Brancepeth Genealogical Records

Brancepeth Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Durham Diocese Bishop's Transcripts (1700-1900)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Durham Baptism Transcripts (1567-1927)

Transcriptions of Durham baptisms covering most Anglican places of worship.

Durham BMD (1837-2010)

An index to Durham births, marriages and deaths for selected years. Includes some post-2005 entries not included in other indices.

British Birth and Baptism Records (1400-2010)

A collection of indexes and transcripts of birth and baptism records that cover over 250 million people. Includes digital images of many records.

Brancepeth Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Brancepeth Marriage Registers (1599-1837)

Marriage registers record Anglican marriages in Brancepeth. They are the primary marriage document before 1837 and contain the same details as marriage certificates from then on. They typically record residence and marital status, though may contain ages and father's names.

Brancepeth Marriage Index (1599-1812)

Marriage records from people who married at the church between 1599 and 1812.

Durham Diocese Bishop's Transcripts (1700-1900)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Durham Marriage Index (1521-1921)

An index to marriages that took place in 124 places of worship in Durham.

Brancepeth Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Brancepeth Burial Registers (1713-1812)

Burial records for people buried at Brancepeth between 1713 and 1812. Lists the deceased's name, residence and age.

St Brandon, Brancepeth Burial Registers (1599-1713)

Burial records for people buried at St Brandon, Brancepeth, detail the deceased's name, residence and age from 1599 to 1713. Some records may contain the names of relations, cause of death and more.

St Brandon, Brancepeth Burial Records (1599-1812)

Burial records covering those buried at St Brandon, Brancepeth_. This resource is an index and may not include all the details that were recorded in the burial registers from which they were extracted.

Durham Diocese Bishop's Transcripts (1700-1900)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Brancepeth Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

County Durham Hearth Tax (1666)

A name index to records recording taxes levied against owners of hearths in County Durham.

1901 British Census (1901)

The 1901 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

1891 British Census (1891)

The 1891 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Newspapers Covering Brancepeth

Newcastle Evening Chronicle (1915)

A searchable newspaper providing a rich variety of information about the people and places of the Newcastle upon Tyne district. Includes obituaries and family announcements.

Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette (1873-1904)

Local news; notices of births, marriages and deaths; business notices; details on the proceedings of public institutions; adverts and a rich tapestry of other local information from the Sunderland district. Every line of text from the newspaper can be searched and images of the original pages viewed.

Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough (1870-1900)

This fully searchable newspaper will provide a rich variety of information about the people and places of the Middlesbrough district. Includes family announcements.

Newcastle Chronicle (1865)

A record of births, marriages, deaths, legal, political, organisation and other news from the Newcastle upon Tyne area. Original pages of the newspaper can be viewed and located by a full text search.

North & South Shields Gazette (1855)

A newspaper containing shipping intelligence, local news and family announcements.

Brancepeth Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

York Peculiar Probate Records (1383-1883)

Digital images, indexed by testor's name, of 28,716 wills, administrations, inventories and other probate documents. The records can shed light on an individual’s relations, possessions, land holdings, legal agreements and more. They cover various jurisdictions throughout the north of England.

York Prerogative & Exchequer Court Probate Index (1688-1858)

An index to 263,822 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, year of probate, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).

York Prerogative & Exchequer Court Probate Index (1267-1500)

An index to 10,195 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, occupation, will & probate year, language, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).

Diocese of Durham Probate Index (1527-1858)

An index to surviving wills, bonds and inventories proved by the Bishop of Durham's consistory court. The index contains name, occupation, residence, various dates and financial details.

Brancepeth Immigration & Travel Records

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

17th Century British Emigrants to the U.S. (1600-1700)

Details on thousands of 17th century British immigrants to the U.S., detailing their origins and nature of their immigration.

Brancepeth Military Records

North East War Memorials (1882-1951)

An inventory of memorials commemorating those who served and died in military conflicts.

North-East Diary (1939-1945)

A chronicle of happenings in the counties of Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire relating to the war in Europe. Contains much detail on ship building.

