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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Bearpark's local history

Share your own memories of Bearpark and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

Add a Memory!

It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Add Your Memory for Bearpark

Displaying all 4 Memories

My Carefree Childhood
My memories are from 1955 when my family, The McNay's, moved to Parkwood Avenue, Bearpark. I was 2 or 3 yrs old, then about 2 years after that we moved to Quarry Cresent. I loved living in Bearpark you could run around outside all day in the woods, the stream, the farm land and just everywhere. And then call at the chip shop for a bag of chips and some batter bits, also to Walter Wilson's for a glass of ...see more
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Added 17 October 2013

From My Mother
My mother often spoke fondly of living in Bearpark from 1920 -1926 when the family came down to London. My grandfather, Edward Leadbitter, was a miner at Bearpark pit. He worked on an 18 inch seam, lying in water in the semi darkness as he hewed the coal. They lived at Aldin Grange Hall and called it 'The Hall'. Apparently the streets were built on the site of a large house. There was also a street called Ballroom ...see more
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Added 24 August 2013

Hard Times At Colliery
My grandad, James Turnbull Smith, lived with his family on Dodds Street on the 1911 census, Bearpark. John Edgar Smith, was his father, brother Walter was a miner like his dad and his brothers and sisters were all at school. He told me that times were tough around then and problems were always brewing with the coal owners and several disputes broke out. He and other mining families had to dig in and bring ...see more
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Added 26 May 2013

Tracing Bearpark
I haven't actually ever been to Bearpark but I did visit my godmother's family who lived I think, in Waterhouses which I believe, is not too far from Bearpark. I remember visiting Durham Cathedral and going down a mine where I chipped a piece of to take home, (my godmother's father and brother worked in the mine).I kept that piece for many years but eventually lost it during a house move. I am interested to ...see more
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Added 02 March 2013