Wolsingham Genealogical Records

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham Marriage Registers (1593-1837)

Marriage registers record Anglican marriages in Wolsingham. They are the primary marriage document before 1837 and contain the same details as marriage certificates from then on.

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.

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.

Wolsingham 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.

St Mary & St Stephen, Wolsingham Burial Registers (1796-1812)

Records of burial for people buried at St Mary & St Stephen, Wolsingham between 1796 and 1812. Details include the deceased's name, residence and age. Some records may contain the names of relations, cause of death and more.

Wolsingham Burial Registers (1782-1797)

Records of burial for people buried at Wolsingham between 1782 and 1797. Details include the deceased's name, residence and age. Some records may contain the names of relations, cause of death and more.

St Mary & St Stephen, Wolsingham Burial Records (1782-1797)

An index of burials recorded at St Mary & St Stephen, Wolsingham_. The index includes the name of the deceased, the date of burial, age (where available) and occasionally other notes.

Durham Diocese Bishop's Transcripts (1700-1900)

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

Wolsingham 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 Wolsingham

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.

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.

Newcastle Guardian and Tyne Mercury (1846-1870)

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

Newcastle Journal (1832-1915)

A database allowing full text searches of a newspaper covering local news, family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more in the Newcastle upon Tyne area.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham 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 Wolsingham

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.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham Church Records

Wolsingham Parish Registers (1593-1837)

The parish registers of Wolsingham are a collection of books essentially documenting births, marriages and deaths. Their records can assist tracing a family as far back as 1593.

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 Wolsingham

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.

Wolsingham 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.

Wolsingham 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

Wolsingham, an irregular built market-town, pleasantly situated on the plains to the north of the Wear, on a point of land formed by the confluence of that river and the Wescrow. There is an endowed Grammar School for the education of eight poor boys. The present master is the Rev. P. Brownrigg, the curate, who like his predecessor, conducts it as a public boarding school. The inhabitants of this town, according to the late returns, amounted to 2197, and the houses to 390. It has a market on Tuesday, and the 2nd of October.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

WOLSINGHAM is a small town and parish, formerly a market town, comprising the constabularies of Wolsingham East, South and Park quarters. The town is situated on the River Wear, with a station on the Wear Valley branch of the North Eastern railway, 16 miles south-west from Durham, 21 south-west from Newcastle, and about 270 from London; it is the head of a county court district and petty sessional division, and in the Barnard Castle division of the county, Weardale union, north-western division of Darlington ward, rural deanery of Stanhope, archdeaconry of Auckland, and diocese of Durham. The river Wear is here crossed by a stone bridge of two arches, erected on the site of the old bridge, which was swept away by a great flood in November, 1771. In 1810 a bridge was erected over the Wascrow or Waskerley stream, and in 1817 a bridge crossing the same stream at Upper town was taken down and rebuilt. The principal street of the town lies on the Lobley Hill road, between Durham and Stanhope, and is tolerably paved, and contains some good houses. A portion of the east quarter of the parish was formed into the separate ecclesiastical parish of Thornley by an order in Council, dated 22 February, 1848, and on April 2, 1878, a further portion was formed into the ecclesiastical parish of Tow Law. The Weardale and Shildon District Water Works Company have two large reservoirs here. The parish church of St. Matthew was completely rebuilt in 1848, except the tower, which in 1855 was heightened 18 feet and the bells recast, chiefly at the cost of Miss Wilson and G. D. Wooler esq. of Fawn Lees; the latter also presented a stained window and a clock: the present structure, erected from designs by Mr. W. Nicholson, of Wolsingham, at a cost of £2,050, is a building in the Early English style, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles, and a tower containing 3 bells: the stained east window is a memorial to Miss Wilson, late of Wolsingham, G. D. Wooler esq. of Fawn Lees, and Mrs. and Miss Bates, late of Wolsingham, and there are also memorial windows to Mr. Thomas Chapman, to John Proud esq. to Joseph Wooler esq. and his wife, and to Joseph Nicolson, who was parish clerk for about 50 years: the interior is fitted with open seats for about 500 persons, a large number of which are free: the churehyard is bordered with rows of fine trees. The register dates from the year 1654. The living is a rectory, average tithe rent-charge £757, net yearly value £911, including 16 acres of glebe, with residence, in the gift of the Bishop of Chester, and held since 1885 by the Worshipful Thomas Espinell Espin D.D. hon. canon of Chester, rural dean of Stanhope J.P. county Durham. The rectory house was rebuilt in 1848 by the Rev. John Grey. The Catholic church, dedicated to St. Thomas of Canterbury, stands on a slight elevation at the north part of the town, and is a building in the Decorated style, consisting of chancel, nave and aisles: it was erected in 1854 at a cost of between £2,000 and £3,000, from the designs of Joseph Hansom esq.: there are sittings for 800 persons: the Rev. Richard Collins is priest, and resides at Witton Park. The Particular Baptist chapel, now (1889) being restored, is a building of stone, erected in 1830, and will seat 200 persons. The Wesleyan chapel, erected in 1862, is an edifice of stone, in the Gothic style, seating 300 persons, the old chapel being now used as a day school. The Primitive Methodist chapel, erected in 1885, at a cost of £600, is a building of stone, and will seat 400 persons. The Town Hall, situated in the Market place, is a stone building, erected in 1834, and enlarged at a considerable expense in 1880: the upper part is used for public meetings, and will hold 160 persons. Petty sessions, manor courts and county courts are held here. The Police station, situated near the Market place, is a substantial building, with lock-up attached. The Wolsingham Mechanics’ Institute and Literary Society, founded in 1826, was, in 1888, established at a house in the Market place, formerly the Cross Keys inn: the library now contains about 1,000 volumes. Here is a woollen manufactory, a saw mill and a shovel manufactory. Stanner’s Close Steel Works, near the town, is an extensive factory where steel of a superior character is produced by a process patented by the late Charles Attwood esq. The Ganister fire stone and barytes quarries and mines are situated in this parish. The market, formerly held once a month, is obsolete. There were eight fairs annually-the 12th of May and the 21st of September, for toys and pedlary and hiring; and on the Tuesdays before the 1st and 31st of March, 15th of September, 2nd and 29th of October, and 23rd of November, for cattle, but these are almost obsolete. A horticultural show is held annually in August, and an agricultural show on the 2nd Tuesday in September. The township possesses the following charities, which are now vested in the Charity Commissioners:-The Poor’s land, left by persons named Markendale, Ashley, and others unknown; the rent is distributed to the most deserving, on St. Stephen’s day, by the parish officers and the curate. The Rev. R. Gordon, who died in 1780, left by will £200, now invested in Consols. On the 29th November, 1780, the Rev. W. Nowell, rector, transferred £200 Bank Stock to the names of trustees, the dividends of which are distributed at Easter to the second poor. Jonathan Wooler left £100 for the benefit of poor widows not receiving relief, the interest of which is divided at Easter. G. Wooler, on the 12th of May, 1826, also left two sums of £100 for the same purpose and to the same persons. The late Rev. W. Wilson, in 1843, left £400, the interest of which is divided amongst poor widows. William Newcombe, in 1846, left £300, the interest to be divided for poor widows.

