson's shop - with further information also available at www.stockton.gov.uk .
And Gateshead, Too
Gateshead's planned revamp is well known to most of us locals - and I think it is safe to say that no other major town centre in the country is in need of a makeover more than this one! Though the riverside area is now really quite spectacular thanks to work over the past decade or so, the town centre itself is awful. The disappearance of the 'Get Carter' car park has cleared the way for developers to get started, hopefully, fairly soon - even if it is a Tesco-based effort to begin with! (See here for more info). Gateshead is also thinking about applying for city status - possibly as early as next year, which will place it in direct competition with Middlesbrough (+ Reading, Southend and Perth). A special Queen's Diamond Jubilee announcement on the subject will be made in 2012.
Oh, And Another Revamp...
Not a town this time, but an historic railway station. For a multi-million pound development at Tynemouth Metro Station is set to go ahead - despite many locals not being happy with the plans. The scheme involves the construction of a single-storey supermarket around the existing site - work which includes the restoration of the rusting old station complex which has long been in need of repair. The council originally rejected the plans, but the decision was reversed on appeal, and the local authority are not going to take the matter further. A new tourist information centre will also be created. It's great news for fans and 'friends' of the station, but bad news for existing shopping outlets, I guess.
Other Stuff
Another update from Durham Records Online - which this time includes records pertaining to Durham St.Oswald (marr), Stockton (bap / bur / marr witnesses), Stockton Oxbridge Lane Cemetery, Winston (bap / marr / bur). I think there may be a bit of overlap with last week's announcement (my fault) - but there's no harm in being told twice!
Week 10 Update (Posted Saturday 12th March 2011)
Skeletons Found under Durham Market Place
A further 20 skeletons have been unearthed during the continuing engineering works in the centre of Durham City. This time they have been uncovered in the city's Market Place just a few feet below the surface, and include the remains of several children. Large expanses of the area around the cathedral were used as burial grounds, of course, in times past, including the Market Place - an area now traversed by thousands of people every day who are unaware of what lies a short distance beneath their feet. Only a few weeks ago some 30 bodies were exhumed in an area a little to the east, bringing the recent total to around 50. The skeletons are believed to be between 150 and 200 years old, being the most recent burials of the graveyard's lengthy history which stretched from the 1100s until the 1850s. The remains will be examined and re-buried in due course.
Listed Building?!
Redcar Library on Coatham Road, due to be demolished to make way for the town's redevelopment, is the subject of a surprise move by a bunch of architectural historians to have it declared a Grade II Listed Building. The very ordinary-looking erection, built in 1971, hardly catches the eye, but the London-based 'Twentieth Century Society' has lodged an application for protection with English Heritage. A report will now be prepared and the application forwarded to the Minister for Tourism for a final decision. Read the full story and see a picture here.
Durham CRO Opening Hours
Durham County Record Office's opening hours are to be changed from 1st April 2011. The new hours will be Monday & Tuesday 8.45am-4.45pm; Wednesday 8.45am-8pm. To quote from their website:
Visitor needs and the pattern of archive usage are changing, with increasing demand for remote access and online payment. By closing on Thursdays and Fridays, we can respond to this change, by concentrating staff time on our programme of digitisation and uploading resources to the website, answering the growing number of telephone and email enquiries and cataloguing archives so they are available for research. It also allows greater flexibility for educational visits. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
NDFHS Move
As I write (Saturday 12th March), I note that Northumberland & Durham Family History Society's forthcoming move looms ever nearer. This seems a good time to remind members that the society's HQ at Bolbec Hall, Newcastle, will close on Friday 18th March, and the new premises will re-open on Monday 4th April at 7th Floor, Percy House, Percy Street, Newcastle, NE1 4PW. If you've any questions, give them a ring on (0191) 2612159. I should imagine the views will be nice from the 7th floor - but don't worry, there are lifts! Opening hours will be 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday.
Other Stuff
The latest update to the Durham Records Online website includes new material relating to the following: Stanhope (burials), Boldon (baps, marrs, bur), Seaton Carew (baps & bur), Lamesley (baps), Sadberge (baps), Winston (baps, marrs, bur), Stockton (baps, bur), + more Marriage Witnesses and Marriage Bonds additions for the county.
