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A SPECIAL THANKS TO MR D. NIXON FOR SOME OF THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE |
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The music on this web site is played by the FERRYHILL TOWN BAND and is available on CD from any band member along with the new release |
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Ferryhill HistoryFerryhill is situated in the southeast boundary of County Durham. 25 miles south of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, and 12 miles north of Darlington. Ferryhill was an agricultural settlement with two ponds, which have now disappeared – one in front of the Town Hall, and one in the east end of the town center.
The Scandinavian Ice glaciers began to melt in 19000 BC, and escaped into the North Sea. It covered almost everything in the North East of England. The River “North Skerne” used to flow to the east of Ferryhill During the construction of the Ferryhill railway station in the late 19th Century, a large number of fossils were found embedded in the rocks suggesting that the Gap used to be a glacial, overflow channel. Between 200 and 500 years ago, the Skerne disappeared into the magnesium limestone escarpment. The Romans invaded Britain in 43 AD . And there is now evidence that a Roman road ran east to west along the brow of the hill ,from Binchester to Hartlepool, A charter drawn up from the Saxon period testified that Ferryhill was a settlement. A collection of charters from the Treasury of Durham relate to Transactions between the church of Durham and its tenants: Richard, the Prior, the Eustace de Fery, four aches in Fery under 20d, rent. The customary tenures and services under the Prior of Durham: Thomas, the Prior, to Robert de Fery and his heirs, we grant three oxgangs and one toft and croft, to hold under 10/- rent He shall work four days on each year with one horse harrow, and then she shall have his meat once in the day, and a sheaf of oats in the eventide and he shall mow four days in harvest and during those four days shall find one man to look to the mowers… The Court Rolls record frequent orders to tenants “not to transgress in word or deed, or with staves, arrows, or knives”
Within the township of Ferryhill, there included a wood, which was west of Ferryhill, a park surrounded by a wall, which is now the market center, a water mill and a windmill, which may have been the building that remains are in the west of Ferryhill. The priory of Durham held all these. The Abbey of Durham had a courthouse, which in the early 18th Century, was converted into a public house, which became The Weatsheaf a St. Ebbe Chapel and a St. Nicholas Chapel. There was also a swannery and a fish pool that was situated adjacent to the river North Skern and a holding pond in the market place The hamlet of Ferryhill consisted of a small group of farming families that paid rent to the Abbey. In the Rent Rolls, are the names of: Richardson; Grey; Persone; Walyfield; Wylley; Rutter; Millet, and the Ferry (Fery, Ferie) family. It was an offence to sell beer bought outside the township, within the community, and therefore a brewery was built on the site where Redhall Farm now stands There were many disputes, taken to the Church’s court, about grazing rights and the repair of the milldam. Numerous fines were shortly imposed for driving knives with intent to strike. In the early 14th Century, William Trollopmen, of Ferryhill, was fined 40 pence for drawing his knife upon a fellow villager. It was an offence to play football inside the township. The penalty was 40 Shillings. It was said that it concluded into gambling and disorder, and interfered with archery. In 1256, ‘Fergenne’ became the new name for the township. It was a market garden for the Prince Bishops of Durham at that time. In 1316, ‘Ferye-On-The-Hill’ was the town’s third name.
Robert Todd and Hugh Smyth, of Ferryhill, paid 36 shillings each, to the Abbey of Durham, for their right to mine coal outside the township. This was in the area south of Dean Road . The mines were known as bell pits. In 1354, coalmines were leased to the Priory of Durham for 30 years: In 1469, four Ferryhill men were hanged for taken part in the Elizabeth The First Church settlement. Parts of the old boundary wall, behind the buildings of North Street, Ferryhill Village, dated back from the medieval period when the township would have been enclosed. Narrow passages, like the one between what is now the Public Library, and Morgan’s Farm, would have given access to the fields, and were easy to defend. In 1539, all monasteries were suppressed, and Ferryhill, belonging to the Abbey of Durham, were transferred to the Dean & Chapter. In 1599, The Black Death plague reached Ferryhill, and 26 people died between the months of August and September. In 1615, Mr L Wilkinson was granted a Coat of Arms. Due to the size of Ferryhill, a mere five dwelling houses, Mr. Wilkinson was probably the first owner of the Manor House, the largest house built in the end of the 16th Century. In the street, what is now Church lane, on the old Manor House farm gate, there is a poem that is shown to all passers-by: How happily seated those Lares are, Who feed on prospect and fresh air, Dine moderately every day, And walk their supper time away. Captain J Shaw was the new owner of the Manor House. The Charles The First and Parliament Civil War split Ferryhill into two sides. Mr. L Brock suffered 200 pounds worth of damage at the hands of royalist troops. Parliament won the war, and Mr. Shaw had his estate seized.