North East Civilian War Dead Roll of Honour (1939-1945)

An index to over 65,000 civilians who died directly or indirectly as a result of Axis attacks in Britain. Covers Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire.

North-East Victoria Cross Recipients (1854-1945)

The name, rank, regiment of recipients of the Victoria Cross from Yorkshire, Northumberland & Durham.

Prisoners of War of British Army (1939-1945)

A searchable list of over 100,000 British Army POWs. Records contains details on the captured, their military career and where they were held prisoner.

Durham Executions (1732-1909)

A list of people executed in the county, including the date of the execution and details of their crime.

Home Office Prison Calendars (1868-1929)

Records of over 300,000 prisoners held by quarter sessions in England & Wales. Records may contain age, occupation, criminal history, offence and trial proceedings.

Central Criminal Court After-trial Calendars (1855-1931)

Over 175,000 records detailing prisoner's alleged offences and the outcome of their trial. Contains genealogical information.

England & Wales Electoral Registers (1832-1932)

Digital images of ledgers recording those registered to vote, searchable by an index of 220 million names. Entries list name, address, qualification to vote, description of property and sometimes age and occupation.

Prison Hulk Registers (1802-1849)

From the late 18th century many prisoners in Britain were kept on decommissioned ships known as hulks. This collection contains nearly 50 years of registers for various ships. Details given include: prisoner's name, date received, age, year of birth and conviction details.

Brancepeth Taxation Records

City of Durham Poll at Contested Election (1853)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Poll of the Northern Division of Durham (1837)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

County Durham Hearth Tax (1666)

A name index to records recording taxes levied against owners of hearths in County Durham.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Brancepeth Land & Property Records

City of Durham Poll at Contested Election (1853)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Poll of the Northern Division of Durham (1837)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

UK Poll Books and Electoral Rolls (1538-1893)

Poll books record the names of voters and the direction of their vote. Until 1872 only landholders could vote, so not everyone will be listed. Useful for discerning an ancestor's political leanings and landholdings. The collection is supplemented with other records relating to the vote.

Brancepeth Directories & Gazetteers

Ward's Directory of Northumberland & Durham (1916)

A detailed directory of towns in the North East.

Kelly's Directory of Durham (1914)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.

Ward's Directory of Durham & Yorkshire (1908-1909)

A detailed directory of towns in the North East.

National Telephone Co's Northern Directory (1904)

A directory listing phone with telephones in Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland.

Kelly's Directory of Durham (1902)

A directory of residents and businesses; with a description of each settlement, containing details on its history, public institutions, churches, postal services, governance and more.

Brancepeth Cemeteries

County Durham Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Durham's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Durham Monumental Inscriptions (1700-1985)

An index to vital details engraved on 1000s of gravestones and other monuments across the county of Durham.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Mausolea and Monuments (1500-Present)

Profiles of several hundred mausolea found in the British Isles.

Brancepeth Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Brancepeth Histories & Books

Victoria County History: Durham (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

History and Antiquities of Durham (1066-1823)

Describes the parishes in the three wards: Chester, Stockton and Darlington.

Keys to the Past (4000 BC-Present)

Profiles of settlements in Northumberland and Durham. Includes detailed modern maps and several different series of OS maps.

North-East Diary (1939-1945)

A chronicle of happenings in the counties of Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire relating to the war in Europe. Contains much detail on ship building.

Durham Church Photographs (1890-Present)

Photographs and images of churches in Durham.

Brancepeth School & Education Records

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge Alumni Database (1198-1910)

A searchable database containing over 90,000 note-form biographies for students of Cambridge University.

Brancepeth Occupation & Business Records

Durham & Northumberland Mining Images (1844-Present)

Photographs and other images of Northumberland & Durham collieries.

Collieries of The North (1869-1991)

Profiles of collieries in the north of England, with employment statistics, profiles of those who died in the mines and photographs.

Northern Mining Disasters (1705-1975)

Reports of mining distastes, includes lists of the deceased and photographs of monuments.

