Gainford Genealogical Records

Gainford 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.

Gainford Baptisms (1560-1784)

A searchable database containing transcriptions of baptism registers. These records may help trace a family as far back as 1560.

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.

Gainford 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.

Gainford Marriage Records (1569-1763)

A searchable transcript of marriages from the parish registers of Gainford. They may list residence, marital status, witnesses and more.

Gainford Marriage Registers (1556-1837)

Marriage registers are the primary source for marital documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They typically record marital status and residence. Details may also be given on a party's parents, age and parish of origin.

Gainford Banns Registers (1653-1754)

Banns registers list the names of people who intended to marry by the system of calling banns, in which the bride and groom's name were called for three weeks at church. At these callings objections could be made to a marriage. Thus they record any intended marriages that didn't occur.

Gainford Marriage Index (1569-1812)

Marriage records from people who married at the church between 1569 and 1812.

Gainford 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.

Gainford Burials (1569-1789)

Transcriptions of records from burial registers. They may include the deceased's name, residence and age. Some records may contain the names of relations, cause of death and more.

St Mary, Gainford Burial Records (1569-1839)

Burial records covering those buried at St Mary, Gainford_. 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.

Durham Diocese Marriage Bonds (1692-1900)

Digital images of marriage bonds ordered by year, not indexed. These bonds record intention to marry and may include details not recorded in parish registers.

Gainford 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 Gainford

Northern Echo (1870-1900)

Britain's most popular provincial newspaper, covering local & national news, family announcements, government & local proceedings and more.

Northumberland and Durham Advertiser (1855)

A short-lived regional newspaper covering news in Northumberland and Durham.

North & South Shields Gazette (1852-1858)

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

Durham County Advertiser (1814-1869)

Fully text-searchable articles from a regional newspaper covering the Durham area. It includes family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more.

The Daily Herald (1926)

A London newspaper that later became The Sun.

Gainford 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.

Gainford 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.

Gainford 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.

Gainford 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.

Gainford 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.

Gainford 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.

Gainford Cemeteries

Piercebridge Memorial Inscriptions (1833-1910)

An index to vital details from monuments found at the church.

Gainford Memorial Inscriptions (1800-1924)

Details extracted from tombs, monuments and plaques.

Church & Cemetery, Gainford MIs (1700-1980)

An index to vital details from monuments at Church & Cemetery, Gainford.

St Mary At Piercebridge, Gainford MIs (1700-1980)

An index to vital details from monuments at St Mary At Piercebridge, Gainford.

County Durham Church Monuments (1300-1900)

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

Gainford 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.

Gainford 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.

Gainford 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.

Gainford 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 Gainford

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.

Gainford 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.

Gainford Church Records

Gainford Parish Registers (1556-1837)

The parish registers of Gainford provide details of births, marriages and deaths from 1556 to 1837. Parish registers can assist tracing a family as far back as 1556.

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 Gainford

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.

Gainford 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.