In 1629, Dial House, Durham Road, Ferryhill was recorded as being built as a coaching house. In the late 19th Century, it was converted into a private family home, for the Stephenson Family, who owned two businesses: a Joiners, and Undertakers. It was demolished in the late 1960s. The sun dial from which the house took its name was removed and built into the north side of the manor house.( a strange choice as the sun is always on the south of the building)In 1646, ‘Ferye-On-Ye-Mount’ became the town’s new name, thus this was renamed again in 1648, to ‘Ferryhill’
In 1683, Jan. 25, Andrew Mills, a servant boy, murdered his employer’s three children at Brass Farm
In 1729, Morgan’s Farm was built in the town centre of Ferryhill, now North Road, next to the Public Library. It is thought that this was the residence of a Robert Shafto the famouse son of Robert Shafto senior . Robert Shafto junior lived in Ferryhill owning the land running from Ferryhill to Thinford for a period of time before he left to live in Sunderland . He then became a ships officer and hence the nursery rhyme Bobby Shafto’s gone to sea, silver buckles on his knee In 1765, Jul. 2, an archery competition was held in Ferryhill. The competition was national and was called the ‘Golden Arrow’, founded in 1673. There were 20 competitors, but the final was between Thomas Watson, of Darlington, and Thomas Kelly, of Richmond. Mr Kelly won the competition. The 19th CenturyThe following list gives an idea of the occupancies of the people of Ferryhill during the nineteenth century:- Rev. Bruce M.A. – Incumbent; William Cowburn – Post Master; William Elliot – Machine Maker; James French – Blacksmith; John Oysten – Brewer; John Parker – Miller (of Ferryhill Windmill?); Joseph Robinson – Builder; James Sample – Saddler; George Scott – Miner borer. 9 Boot and Show makers; 4 Butchers; 8 Grocers; 9 Tailors; 21 Farmers; 3 Joiners. Inns and Taverns Bay Horse; Bee Hive; Black Bull; Bridge Inn; Clarence and Northern Railway tavern; Greyhound; King’s Head; Post Boy; Red Lion; White Horse; Saddler’s Arms; Wheatsheaf; Three Tuns; Riddler’s Arms. 1801. Population: 507 1821. Population: 574 The coal trade was recorded in Ferryhill, in 1821, when Mr Thomas Arrowsmith’s works were providing employment that attracted other workers from the outlying villages.
In 1829, St. Luke's Church was built in Ferryhill, which stood to the east end of the market square.
The Church was paid for by subscription from the Dean and Chapter of Durham, various church societies, and individual subscriptions. The Bishop of Durham, who it is recorded, consecrated the new church: 1831. Population: 591 The Cut, was originally, planned to be made into a coach road as early as 1832, because of the conditions for horses using Durham Bank. It was in the enterprise of ‘Turnpike Authority’, which hoped to recoup the cost of tolls charged. However the scheme was dropped, following the development of Ferryhill railway. Durham County Council made further plans to develop the cut into a highway in 1913, but was cancelled due to the outbreak of the First World War.
