Startforth
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Map of County Durham
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Startforth books (1 available)
Startforth memories
Read and share memories of Startforth and County Durham inspired by Frith photos
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County Durham memories
Soldiers Passing Out Parade
I remember so well Barnard Castle. My brother had his Passing Out Parade here when he was in the army. And mum, dad and myself we went to see him at the Castle. Lovely day spent. Many happy memories.
A memory of Barnard Castle contributed by Brenda Vanderwert
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 became the licencee until the Bowes Arms closed. My gtgrandmother was Martin and Anne's eldest daughter. My grandmother was one of Martin and Anne's grandchildren. I have many happy memories of spending holidays with my grandmother in Barnard Castle, staying with our relations in the Bowes Arms.
A memory of Barnard Castle contributed by Barbara Lennon
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 be seen by visitors arriving by railway train. This picture shows how well they succeeded. (The iron railings, enclosing trees, lawns and flower-beds, were removed during the Second World War for armaments.) Across the valley can be seen the old Roman road (from Bowes to Binchester), upon which a section of Galgate was built. Standing on the corner of John ...read more here
A memory of Barnard Castle contributed by Dave Charlesworth
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 in the cellars and every morning we would go there to collect what we needed . I dont know what the Landlord thought having that lot underneath him.
Maybe one day I call in for a Pint and remind the present landlord that he missed a lot of exitement.
Better not leave it too long as I ...read more here
A memory of Staindrop contributed by Ron Smith
Extracts From Startforth & County Durham books
Stockton was granted its market charter by Bishop Bek in 1310, but until the 1840s it consisted of little more than the High Street, a few side streets, and a quayside railhead for Stockton & Darlington Railway. On the right can be seen the parish church, which dates from 1712. Other 18th-century buildings were the Town House (1735) and the Customs House (1730).
An extract from from"County Durham Photographic Memories".
Billingham owes its development to the Great War, when a small chemical works opened nearby for the production of synthetic ammonia for use in explosives. Between the wars the population of Billingham rocketed as the works was expanded for the production of methanol, chemical fertilisers, and petrochemicals. The town centre was redeveloped from the late 1950s by Elder Lester & Partners; the Forum opened in 1967.
An extract from from"County Durham Photographic Memories".
In the 1950s Greatham consisted of little more than the High Street. In 1272 the Prior of Finchale founded a charity and a hospital here for ‘decayed priests’; the local vicar was usually appointed Master. Today the aged and needy do not necessarily have to have been clerics or their widows in order to benefit.
An extract from from"County Durham Photographic Memories".
The Green was, and still is, one of the more picturesque parts of Seaton Carew; the houses were mostly built in the early 19th century. In the corner, with the steep bargeboarded gables, stands Sylvern House, dating from 1864.
An extract from from"County Durham Photographic Memories".
Six miles from Durham and twelve miles from Darlington, Ferryhill was only a hamlet until the development of Dean & Chapter Colliery. With the colliery came rows of miners’ housing, such as those in Stephenson Street, Bessemer Street, Rennie Street, Davy Street, and Newton Street. By the eve of the Great War there were about 49,000 tied miners’ houses in the county housing 260,000 people, or 20 per cent of the county’s population.
An extract from from"County Durham Photographic Memories".