Gainford 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

GAINFORD, originally “Geganford” (A. S. Gegan, to go), is a township, parish and village, situated on a declivity, sloping gradually to the Tees, with a station on the Darlington and Barnard Castle section of the North Eastern railway, 8 miles west from Darlington and 8 east from Barnard Castle, in the Barnard Castle division of the county, southwest division of Darlington ward, Barnard Castle petty sessional division and county court district, Teesdale union, rural deanery of Darlington, archdeaconry of Auckland and diocese of Durham. The church of St. Mary, erected about the beginning of the 13th century, on the site of an earlier structure of the 9th century, rebuilt by Egred, bishop of Lindisfarne (821-45), is an edifice of rough gritstone in the Lancet style, consisting of chancel, nave of four bays with aisles, both under a single roof, north and south porches, vestry, organ chamber, and a tower rising above the west end of the nave, with a plain parapet and small pinnacles and containing a clock and 6 bells, cast with two old bells in 1865: in the reign of Henry VI. (1422-61) or later, the aisles were almost entirely rebuilt, and the buttresses and most of the existing windows are of that period; the windows, however, were much altered and mutilated, apparently in the 16th century, and in 1864 two modern windows in the south aisle were replaced by others: during the repairs effected at the beginning of the present century, the clerestory of the nave and the old chancel roof were destroyed and the ancient doorway removed: the chancel is lighted at the east end by three lancets of equal height, over which is a vesica, inserted at the restoration, and by two others on the south side, those on the north having been closed by the erection of the vestry and organ chamber: there are 110 traces either of sedilia or a piscina, but on the south side is a small recess, with a depressed arch, and on both sides, near the communion table, which is of wood, curiously carved, are aumbries; the chancel is separated from the nave by a plain pointed arch, and its adjacent walls indicate the former existence of a rood loft: the nave has arcades of three arches, carried on cylindrical piers, of which the easternmost are ornamented with rude carvings of roses and foliage: the clerestory was removed about 1811: the south porch, which has a stone seat on each side, was the burial place of the Garths of Headlam: the tower, which rises from within the nave, is supported on three sides by open pointed arches on clustered columns, strengthened laterally by smaller arches; on the western face is a heavy projecting stair turret, with lean-to roof rising nearly to the parapet, which, with the incongruous pinnacles, was added in 1786: several fragments of very early crosses, carved with fretwork, interlaced ornament and rude figures, have been built into the walls of the south side and belfry: the earliest memorials within the church, and now in the north porch, consist of two perfect coffin slabs and portions of several others, with sculptured fragments recovered from the walls of the church and vicarage; the finest of these is carved with a stepped cross, the large head of which is formed of four nearly complete circles, addorsed and laced together, the interior spaces and external points of divergence being enriched with foliated ornament; on either side are smaller and similar crosses and over the head of one of these a chalice, and at the foot are three star-like figures; the centre of this slab has been mutilated to receive a modern inscription to Lawrence Brocket, professor of modern history at Cambridge, d. July 24, 1768: on the other stones are crosses of various designs, a chalice, a book and swords, and one very early fragment exhibits the rudely incised figure of a priest elevating the host: on the east wall of the sacrarium is a small stone with an inscribed brass of two rhyming Latin couplets, to Roger Kyrkby, vicar here 1401-12: there is also a slab of blue marble with inscription on brass to John Stevenson and Agnes, Alys and Margaret, his wives, c. 1500; on this slab is also a later inscription to Timothy Wight, of Snow Hall, gent. d. 28 Dec. 1778: below the communion table is a similar slab with inscribed brass to William Pegg, ob. 24 Nov. 1486, and to Katherine (Brakenbery), his wife, ob. 25 July, 1485: on the north wall of the chancel is a brass with impaled arms and inscription to Mary, wife of Thomas Birckbeck, of Morton, ob. 14 July, 1668: there is also another slab with the matrix only of a brass: the remaining monuments include outside the east end of the south aisle a low altar tomb with shields on the sides, and covered by a magnificent slab of grey marble, 8 feet 3 inches long, the margin of which bears an inscription to Sir William Pudsey kt. and Elizabeth, his wife, c. 1498: within the same aisle is a mural monument of elegant design, with arms, and an inscription to John Middleton, gent. d. 21 Mar. 1709, and Mary (Garth), his wife, d. 25 July, 1706: there are other memorials to Bowes Garth, gent, of Bolam, d. 7 Sept. 1781; the Rev. Tobias Heyrick B.D. vicar, d. 30 Mar. 1782; to the Brockets, of Headlam, 1750-1840, and to the Swainston, Maude and Scruton families, and in the chancel a marble tablet to the Rev. W. G. Clark M.A. late vice-master of Trinity College, Cambridge, and public orator in the university: the font, an Early English work, consists of a plain circular basin on a round shaft with moulded base, and has a carved oak cover of the early 17th century, with traces of colouring: in 1864-5 the church was restored and re-seated with open benches of oak, the roofs entirely renewed, the galleries removed and an organ chamber and north porch erected, a fine organ being presented at the same time by the vicar; the total cost amounted to over £3,000, raised by voluntary subscriptions, and exclusive of work done in, the chancel, which was restored at the cost of Trinity College, Cambridge: several windows have also been filled with stained glass: there are sittings for 500 persons. In the churchyard are remains of the old school and memorials to six vicars of this parish :-Edmund Fotherby M.A. 41 years vicar, d. 12 Mar. 1700; Tobias Heyrick B.D. 28 years vicar, d. 30 Mar. 1782; Bertrand Bussell B.D. 6 years vicar, d. 29 Nov. 1797; John Cranke B.D. 18 years vicar, d. 6 Sept. 1816; James Blackbume M.A. 7 years vicar, d. 4 Mar. 1824, and George Macfarlan, 38 years vicar, d. 18 July, 1862; and others to Capt. William Richardson H.E.I.C.S. 1799, and the Garth, Cradock and Hodghson families: in Feb. 1790, a stone coffin was found in the churchyard containing, besides human remains, an antique signet ring, and in excavating for the erection of the organ chamber, three coins of Alfred and one of Burgred were met with: the churchyard was enlarged in 1865. The register commences in 1560, the churchwardens’ accounts in 1728: they are in a good state of preservation. The register of baptisms dates from 1560, marriages and burials 1569: there are many entries relating to the families of Cradock and Brakenbury. The living is a vicarage, yearly value £650, with residence, in the gift of Trinity College, Cambridge, and held since 1862 by the Rev. Joseph Edleston LL.D. and formerly fellow of that college. There are Wesleyan and Congregational chapels. Here is a Catholic church dedicated to St. Osmund, erected in 1850. The Society of Friends hold a service at stated times in the Literary Institute, which, with news-room, was established in November, 1852, and now contains a library of nearly 900 volumes: the news-room is well supplied with the metropolitan and local papers and periodicals. The charities, consisting of moneys invested in the funds, include about £6 for educational purposes and distribution; C. Smith’s charity of £2 18s. left by will in 1831, for the poor; and Callender’s of £3 6s. 8d. for bread, left by will in 1843.