Smuggling on the East Coast (1600-1892)

An introduction to smuggling on the east coast of England, with details of the act in various regions.

Who's Who in Northern Mining (1852-1910)

Abstract biographies of people connected with mining in the North of England.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Brancepeth

Victoria County History: Durham (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Brancepeth Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

Victoria County History: Durham (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

County Durham Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Durham's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Visitation of England and Wales (1700-1899)

Over 600 pedigrees for English and Welsh families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

Brancepeth Church Records

Brancepeth Parish Registers (1599-1837)

Documentation for those baptised, married and buried at Brancepeth. Parish registers can assist tracing a family as far back as 1599.

Durham Diocese Bishop's Transcripts (1700-1900)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Durham Parish Registers (1521-1982)

Documentation for those baptised, married and buried at Durham. Parish registers can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.

England Parish Registers (1914-2013)

Documentation for those baptised, married and buried at England. Parish registers can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.

England Parish Registers (1538-1934)

The primary source of documentation for baptisms, marriages and burials before 1837, though extremely useful to the present. Their records can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.

Biographical Directories Covering Brancepeth

Who's Who in Northern Mining (1852-1910)

Abstract biographies of people connected with mining in the North of England.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

Brancepeth Maps

Keys to the Past (4000 BC-Present)

Profiles of settlements in Northumberland and Durham. Includes detailed modern maps and several different series of OS maps.

Maps of Durham (1607-1920)

Digital images of maps covering the county.

Map of County Durham (1806)

An early 19th century map depicting settlements, major roads and rivers.

Past Perfect (6000 BC-1950)

Details of archaeological sites in Durham and Northumberland. Includes information on trades, weapons, social history etc.

Collery Maps of The North (1807-1951)

A number of maps of northern England with the locations of collieries plotted.

Brancepeth Reference Works

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

British Family Mottoes (1189-Present)

A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.

Historical Description

The village of Brancepeth, containing 68 houses, and 539 inhabitants. In the vicinity of this parish there is a medicinal spring of the vitriolic kind, and another which is strongly sulphureous.

To the south-west of the last-mentioned village is Brancepeth Castle. The old Castle, with the surrounding wall, has been almost entirely pulled down, and a new one is rapidly rising upon its site, which from all appearance is likely to equal in magnificence and grandeur any of the noble residences in the north of England. An immense number of workmen have been employed at it for the last three years, and it is likely to require other two years to complete it. That portion of the Old Castle which was suffered to remain entire, has been fitted up to afford a present residence to the family. In this part the apartments are of a very noble description, amongst which are the Baron’s Hall, lighted at the sides by stained glass windows, and at the west end by a richly stained glass window, in three beautiful compartments, representing three distinct views of the memorable battle of Neville’s Cross, fought between the English and Scotch in 1346, in which Ralph Lord Neville, to whose family Brancepeth Castle and estates belonged, took a leading part. These windows were put up in 1821 by Mr. Collins of London. Considerable alterations are likely to take place in the disposition of the gardens, pleasure grounds, &c. The park, which is well stocked with fine deer, has been lately enlarged by the addition of upwards of 100 acres of land. The Church, which is situated about 90 yards to the south of the Castle, is a plain old structure, containing nothing very remarkable. The Parsonage House is a neat modern building, looking over an extensive meadow in front, around which there is a beautiful gravel walk, half a mile in extent, overhung with sycamores, &c. which affords a delightful shaded walk during the summer months.

