Horden, County Durham

The Trust and St Mary's Church

I lived my first 17 years, from 1932, in Horden at the Trust Hotel and remember Lumleys store. I was an altar server at St Mary's around the early 1940s and the vicar at the time was the Reverend Walton. My sister Marion and brother-in-law Aubrey Wrathall were married there. Although I have been away for 60 years I still like... [more]

Finding Grandpa

I am searching my dad's family. My dad's father William L Robinson died  of pnuemonia on 6th December 1924, when my dad was aged 1.  I understand that my grandpa lived in 7th street as a young man and worked as a Hewer. We have had no contact with Dad's birth family and would like to trace any relatives or... [more]

Horden Memories

I was born in Horden in 1946 (Elizabeth Lumley) and my father (George Lumley) (and his father before him) ran Lumley's grocery store which was on the bank top (21 Beech Terrace - now a house but the United bus stop is still callled Lumley's) just after you enter Horden from Blackhall. We moved from Horden in 1954 when my father's... [more]

Horden and St Marys Church

My mum was born in March 1931 in the Easington Colliery area, 26 Boyd Street, and was the youngest of 5.  All the men in the family were miners - they lived close to Easington and Horden for work. The two elder sisters, Doris and Greta (named after the Greta Bridge in Rokeby), were away from home for the latter part... [more]

to Kareen Surtees

Hi Kareen.
I am interested in what you said about your mam and dad's burial and wedding.
The wedding of your parents I'm sure was Rev W.H. Walton before he died.
And when your father was buried in 1980 Fr Alan Bowser, I'm certain of this because I started serving on the alter around about that time. Hope I've... [more]

St Marys Church Horden,.

My mother and father were married at this church on the 5th of March 1960 George Turnbull and Jaqueline Kell. Does any one out there know them?
George Turnbull (THIS WAS AN UNCLE OF MY DADS WHO WAS NAMED AFTER HIM AND MY GREAT UNCLE) was buried from this church in 1982.
This church still stands. I would... [more]

Durham Photographic Memories

This wonderful photograph shows a beautiful convertible car, probably belonging to one of the landed gentry; the two delivery men enjoy a break whilst their horses tuck into their nosebags; and the little boy watches the cameraman at work. The spire of St Nicholas's dominates the Market Place. In 1857 this Victorian church replaced an earlier church of St Nicholas, which dated from the... [more]

Durham Photographic Memories

Once a vital part of the city's defences, the river in recent times has been used for more pleasurable purposes. Boating is a popular pastime, and the river is used by a variety of pleasure and competitive craft. In the foreground we see a couple of moored rowing boats that would be used to take lady friends for a gentle meander along the river on a... [more]

Durham Photographic Memories

After climbing through the narrow streets of Durham, we suddenly come upon a dramatic opening into the light and space of Palace Green, dominated by the awesome cathedral. This great space was created by Bishop Flambard at the beginning of the 12th century: he decided to demolish the clutter of wooden houses and the market place because of the potential fire hazard to the castle and cathedral. ... [more]