Ferryhill railway, in 1834, used the Gap for it’s mineral line from Port Clarence to Coxhoe, by the Clarence Railway Company. The Newcastle & Darlington Railway, in 1844, ran another line alongside, using the same natural Gap in the hillside. Some 100,000 abic rocks were removed to obtain the required width and gradient. In 1872, the selection of line was opened to passengers. In June 1887, there was the opening of the island station, at a cost of £13, 612. The station closed in 1967, and demolished in 1969. In 1840, Ferryhill Railway Station was built to service a population of 850. In the same year, Ferryhill Station Goods Yard was opened, and was once referred as being the busiest goods yard in the North of England, and during the Second World War, that same goods yard housed all the stock from York. Ferryhill Windmill, west of Ferryhill, was original built around the early 1840’s. The Mill was constructed with dolomite (magnesium limestone), which was quarried within four hundred yards away. The Mill, recorded in 1841, was called ‘Cow Hill Mill’; then later called ‘Hill House Mill’. It became disused after 1903, after a devastating thunderstorm had crippled the foundation. There is a story, that the residents of High Hill House in the 1950’s, 1960’s, had tried to pull down the mill with a rope and tractor, but the local council had stopped the operation for an unknown reason. It is even said by locals, that every New Years Eve Night, the apparitions of the murdered Brass Children of 1683, as well as the ghost of the murderer, can be seen dancing around the ruin. But I am in no authority to say that this story is true. 1841. Population: 854 1843. Jul. 15, The Parish of Ferryhill parted company with the Parish of Merrington. The Vicarage of St. Luke’s Parish was built in 1846, seven years before the original church. William Cowburn, of Ferryhill, was recorded in 1851, as both the stationmaster, and the postmaster. Letters from the South always arrived at 5.15 A.M. every morning, leaving him to rush to sort the letters out until 8 AM, when letters came from Durham, and the North. In 1853, St. Luke’s Parish Church was built on its present site, in Church Lane, using the stones of the former church which used to be in the east end of the market square. The plans and specification by Mr Pickering of Durham were submitted to the Diocesan Authorities for there approval. In 1857, the main road from Ferryhill Village to the Station was laid. The original road used to run down what is now Gordon Terrace, which was the old Roman road from York to Durham. In 1863, the Zion Methodist Church was built. In 1867, the Town Hall was built as a library, reading room, and a concert hall. The building was erected on the site of some old cottages, provided by Reverend Simons, and the Elizabeth Morgan’s Charity. The cost of the building was £700, raised by public subscription. Repairs were carried out at Cleves Cross Farm, in 1867, where the remains of a pit were found. Experts were satisfied that this was the pit into which the Boar of Brancepeth was trapped before been slain by Roger de Ferie in the year 1208. In 1870, Ferryhill Mixed School was built with the house from the master: Mr J C Dodson. Within the same year the same school was enlarged at a cost of £577, to house 200 children. The North Eastern Railway engine shed, Ferryhill Station, was built in 1871, to house perhaps a dozen goods engines. The shed was closed in 1938, and demolished later on. In 1876, Ferryhill Station Mixed School was built at a cost of £5000, to house 400 children. Mr J Aitchinson was the headmaster. In 1877, the Primitive Chapel was built in the village for £840.
In 1886, Duncombe Cemetery was built at a cost of £1700. In 1891, Dr. Falmer restored the Manor House. In 1895, an new vicar was appointed for St Lukes Chapel – the Rev. T. L Lomax. He remained there till his retirement in 1940. He was responsible for the building of churches at East Howle, Dean Bank (Ferryhill), The Broom (Ferryhill), Ferryhill Station, and at Chilton. 1901. Population: 1123 . In the parish magazine of the same year, it was recorded that the parish of Ferryhill included St Lukes, St Columba’s of East Howle, Chilton Iron Church (built in 1877), and Windlestone Mission Church.
In 1902, Balchow & Vaughan Co. Ltd sank Dean & Chapter Colliery. 1n 1903, St. Luke’s Church was partially rebuilt after storm damage, at a cost of £500. In 1904, Mainsforth Colliery was sunk. In the same year, Dean & Chapter Colliery went into production. In 1906, Mr W Watson died while saving 2 boys from a fire in Dean & Chapter mine. A monument was erected in the Town Hall Garden ground, to his memory and courage. In the same year, the Essdesistical Commissioners granted an extra yearly stipend of £50 to the incumbent of Ferryhill to be paid in three monthly instalments. In 1907, the Independent Methodist Church was built. In 1908, Dean Bank School was built to house 470 boys, 470 girls, and 380 infants. Mr G Briggs was the headmaster, and Mrs M Foster was the headmistress. 1n 1909, the Station Infants School was built to house 200 children. Mrs L Rutherford was the headmistress.1909. May. 31, the Methodist Church was re-opened after improvements costing £1160 1911. Population: 10,133 In 1913, Connan Lomax & Co., Ltd built St. Luke’s Church Hall. In the same year, the Broom School was built to house 312 children. Mr T Nailor was the headmaster, and Mrs A Jackson was the headmistress. In 1914, the terraced housing in Dean Bank was built to accommodate the miners from Dean & Chapter Colliery. There were 999 houses, and a chapel to seat 600 people. A police station was also built to employ 1 sergeant and 6 constables at St. Cuthbert’s Terrace, but in the early 1970’s it was relocated in Church Lane. The former becoming a private family house. The building work was completely finished in 1916. Human remains were earthed at what is now the entrance to the Cleves Cross Housing Estate. 1n 1917, a flu epidemic hit the village and killed scores of people. Nearly every family suffered a death. In the 1920’s, the local council straightened the old Merrington Road. In the same period, some up-hill roads were cut off by snowy weather conditions. These roads weren’t used until the conditions had cleared. In 1923, Jun. 30, the Ferryhill Cut finally was opened as a road, linking both the Durham and Darlington roads together, at a cost of £49000. This enabled the increasing volume and flow of traffic on the ‘Great North Road’ to by-pass the village centre. It took almost five years to complete it. In 1925, a 1914 – 18 War memorial was erected to be built in the Town Hall Garden Grounds. In 1925, Nov. 1, a fund was raised to build a Roman Catholic Church. In 1926, a mining strike heralded the start of a depression that made over half the population of Ferryhill unemployed. In 1926, Oct. 26, the Foundation Stone was laid for the Catholic Church, at Dean Road. On Dec. 31, a total of £900 3S 4½ d had been raised for construction of the church. In 1927, Jun. 21, The Catholic Church was complete, officially opened, and blessed by Bishop Thorman. Father J L Power was the first parish priest.