Brandon, a township in this parish, is situated in the vicinity of a high hill, from whence you have a most extensive prospect; this place is remarkable for the longevity of its inhabitants, the number of which, according to the late return, was for the hamlets of Brandon and Byshottles, 609, and of houses, 105. On the summit of the hill is a remarkable tumulus, of an oblong form, 120 paces in circumference at the bases, and about 24 feet in perpendicular height; but it does not appear that this tumulus was ever opened. It is now covered with a thick plantation of fir.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

BRANCEPETH (Brawn’s Path, i.e. the Boar’s Track) is a village, township, and parish situated near the river Wear, 4 ½ miles south-west from Durham, 6 ½ north of Bishop Auckland, 10 from Wolsingham, and 254 from London, with a station on the Bishop Auckland and Durham section of the North Eastern railway, in the Mid division of the county, north-west division of Darlington ward, petty sessional division, union and county court district of Durham, rural deanery, archdeaconry and diocese of Durham; part of the village is lighted with gas, supplied from Viscount Boyne’s private gas works. The church of St. Brandon, Abbot of Clonfert, in Ireland, is a cruciform structure in the Early English and later styles, with traces of Norman work in the lower stages of the tower, and consists of chancel with side chapels, clerestoried nave of six bays, aisles, low transepts, north and south porches, and a plain western tower of Early English date, with small pinnacles and containing a clock and 8 bells, three of which were presented in 1859 by the Viscountess Boyne, and two by Viscount Boyne in Dec. 1888; the remainder date from 1632: the chancel is an extremely beautiful example of the transition from Decorated to Perpendicular, admirably illustrated in the mixed tracery of the elegantly painted windows: the panelled oak reredos is adorned with canopies: the communion table, a massive work of the same material, is attributed to Bishop Cosin, rector here from 1626: the eastern portion of the chancel is panelled in three stages, the upper stage terminating in lofty crocketed canopies rising nearly to the ceiling, which is flat and divided into panels by diagonal ribs, relieved at the intersections by bosses and pendants; towards the west end on either side are five stalls with misereres, all under a continuous flat-topped canopy with unique foliated arches carried on shafts springing from the elbows; in front of the stalls are panelled subsellae: on the south side is a wide semicircular arch and a small door: the chancel screen is an extremely rich, but light and graceful example of tabernacle work in five divisions, the finals of the three principal portions rising from a mass of crocketing and clustered pinnacles up to the mouldings of the arch above; in the centre are open traceried doors, and within, on each side, are four stalls: in the centre of the chancel floor are the remains of the tomb of Ralph, Earl of Westmoreland, ob. 1425 and Margaret his wife, with effigies of both, the former in plate armour, and the latter in a veiled headdress and a long robe reaching to the feet and covered by a mantle; at the head of each are portions of the figures of three angels kneeling on cushions, and at the feet are figures of dogs and of other angels sitting vis-d-vis at small desks on which books are placed: in the north wall of the chancel and opening into the chapel on that side is a hagioscope, one side of which is formed of an incised slab; and there is another, also on this side, but near the chancel arch: the south chapel, which is panelled with carved oak, contains two altar tombs without either effigies or inscriptions: placed above the chancel arch on the west side is a magnificent piece of panelling consisting of 27 square panes filled with geometric tracery of progressive character, executed, it is said, in ivory or bone, the ornament and a portion of the ground being richly gilded, and the remainder coloured a dark blue; this fine work is generally said to have formed part of the ancient rood loft but some have conjectured that it once belonged to the Jesus altar in Durham Cathedral, and to have been brought here by George Cliffe, a monk of Durham, and rector of Brancepeth, on the dissolution of the monastery; above it is some oak panelling, enriched with heraldic and other devices and surmounted by the royal arms: the nave is Early English, with Decorated arcades and clerestory and roof of late Perpendicular; the pews are all of dark panelled oak, and have carved ends and tall poppy heads: the pulpit and reading desk are also of oak elaborately wrought, and over both are sounding boards with richly worked canopies: the font of Frosterley marble, is of plain design, but has a singular octagonal pyramidal cover, provided by Bishop Cosin, and full of incongruous details, painted and gilt: there are several good memorial windows, and some remains of ancient glass: in the north