And finally, a promised mention for a book which has been written by Tom Moss. If you're interested in the history of the Border Reivers then this looks like one for you. Read all about it at www.reivershistory.co.uk - it's called Deadlock & Deliverance: the Rescue of Kinmont Willie. [An article of Tom's can also be found on this website under 'Local History', then clicking on 'Online Articles: Local History']
Sorry, but that's all for this week - a bit lacking in news, I'm afraid. If you fancy a bit more reading, then don't forget the following:-
North-East History Tour at www.northeasthistorytour.blogspot.com
British & Irish Genealogy at www.bi-gen.blogspot.com
Week 9 Update (Posted Saturday 5th March 2011)
Transporter in World Bid
Plans are afoot to launch a joint bid for World Heritage Status for the UK's three remaining 'transporter' bridges. The structures in Newport, Warrington and, of course, our very own Middlesbrough, were built in 1906, 1916 and 1911, respectively, and will be the subjects of discussion at a special conference later this year. A total of eighteen were built worldwide, and only eight remain today - and the bid's co-ordinating body, the World Association of Transporter Bridges, is headed by King Juan Carlos of Spain, no less. The Spanish monarch helped a similar bridge is Bilbao secure UNESCO status a few years ago, so hopes are high that the same trick can be pulled off again here in the UK. Middlesbrough's bridge is extra special as it is the largest of its type in the world still operational. The application process is a long one: should they decide to go ahead with the bid, then it could take the best part of a decade to bring to a conclusion. In the meantime, our local river crossing will be undergoing a revamp in the coming months before its centenary celebrations.
Featherstone PoW Camp Project
A Heritage Lottery Fund cash handout of almost £50,000 will help get the 'War on the Banks of the Tyne' venture up and running, being a project to save and properly store a private collection of documents, etc., relating to the Featherstone PoW Camp in Northumberland. The two-year effort will also look into the background of the camp, through which more than 20,000 German officers passed during WWII. The result will be a digital archive of oral histories, and collections of artefacts, photographs and documents which will be open to all.
Darlo Award
The 'Who Do You Think You Are? Live!' family history fair in London last weekend brought some recognition for one of our local institutions. Your Family History magazine was dishing out its annual awards, and, though it didn't win the top prize, Darlington Library's Centre for Local Studies were 'Highly Commended' by the panel of experts.
Week 8 Update (Posted Saturday 26th February 2011)
New Role for Ark Royal?
One of the greatest creations of the Tyne shipyards, HMS Ark Royal, could be set for a respectable new role following its recent decommissioning. Defence chiefs have revealed that the old aircraft carrier could be moored permanently at the Royal Docks on the Thames, near London City Airport, and serve as a floating heliport for City tycoons. If the scheme goes through, the facility will be staffed by around 150 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's possible the vessel may even be in place for the opening of the 2012 Olympics.
Newbiggin Maritime Centre Topped Out
Despite awful building conditions, weather-wise, on the Northumberland coast these past few months, the £3m Newbiggin Maritime Centre is still on course to open later this year, having been 'topped out' yesterday during a mini-ceremony. The new facility will celebrate the heritage of the town and provide a focus of attention for tourists. Newbiggin-by-the-Sea has, of course, also benefited from many millions of pounds worth of seafront improvements of late which have helped raise its profile.
Middlesbrough Meteorite on Display
A rare relic from outer space which fell to earth in Middlesbrough 130 years ago is on temporary display at the town's Dorman Museum. The 4.5m-year-old rock was actually witnessed plummeting to earth on 14th March 1881 by three railway workers near the current site of St.Luke's Hospital - and was soon whisked off to the nearest institute, which was then the Yorkshire Museum. It's a rare example of its kind, apparently, so do try to get along to see it before it is whisked away again on 20th March. See the full story and a nice picture here.
40th Anniversary for Tanfield Volunteers
It's now 40 years since the formation of the Tanfield Railway volunteers, the body which effectively keeps the world's oldest railway on track. Formed in 1971, the organisation now boasts 120 volunteers, three miles of rebuilt track and dozens of engines and rolling stock. The Tanfield site has a railway and waggonway history going back to 1725. They are celebrating their anniversary with a series of events over the coming weeks - see their website at www.tanfieldrailway.co.uk for further details.
Tommy Armstrong Headstone Returns Home
The original headstone of mining literary legend, Tommy Armstrong, officially returned home last weekend after more than two decades on tour. The Pitman Poet died in 1920 and was buried at St.Margaret's Church, Tanfield, in Co.Durham. The original headstone remained in place until 1986, when it was replaced with a new effort - the original being moved to the National Union of Mineworkers HQ in Durham City, and thereafter to St.Mary's Church, Trimdon. However, since 2006 a campaign has been running to return the old stone to Tommy's final resting place - and the deed was finally done last week when the suitably restored piece was unveiled in a church ceremony.
