Greta Bridge, County Durham

The Parkinson Family

George Parkinson and his wife, Ann (nee Bowron) married:13.5.1845 at Rokeby Parish Church. After living and working at Balder Mill, just outside Cotherstone, the family moved to live at Desmesne Mill around 1853/4. The Mill has been renovated, but when The Parkinson family were there, they would have lived in the cottages. During their time... [more]

The Parkinson/Walker/Ashmore/Bowron and related families.

My grandmother Hilda Parkinson was born in No. 2, Baliol Street, Barnard Castle on the 26th of October, 1898. She was the first child of John George Parkinson and Libby Walker. John George Parkinson was born 3.10.1870 in Bridgegate and was the son of George Parkinson (Junior) and Annie Ashmore. John George Parkinson married Libby Walker (daughter of Joseph Walker (Tailor) and... [more]

Bowes Arms Public House

The building on the right of the photograph with the sign above the door is, I believe, the Bowes Arms Public House. My 3xgt grandparents, Martin and Ann Bell, were the licencees. When Martin died in 1883 Ann took over the licence until she died in 1903 when her youngest daughter then took over the licence. Eventually Martin and Ann's granddaughter... [more]

Postman standing on the corner of Galgate West with John Street

The Postman is believed to be John Blenkinsop.

Five of the entrances to   ‘Barney’   have the word   ‘gate’   (meaning   ‘way’)   in their street names.   Galgate is the northern way into the town centre.   In the 1880’s the then Local Board of Health was much concerned with making it a more dignified approach, especially as this was the first street to... [more]

Staindrop

I have been to Staindrop. My mother and granny were born there, it's a lovely village.

The Local

I would like to visit Staindrop again sometime to see how much it has changed since 1943. I was serving with the R.Es and we were in a tented camp on the outskirts of the town and doing Army Exercises out on the Moors and using live ammunition.
 I remember the local Pub because all the "live" stuff was kept... [more]

Matchbox and Dinky toys

I grew up at Barforth Hall and left when I was 18. I used to spend my pocket money on toy cars with Mrs Brown in this dark and evocative shop, the memory has never left me. I would also go to buy my parents' Christmas present here every year. My parents still have a cottage on the green and... [more]

The Corner Shop

The corner shop was owned by my Aunt May. My sister Betty used to help out at holiday times. I used to spend a lot of summer times in Gainford and I still have an affectionate feeling for it. I have memories of the Andersons,who used to live next to St Peter's School (I think I have that name right), who... [more]