transept lies the recumbent effigy of a knight in a complete suit of mail covered with a cyclas, and wearing a long sword; on his left arm is a shield with the Neville saltire and a label of five points; the figure is supposed to represent Robert Nevill, who fell at the defence of Berwick against the Scots in 1318: there is also a rude slab with inscription to Nicholas Cokke, a brass, with half-effigy in academical dress to Richard Drax LL.B. priest and rector here, ob. 1453, and other sepulchral stones of similar character: the north porch, erected by Cosin, has three doorways, panelled Ionic pilasters, and a curious parapet; one of the buttresses of the church retains some mutilated carving of early date, symbolising the Holy Trinity, and on the eastern gable of the nave is a bell cote: the church chest, a work of the Decorated period, is richly and boldly carved with foliage, elaborate tracery and grotesque figures; the interior of the church was restored and decorated in 1865 by the late Viscount and Viscountess Boyne, at a cost of £2,000: there are sittings for 300 persons. The register dates from the year 1599. The living is a rectory, average tithe rent-charge £644, net yearly value £574, including glebe, with house, in the gift of Viscount Boyne, and held since 1854 by the Rev. Arthur Duncombe Shafto M.A. of Durham University, and J.P. CO. Durham. The rectory house is in a pleasant situation adjoining the church. Daniel Brevint, afterwards Dean of Lincoln, was rector here 1662-95. There is a Primitive Methodist chapel at Page Bank. Brancepeth Castle, the residence of Viscount Boyne, situated in a beautifully wooded park of 400 acres, is reputed to date from an earlier period, as a castle, than any other in the county, having been held by the family of Bulmer previous to the Conquest; in the 12th century, by the marriage of Emma, daughter and heiress of Bertram de Bulmer, then lord, with Geoffrey de Nevill, it became the property of the Nevills, and so continued, until in 1569, Charles Nevill, 6th Earl of Westmoreland, having joined in the insurrection in the North against Queen Elizabeth, lost his estates, which remained in the Crown up to 1629, when they were sold, and after a series of alienations, were purchased about 1790 by Wiliam Russell esq. whose granddaughter Emma Maria succeeded to the property, and married Gustavus Frederick, 7th Viscount. Boyne, who was created Baron Brancepeth, 31 Aug. 1866. The existing castle, though containing some ancient portions, is chiefly the work of Matthew Russell esq. M.P, who is said to have expended on the ruined structure purchased by his father, more than a quarter of a million of money; the general effect, owing to the bold and irregula masses of its towers and their projecting buttresses, rising into embattled turrets above the crenellated parapets, is striking, especially on the west and south, the towers on which side are supposed to have been built by Ralph Nevill, 1st Earl of Westmoreland, in 1398: the buildings generally inclose a spacious courtyard, entered by a debased Norman archway at the northeast angle: the north, east and south sides were defended by a moat, of which there are now 110 traces; on the west the castle was protected by a declivity and outworks, portions of which still remain: the cellars of the ancient fabric also exist, and retain their groined vaulting: of the apartments, that known as “The Baron’s hall” is ancient, and contains a collection of arms and armour of various periods, and at the west end is a fine stained window representing the battle of Nevill’s Cross (Oct 17, 1346), in which some of the weapons here preserved are said to have been used: the drawing room, hung with red damask, is adorned with family portraits, and in the gallery leading to the library are placed 104 complete suits of armour and arms dating from the 17th century; over the entrance hang the old colours of the Westmoreland Volunteers; at the extreme end is a handsome screen filled with stained glass representing Edward III. and Queen Philippa, and the walls are hung with valuable tapestry: the front hall is also adorned with armour, including a suit said to have been worn by David Bruce, King of Scotland: the remaining rooms comprise library, billiard room, and a private chapel, restored by the present Viscount Boyne and seating about 100 persons; it contains brasses to the late Matthew Russell esq. and his family, and a reredos erected to the memory of Emma Maria, Viscountess Boyne, who died 29 April, 1870. The township of Brancepeth is the property of Viscount Boyne, who is also lord of the manor and proprietor of the mines and minerals. Brancepeth colliery is worked by Messrs. Strakers and Love, and is situated south-west of the village: at Page Bank are the South Durham collieries, worked by Messrs. Bell Brothers Limited. The soil consists of loam and strong soil; subsoil, gravelly. The chief crops are grass. The area of the township is 3,749 acres; rateable value, £18,234; and the population in 1871 was 1,558, and 1881, 344.