On the village green stands the base of an ancient cross; the stone called “White Cross,” formerly in the road between this place and Piercebridge, and serving as a township boundary and as a resting place for funerals, has disappeared within living memory. On the coping stone of a garden wall opposite Paradise row is the following inscription: “T. G. from shop door over this wall He threw a Hammer with his teeth ;” the distance is over 8 yards. Two ancient stones, one bearing a plain and the other a floriated cross, are built into the wall of a cottage in this row. In 1864, during the restoration of the church, a Roman altar was found which had been used as the capital of the south-east pier of the tower arch; a portion of one side had been cut away, but the other side contains the figure of an eagle in high relief, holding a wreath in its beak: the altar is inscribed on the front with a dedication to Jupiter Dolychenus by Julius Valentinus: in the same year another Roman stone was found with the inscription, LEG. VI. V.” and also one with the figure of a horseman carrying a hare or rabbit; these stones are now kept under cover in the vicarage garden, together with a coffin slab bearing a wide tapering shaft and four roundels between the arms of the head: these altars are figured and described in Lapid. Sept. 728, and by the Rev. H. M. Scarth in the Arch. Journal for 1866, and illustrations of most of the other stones of pre-Norman date here are to be found in Stuart’s “Sculptured Stones of Scotland,” vol. 11.

In the reign of William Rufus, Gainford belonged to the Crown, and about 1093 the lordship was granted by him to Guy de Baliol, whose son, Bernard, the founder (1112-32), alienated a large portion to form the Honour of Barnard Castle: on the revolt of John Baliol, King of Scotland, this manor was seized and held for some time by Bishop Bek, of Durham, until in 1306, Edward I. demanded its surrender, and in 1310 the estates were granted by Edward II. to Guy Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, in the 15th century; they are said to have been held by the Nevilles, of Raby, but appear more certainly to have remained with the Crown until purchased in 1634 by Sir Henry Vane kt. the elder, and are now held by his descendant. Gainford Hall, situated at the west end of the village, is the property of the Duke of Cleveland K.G. and now occupied by Mr. H. J. Raw: it is a gabled building of the Jacobean period, with a doorway on the south side, much enriched with carved fretwork, and bearing on the frieze the initials “I.C., M.C. and B.C. over the entrance on the north side are the arms of Cradock, and the inscription, “John Cradock, 1600,” who was vicar here from 1593 to 1627; the interior retains an unfinished staircase, and one of the lower rooms is panelled in wood and has a cornice of fruit and flowers: near the house, which is surrounded by a high and ancient wall, is a circular dove-cote. Selaby Hall, the property of the Duke of Cleveland K.G. is an ancient building, situated on an eminence commanding extensive views of the surrounding country, and is now (1889) unoccupied. Snow Hall is the residence of Thomas Charles Johnson Sowerby esq. J.P. The Duke of Cleveland K.G. who is lord of the manor, the Earl of Strathmore and Alfred Kitching esq. are chief landowners. The soil is gravelly; subsoil, gravel. The chief crops are turnips, barley, seeds, wheat and oats. The area of the entire parish is 24,357 acres; the population in 1881 was 1,444: the area of the township is 2,150 acres; rateable value, £5,830; the population of the township in 1881 was 897.