Events & Other Stuff
Folk may be interested to learn of another update from Durham Records Online. The latest records to be added to their database cover Durham St.Oswald, South Shields St.Hilda, Ebchester, Seaton Carew, Lamesley, and Durham Marriage Bonds.
Week 7 Update (Posted Saturday 19th February 2011)
Churches Windfall
The Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage this week announced that more than £15.7 million is being made available to support urgent repair work to 153 Grade I and II* listed places of worship across England. As part of this project several churches in the region are set to benefit, though details remain sketchy at this stage. St.Cuthbert's, Norham, is one that is known to be on the list, with £83,000 being awarded for roof repairs; and St.Andrew's, Haughton-le-Skerne, is also in line for a hefty pay-out totalling some £146,000 towards tower, chancel and nave work.
Cuts Continue to Bite
After having its grants from central government cut by 32%, English Heritage says it is likely to cut winter opening hours at its properties from next November. As for the North-East, this would mean that the following tourist attractions would only be open at weekends, and would be CLOSED on weekdays over the winter months: Barnard Castle, Belsay Hall & Gardens, Dunstanburgh Castle, Lindisfarne Priory, Tynemouth Priory, Warkworth Castle, Chesters Roman Fort, Housesteads Roman Fort and Corbridge Roman Town.
More Zurbaran News
This week has seen further developments in the continuing row over the future of the Zurbaran paintings in Bishop Auckland - the set of works hanging in Auckland Castle being considered for sale by their owners, the Church of England. Now the PM himself has become involved, where, in a letter to campaigners fighting to keep the paintings in the region, Mr Cameron said that an export ban could be imposed should a foreign buyer come in for the artefacts. The letter gives the campaign to halt the potential sale a timely boost, just as a 3,000-strong petition against the Church's plan was being handed in ... and with the local 'working party' now having less than two weeks to come up with a viable alternative to the sale.
Meanwhile, Nicholas Penny, Director of the National Gallery, has suggested that Auckland Castle be turned into a major art venue. Penny says that the Zurbarans could form a permanent centre-piece to a new tourist attraction for the arts which could borrow works from the National Gallery and elsewhere, with the castle becoming more of a public amenity. Neil MacGregor, Head of the British Museum, has also condemned the planned sale. Could we have found a solution to the problem, I wonder?
North-East Claims Another 'First'
The invention of the threshing machine in the eighteenth century was one of the great breakthroughs in the history of farming. The mechanism, which allowed the speedy separation of wheat from stalks, was thought to have been the brainchild of Scottish engineer, Andrew Meikle - but a recent discovery has cast doubt on this version of the story. New documents have come to light which suggest that Meikle nicked the idea from Northumberland man, John Rastrick. The paperwork, found among legal documents at a solicitor's office in Alnwick, claims that the cheeky Scot stole the plans and research from our local hero, then patented the device in Scotland. It is claimed, too, that the Scottish legal establishment helped cover up the theft, due to the value of the invention. In the documents, which date from the 1820s, claims are made by Rastrick himself that Meikle gained access to the plans whilst he was employed by the Northumbrian in the early 1780s - with the former describing the latter as a "base Scotsman".
Praise for Local Towns
Berwick-upon-Tweed and Seaton Delaval have been singled out for praise by English Heritage in a national campaign to encourage folk to get involved with protecting local heritage. Conservation Areas in the Northumberland towns have been held up as shining examples of good practice in their Valuing Places paper, especially the way in which local groups and organisations worked together to effect change and modernisation in a way which is sensitive to the past. This includes invasive developments like highways, and how they should be designed, built and managed. The full document can be downloaded here.
'Hands on History'
If you have some history-mad young 'uns to look after during the half-term week, or are just generally on the look-out for ways to get involved with history locally, then check out the new 'Hands on History' section of the BBC's website.
Stockton Central Library
If you're a Stockton local you probably already know this, but please remember that Stockton Central Library is closing for major refurbishment on Thursday 24th February and will not re-open until the autumn. A 'Library Express' will be available in Wellington Square (near Debenhams) from Monday 28th. The Open Technology Centre will remain operating from the library building, before moving, at some point, to the Green Dragon Studios.
Events & Other Stuff
Interested in the history of Ponteland and area? Then take a look at this.