Schools: —

National (mixed), built in 1857, by Lady Boyne, for 150 children; average attendance, 63.

British, Page bank, Stockley, built in 1874, for 350 children; average attendance, 280.

Kelly's Directory of Durham (1890)

Most Common Surnames in Brancepeth

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Durham Ward
1Smith6581:655.39%1
2Brown4441:974.63%2
3Wilson4111:1044.76%4
4Hall3701:1165.63%8
5Bell3611:1195.39%7
6Robson3501:1234.93%6
7Thompson3441:1253.73%3
8Johnson3281:1315.59%9
9Richardson3241:1326.60%11
10Robinson3081:1393.96%5
11Wilkinson2901:1487.72%18
12Jackson2881:1498.20%21
13Taylor2451:1755.07%13
14Jones2371:1818.38%34
15Simpson2091:2056.65%28
16Dixon2061:2085.31%16
17Stephenson1871:2295.91%27
18Young1851:2324.85%17
19Hutchinson1791:2406.20%31
20Walker1771:2424.33%14
21Watson1661:2582.84%10
21Davison1661:2584.79%22
23White1651:2606.54%40
23Hodgson1651:2605.72%32
25Harrison1641:2624.17%15
26Anderson1621:2655.08%26
26Dawson1621:2657.72%48
28Maddison1561:27511.45%79
29Elliott1471:2926.31%43
29Carr1471:2925.07%30
31Scott1441:2982.94%12
31Pearson1441:2986.73%46
31Dunn1441:2986.98%50
31Nicholson1441:2985.29%36
35Reed1411:3046.80%49
36Hughes1381:31110.65%85
37Williams1351:3186.72%51
38Armstrong1341:3203.61%19
39Graham1291:3324.16%29
39Atkinson1291:3323.62%20
41Turnbull1271:3384.68%37
42Charlton1251:3435.33%42
43Moore1241:3466.68%57
43Forster1241:3464.68%38
45Henderson1221:3523.58%24
46Clark1211:3543.55%23
46Mason1211:3548.13%69
48Coates1171:3678.53%77
49Wright1111:3863.87%33
49Green1111:3865.90%55
49Walton1111:3864.54%41
52Davis1101:3909.98%106
52Gray1101:3904.83%44
54Wood1091:3934.17%39
55Dent1081:39712.89%140
56Foster1071:4015.06%47
57Cook1061:4055.51%54
58Race1021:42117.50%218
59Dodds1011:4255.24%53
60Allison1001:4299.33%109
60Hopper1001:4299.88%114
60Alderson1001:4297.99%90
63Lee991:4335.82%62
63Hunter991:4333.07%25
63Lawson991:4335.70%60
63Welsh991:43311.96%141
67Lamb981:4387.17%78
68Hope961:4479.41%113
69Turner911:4715.55%63
69Calvert911:47116.61%240
71Roberts901:4779.74%128
71Martin901:4775.16%59
73Sanderson881:4875.69%65
74Gill871:49311.79%159
75Ward861:4994.30%52
75Barker861:4996.98%91
77Fox831:51713.41%203
77Stoker831:51711.94%179
79Shaw821:5236.73%93
79Hardy821:5235.82%75
79Todd821:5234.63%58
79Coulson821:5237.19%102
83Pattison811:5306.32%87
84Emmerson801:53610.58%157
85Chapman791:5435.23%66
86Gibson781:5502.84%35
86Milburn781:5509.47%145
86Pinkney781:55018.84%324
89Miller771:5573.49%45
89Oliver771:5574.50%61
89Parkin771:5578.89%134
92Burns761:5645.81%83
93Murphy751:5726.71%104
94Carter731:5885.32%76
95Parker721:5964.40%64
95Newton721:5965.50%83
95Nelson721:5966.72%109
98Peacock671:6406.69%116
99Bailey661:6509.78%189
99Winter661:6509.61%181