National School (mixed & infants), built in 1857, for 200 children; average attendance, 110.

Kelly's Directory of Durham (1890)

Most Common Surnames in Gainford

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Darlington Ward
1Brown591:410.62%2
2Wilson371:650.43%4
3Hall341:710.52%8
4Thompson331:730.36%3
5Bell321:760.48%7
6White311:781.23%40
7Robinson261:930.33%5
7Hodgson261:930.90%32
9Atkinson231:1050.65%20
10Simpson221:1100.70%28
10Adamson221:1101.82%97
12Taylor211:1150.43%13
12Robson211:1150.30%6
12Hutchinson211:1150.73%31
15Shepherd191:1273.93%279
15Alderson191:1271.52%90
15Heslop191:1271.90%117
15Longstaff191:1272.19%133
19Pearson181:1340.84%46
19Stoddart181:1345.00%386
19Blenkinsop181:1344.60%343
22Wright171:1420.59%33
22Scott171:1420.35%12
22Dawson171:1420.81%48
22Davison171:1420.49%22
22Metcalfe171:1422.34%165
22Wardle171:1422.65%196
22Blackett171:1424.05%316
29Dent161:1511.91%140
29Gent161:1517.96%689
29Sowerby161:1514.58%399
29Iveson161:15112.21%1,047
33Thornton151:1611.88%150
33Bainbridge151:1611.01%70
33Addison151:1614.16%383
33Rogerson151:1617.58%703
33Snailham151:161100.00%5,201
33Stokeld151:16134.09%2,420
33Tennick151:16130.61%2,270
40Smith141:1730.11%1
40Jackson141:1730.40%21
40Warwick141:17310.61%1,040
40Sayer141:1739.03%885
40Snowdon141:1731.93%166
40Corner141:1733.38%324
40Lowes141:1731.78%152
47Richardson131:1860.26%11
47Henderson131:1860.38%24
47Gordon131:1861.98%193
47Trotter131:1862.31%230
47Leng131:1867.88%827
52Shaw121:2010.99%93
52Dixon121:2010.31%16
54Lee111:2200.65%62
54Graham111:2200.35%29
54Dunn111:2200.53%50
54Oliver111:2200.64%61
54Charlton111:2200.47%42
54Cowling111:22012.94%1,476
54Newcombe111:22017.74%1,888
54Hurworth111:22011.70%1,361
54Burdy111:22045.83%3,775
63Marshall101:2420.53%55
63Stephenson101:2420.32%27
63Wade101:2422.44%331
63Kirby101:2422.43%328
63Whitehouse101:24212.66%1,568
63Mortimer101:24212.82%1,584
63Fawcett101:2421.70%211
63Charlson101:242100.00%6,980
71Walker91:2690.22%14
71Turner91:2690.55%63
71Watson91:2690.15%10
71McDonald91:2690.75%98
71Gibson91:2690.33%35
71Elliott91:2690.39%43
71Walton91:2690.37%41
71Baxter91:2691.75%261
71Byers91:2694.39%673
71Place91:2693.33%517
71Brownless91:2695.06%771
82Mason81:3020.54%69
82Williamson81:3020.76%111
82Todd81:3020.45%58
82Smart81:3022.42%421
82Morley81:3022.95%514
82Bowman81:3020.82%119
82Metcalf81:3020.95%139
82Waring81:30225.81%3,138
82Willson81:30210.39%1,599
82Moses81:3022.12%361
82Garbutt81:3021.91%318
82Peat81:3025.97%1,019
82Tweddle81:3022.41%419
82Pigg81:3023.43%587
82Lockey81:3023.54%610
82Bradly81:30210.53%1,622
82Hildreth81:3027.69%1,256