In 1928, a murder was committed at Lloyds Bank, next to the Black Bull Public House. Mr Abbey, the Bank Manager, had his throat cut and was murdered by Norman Elliott, who was later caught by the police whilst he was on his way home in Kelloe. Mr Abbey’s funeral was held on the 21st of February.
The original fire department of Ferryhill was located on the south side of the Town Hall. most people mistook it for a garage. In the late 1940’s’ it was located at the bottom of Darlington Road, but during the early 1990s’, it was relocated at Spennymoor. In the 1930s’, five picture houses were built in Ferryhill. In 1930, Dean & Chapter Coal Works closed down. Schools in the town began a scheme to clothe the children of Ferryhill, during the depression. The Dean Bank Zion Chapel ran a communal kitchen were the children were given a mid-day meal. In 1938. Oct. 19, the Working Men’s Club caught fire, and was closed for 12 months. In 1939, a colony of Nissan huts were erected behind the Post Office in Dean Road, to house miners who were drafted in to work the mines. In 1939, Oct. 21, the Working Men’s Club re-opened. In 1946, both Dean & Chapter, and Mainsforth mines were nationalised. In 1951, the Broom School held a festival to commemorate the Festival of Britain. In 1958, Jun. 28, the concert room was opened in the Working Men’s Club. A large public library was erected at its present site. The former library within the Town Hall was changed into a conference room.
The Wheatsheaf public house was once a local courthouse. Upon demolition in the late 1960s’, a number of Judges’ robes and wigs were found in a basement storeroom, concealed.
In 1962, Dr Beeching, Minister in charge of railways, decided to close down a vast amount of railway stations throughout England – Ferryhill was included. However due to public opinion, the closure was deferred until a year later, when it became a goods station only. In 1969, it burnt down.
1964. Sept. 12, the lounge was opened in the Working Men’s Club.
In 1964, Ferryhill Grammar School – now Ferryhill Comprehensive School, was built near the Old Aged Miners Homes, on Merrington Road, to house 600 children. Mr J L Bowman was the headmaster.
In 1966, Dean & Chapter was officially closed, and was demolished in the early 1970s’.
In the late 1970s’, the original bus stations in the market area of Ferryhill were demolished, and replaced within the centre.
1985: Ferryhill Grammar School was enlarged, and renamed Ferryhill Comprehensive School. The school now took on Chilton, Ferryhill, and Ferryhill Station pupils. Chilton, and Ferryhill Station Schools became closed and demolished.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, two cinemas closed, the Pavillion became a bingo hall. The Gaiety has since been demolished. ----------------------------- In 1996, Sedgefield District Council consisted two safety islands for the public, in Ferryhill. One near Dean Bank Primary School, and the other near Ferryhill Comprehensive School. ------------------------------------ In 1998, Sedgefield District Council demolished the old public conveniences, and in its place was built a council office at the top of Durham Road.
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Between the years: 1150 – 1500, Ferryhill was a thriving community.
In 1346, the English and the Scots were fighting at the Battle of Neville’s Cross the English army camped on the site of the Post Boy public house. 
During the 18th and 19th Centuries, the poor of Ferryhill were helped by different charities.
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