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Wheatley Hill History Club

Durham

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Latest News

Back from the Dead at Gallipoli: William Wilson of Wheatley Hill

To most Wheatley Hill folk of a certain age, 'The Dardenelles' is just the curious nickname for those many rows of identikit colliery houses that used to be at the back of the village's front street. But to one local man the name meant something much more: for this was the theatre of war in which he … Continue Reading about Back from the Dead at Gallipoli: William Wilson of Wheatley Hill

Remembering the Winding Engines

Wheatley Hill Colliery was lucky to have two very fine winding engines. The History Club has had a film of the winding engine working at Wheatley Hill colliery in 1968 restored for future generations to enjoy. You can find out more information and the video at a dedicated page here … Continue Reading about Remembering the Winding Engines

History in action

St Bartholomews Church Windows

These four windows were installed in St Bartholomew’s Church, Thornley in 1866 and 1868 respectively in memory of local landowners H J Spearman and George Wilkinson. When Thornley church was demolished several years ago, they came under the ownership of the demolition contractor responsible for pulling the church down. A member of Wheatley Hill Heritage Society felt strongly that the windows should be kept in this area, and with financial assistance provided by Thornley Parish Council, was able … Continue Reading about St Bartholomews Church Windows

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Wolmerhausen Street, Wheatley Hill

When Wheatley Hill pit was sunk in 1867 it was the third colliery in the small empire of the Thornley Coal Company who were also responsible for the collieries at Thornley and Ludworth.It is not clear who the sinkers of Wheatley Hill colliery were but Thornley was sunk by the eminent engineer from Durham City, William Coulson, and it may be that the same team carried out the sinking at the new Wheatley Hill Colliery. We do know however that the first sods of earth to mark the new colliery, were … Continue Reading about WHAT’S IN A NAME? Wolmerhausen Street, Wheatley Hill

The Martyrdom of the Mine – Part One

Edward (Neddy) Rymer was a coal miner who worked at pits in Durham, Yorkshire, North Wales, Nottingham and Lancashire. He was a union activist and blacklisted from many coal mines and coalfields as a result of this. The following extract is from the above publication and it should be remembered that it is the account of someone who was there at the time these things were happening. It is not a story, not made up, but an eye-witness account of life in the1860’s in Thornley: “The clouds of the … Continue Reading about The Martyrdom of the Mine – Part One

The Martyrdom of the Mine – Part Two

Edward (Neddy) Rymer was a coal miner who worked at pits in Durham, Yorkshire, North Wales, Nottingham and Lancashire. He was a union activist and blacklisted from many coal mines and coalfields as a result of this. The following extract is from the above publication and it should be remembered that it is the account of someone who was there at the time these things were happening. It is not a story, not made up, but an eye-witness account of life in the 1860’sWilliam Crawford called a … Continue Reading about The Martyrdom of the Mine – Part Two

THE MEMOIRS OF Thomas Russell 1847-1928 (during the short time he lived in Wheatley Hill)

10 May 1879 Wheatley Hill Colliery Cheap emigration to Australia and America Fair from Durham to Pennsylvania £ 6. 6s.6d Fair from Durham to Ohio £ 7.12s.0d Fair from Durham to Illinois £ 8.11s.6d Fair from Durham to Texas £11. 8s.6d Assisted passage to Canada £ 4.15s.0d Stem Ship Lorents to Australia £15. 5s.0d Apply to Wm Gray, 5 North Road, Durham for the Albon and Orient Mail Steamers 14 May 1879 Wheatley Hill Colliery Bof Saterday taking splent up 15 May 1879 Wheatley Hill Colliery … Continue Reading about THE MEMOIRS OF Thomas Russell 1847-1928 (during the short time he lived in Wheatley Hill)

Moses and the Children of Israel By a Geordie Lay Preacher

Noo aa’ve just cum ower the neet from Kingdom Haal I Gatesheed t tell ye aal aboot Moses an the Children ov Israel. Noo ye all knaa hoo Moses wus fund I’ the bullrushes be Phareh’s dowter (leastways that wus er story). Weel yors later Moses an ees lads wor workin I the clarts b the Nile makin bricks f Phareh. Noo one of the gards cums up an sez “Howay Moses Phareh wants t see yer”. So up lowps Moses from the clarts an’ gans wi’ the gard. He gets t Phareh’s tent an knocks on the door ‘feared … Continue Reading about Moses and the Children of Israel By a Geordie Lay Preacher

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A Tribute to Local Historian, Owen Rowland

  • Local Historian, Owen Rowland
    1945-2021

Wheatley Hill History Club didn’t know how lucky it was in May 1995, when Owen Rowland came to one of our first meetings. He was looking for a hobby, and thank goodness he chose local history! This quiet, unassuming man who was liked and gained the respect of everyone he came into contact with, dedicated himself to the pursuit of local history in Thornley, Ludworth and Wheatley Hill. His research skills were outstanding. He was thorough, efficient and reliable. He didn’t leave a stone unturned and never let distance get in the way of seeking out a record that he was in pursuit of. His contributions to local history were magnificent.

Latest Newsletter

  • April 2022

Recent Articles

  • Tribute to Local Historian, Owen Rowland
  • Back from the Dead at Gallipoli: William Wilson of Wheatley Hill
  • Remembering the Winding Engines
  • Tribute to Local Historian, Owen Rowland
  • Remembrance 2020

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