82Bowron81:3027.08%1,183
82Glasper81:30217.02%2,320
82Brignal81:30266.67%6,129
102Johnson71:3450.12%9
102Saunders71:3453.26%650
102Spencer71:3451.70%328
102Reed71:3450.34%49
102Porter71:3451.35%258
102Middleton71:3450.86%147
102Beck71:3452.72%541
102Sewell71:3451.69%322
102Dodds71:3450.36%53
102Bland71:3451.57%302
102Calvert71:3451.28%240
102Amos71:3457.07%1,315
102Gibbon71:3451.15%206
102Emmerson71:3450.93%157
102Raine71:3450.55%89
102Beadle71:3452.87%565
102Hewitson71:3451.55%298
102Boddy71:3453.78%741
102Snaith71:3451.20%219
102Bewick71:3451.74%337
102Hugill71:3457.07%1,315
102Rennison71:3455.93%1,143
102Neasham71:3453.61%714
102Merrington71:34526.92%3,567
102Borrowdale71:34525.00%3,385
102Hett71:34587.50%8,326
102Homfray71:345100.00%9,448
102Pase71:345100.00%9,448
130Carter61:4030.44%76
130Cox61:4031.25%280
130Cole61:4031.33%298
130Armstrong61:4030.16%19
130Bowen61:4034.26%972
130Chandler61:4036.82%1,441
130Plummer61:4035.77%1,256
130Rowell61:4031.14%252
130Ashmore61:4038.70%1,740
130Stoker61:4030.86%179
130Thurgood61:40346.15%5,805
130Stubbings61:40342.86%5,503
130Shotton61:4031.38%311
130Bayles61:4037.59%1,568
130Layfield61:4035.22%1,171
130Marriner61:4039.23%1,820
130Stobbart61:4033.47%789
130Elsden61:40342.86%5,503
130Grieveson61:4036.00%1,305
130Peverell61:40312.00%2,230
130Sidgewick61:40335.29%4,749
130Cathrick61:40375.00%8,326
130Caid61:40385.71%9,448
130Slayman61:403100.00%10,804
154Harrison51:4830.13%15
154Ward51:4830.25%52
154Wilkinson51:4830.13%18
154Russell51:4830.74%186
154Sutton51:4831.81%500
154Lamb51:4830.37%78
154French51:4830.94%250
154Nelson51:4830.47%109
154Dobson51:4830.37%82
154Sanderson51:4830.32%65
154Pickering51:4830.62%149
154Harwood51:4831.54%431
154Grey51:4830.71%173
154Routledge51:4831.39%383
154Harland51:4831.55%437
154Jobson51:4831.47%411
154Penney51:48321.74%3,880
154Whitbread51:48355.56%7,566
154Raw51:4833.23%885
154Lowery51:4831.14%308
154Colling51:4831.54%429
154Langstaff51:48320.00%3,668
154Charge51:48345.45%6,520
154Applegarth51:4833.52%959
178Wood41:6040.15%39
178Morris41:6040.47%138
178Young41:6040.10%17
178Fletcher41:6040.43%126
178Nicholson41:6040.15%36
178Long41:6041.14%397
178Clarkson41:6041.07%365
178Parkin41:6040.46%134
178Guy41:6041.19%414
178Waite41:6041.69%577
178Coulson41:6040.35%102
178Overton41:6046.35%1,865
178Mears41:60416.67%3,775
178Clapham41:6044.55%1,441
178Hornsby41:6041.32%462
178Cartledge41:60422.22%4,572
178Wellington41:60421.05%4,406
178Janson41:6046.35%1,865
178Wearmouth41:6041.23%431
178Kirkley41:6042.88%981
178Neesham41:6046.67%1,932
178Trubridge41:60457.14%9,448
178Stokill41:604100.00%14,610