We view our local area with familiarity and perhaps don’t give much thought to how much it has changed over time. But there are some who spot something slightly out of place or remember an old story reminiscing of a landscape no longer present.
This month at ANNE, Jackie and Sarah consider how our own history and ancestry intertwines with our landscape.
The small village of Great Lumley, in the north of the county, is well known for its castle and cricket ground, but old maps show a vast mining village, a hospital, school and railway that no longer exist; a bustling industrial heritage gone from the landscape with the houses nestled neatly as though this is how it had always been.
In the south of the county, Bowden Close near Crook has a much more hidden history. We spoke to Aaron Cowen, a local history enthusiast about the mining that once took place there. What is now a golf course, once stood streets of houses, a railway and full community that has disappeared over time. Remnants of the reservoir are only just visible in the undergrowth.
While considering these places, our minds wandered to the people that lived and died there; their families and circumstances. Once again, an old map sparked our curiosity and took us to New Brancepeth and showed us two distinct communities: one for the miners and their families, the other for the mine owners and management – positioned near a grand hall and sprawling grounds! The only evidence was a small patch of cobbles just visible under dirt road.
But, how did we find all of this out? Well, its not as difficult as you might think. Obviously, a Google search can be helpful but sometimes, you just want a bit more.
The National Library of Scotland at www.nls.uk has access to the most amazing old maps completely free! A great feature includes a side-by-side view of the old maps with current Google Earth so you can pinpoint your exact locations. www.thedicamillo.com has documents and information relating to old manors and halls throughout the country; www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk has a wealth of local information and archives and www.keytothepast.info documents archaeological discoveries in the North-East – and all are free!
If you want to start a family tree, www.freebmd.org.uk is a free, basic search engine and of course Ancestry and Find My Past are great for accessing all census records, they do charge but often have a two-week free trial.
Whatever your interest, the tools are there and here at ANNE, we’d love to hear your stories. Email us at podcast@pitmatic.productions.
To listen to this month’s episode, visit talesfromthetrowel.podbean.com or search Tales from the Trowel on the podcast platform of your choice. You can also subscribe to Pitmatic Productions on YouTube to ensure you never miss an episode.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