101Pickering651:6608.11%149
102Evans631:6816.80%127
102Cooper631:6814.64%80
102Craggs631:6818.73%168
105Bowman611:7036.22%119
105Bainbridge611:7034.13%70
107Edwards601:7158.51%175
107Harle601:71524.19%559
109Urwin591:7278.09%163
110Storey571:7524.22%81
110Rutherford571:7524.81%99
110Gibbon571:7529.39%206
110Close571:75213.80%326
110Raine571:7524.50%89
115Longstaff561:7666.45%133
115Herron561:76616.92%421
117Fletcher551:7805.93%126
117Kelly551:7803.66%68
117Williamson551:7805.21%111
117Savage551:78025.11%635
117Liddle551:7804.75%101
117Bowes551:78011.29%278
123Gardiner541:79413.95%347
123Myers541:79411.44%286
125Howe531:8095.68%125
125Hewitson531:80911.75%298
127Campbell521:8254.07%88
127Mills521:8257.82%190
127Parkinson521:8257.87%191
127Potts521:8253.56%71
127Whitfield521:8255.08%112
132Marshall511:8412.71%55
133Fleming501:85814.97%415
133Wharton501:85814.04%393
133Peart501:8589.09%239
136Willis491:8755.47%131
136Heslop491:8754.90%117
136Dowson491:8758.39%217
139Morris481:8945.62%138
139Hutton481:89412.83%367
139Westgarth481:89416.27%474
142Holmes471:9133.88%96
142Welch471:9137.37%198
144Mitchell461:9324.12%104
144Adamson461:9323.81%97
144Lowes461:9325.84%152
144Minto461:93216.55%498
148Wallace441:9754.48%118
148Clough441:97512.43%395
148Etherington441:97510.48%316
148Dover441:97530.56%948
148Pears441:97521.46%673
153McDonald431:9973.58%98
153Allen431:9973.54%94
153Briggs431:9977.43%221
153Dobson431:9973.19%82
153Carroll431:99712.76%413
153Fawcett431:9977.31%211
153Moor431:9976.81%201
153Moses431:99711.38%361
161Coxon421:1,0217.55%235
162Thomas411:1,0464.34%122
162Baker411:1,0465.10%148
162Allan411:1,0465.72%169
162Kennedy411:1,0464.76%136
162Chambers411:1,0465.30%154
162Spence411:1,0464.76%135
162Appleby411:1,0465.27%153
162Curry411:1,0462.90%74
162Musgrave411:1,04619.90%672
171Benson401:1,07212.62%443
171Doyle401:1,07211.76%409
171Bland401:1,0728.95%302
171Waugh401:1,0727.38%244
171Tindale401:1,07211.63%405
176Hudson391:1,1003.20%92
176Bird391:1,1008.32%289
176Jameson391:1,1007.49%255
176Beckwith391:1,10019.40%689
180Harris381:1,1294.65%146
180Murray381:1,1292.52%67
180Rowe381:1,1298.72%310
180Tomlinson381:1,12917.04%620
180Lister381:1,1298.56%303
180Manners381:1,12920.65%746
186Bennett371:1,1595.41%182
186Archer371:1,1598.33%303
186Cairns371:1,1595.77%196
186English371:1,1595.11%166
190Clarke361:1,1914.72%156
190James361:1,1914.19%137
190Marsh361:1,19115.86%607
190Grey361:1,1915.08%173
190Laws361:1,1916.73%247
190Harker361:1,1917.38%276
190Cummins361:1,19114.81%568
190Hanley361:1,19120.93%795
190Vasey361:1,1919.33%350
199Lewis351:1,2255.01%176
199Burton351:1,2255.73%204
199Hayes351:1,22514.58%572
199Cunningham351:1,2256.69%253
199Tate351:1,2253.59%120
199Routledge351:1,2259.70%383