At Holywell, on the north side of the town and to the west and north-west, there are strong chalybeate springs, also a sulphur spring near Bradley Hall. The scenery about the valley, with the glens and becks, is beautiful and romantic.

Adjoining the old town, or what is now called the Upper town, in a field called “the Chapel Garth,” the remains of a considerable edifice, inclosed by a deep moat, may still be traced, which is supposed to have been the site of the Bishop’s residence, or hunting establishment, when sojourning here with his retainers for the purpose of pursuing the chase in Wascrow Park, about the time of Queen Elizabeth. At Bail Hill, about half a mile further north, is an ancient peel-house, or fort, which served as a watch tower and a shelter both for man and beast, during the raids of the northern moss-troopers: the place is now converted into a farm house, and is the property of the representatives of the late Mrs. Attwood. About 1 mile north from Wolsingham, situated on the south bank of the Wascrow, stands Bishop Oak, the picturesque residence of the Curry family, who settled here about the middle of the 16th century, and have held the surrounding lands in lineal descent down to the present time: during the reign of James II. and also under that of Queen Anne, John Curry, a representative of this family, was a king’s messenger, and also an officer of the College of Arms, under the Duke of Norfolk, as Earl Marshal.

There are lead mines in the parish of Wolsingham, which have been worked from an early period, and have yielded large quantities of ore, the most important of which are Harehope Gill, Pikestone and Sunnyside mines, situated in the south township. Harehope Gill mines belong to Captain Coventry, Pikestone to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and Sunnyside to T. E. Crawhall esq. but the latter are not at present being worked.

The Ecclesiastical Commissioners are lords of the manor. The area of the parish is 23,864 acres (including 2,079 of Wolsingham Park Moor, which extends into Stanhope Park), and 152 acres of water; rateable value, £32,294; the population in 1881 was 7,895, being, Wolsingham 2,504, Thornley 1,285, Tow Law 3,978 and that part of White Kirkly attached to Frosterly 128; Thornley and Tow Law being separate ecclesiastical parishes.

Petty Sessions are held at the Town hall, first Tuesday in every month, at 12 noon.

The following places are included in the petty sessional division :-The parish of Wolsingham (including Tow Law, Thornley, Elm Park & Bradley).

Places of Worship, with times of services

St. Matthew’s Church, Church lane, The Worshipful Thomas Espinell Espin D.D. rector; Rev. Montague Richard Sharp M.A. & Rev. Francis Henry Eales M.A. curates; 8 & 10.30 a.m. & 3 & 6.15 p.m.; Wed. & Fri. 10 a.m.; Fri. 7.30 p.m.

St. Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church, North end, Rev. Richard Collins, priest; 10.30 a.m. & 4 p.m.: Wed. & Fri. 8.30 a.m.

Baptist (Particular), Market place, Rev. Robert Scott, minister; 10.30 a.m. & 6.p.m.; wed 7 p.m.

Primitive Methodist (supplies); 2 & 6 p.m.; Mon. 7 p.m.

Wesleyan, High street, Rev. Samuel Miles, minister; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

Schools

The Grammar School, Church lane, was founded in the year 1613: the original portion of the land attached to the school lies on the south side of the Wear, an exchange having been effected many years back for the benefit of the charity; part of the land was sold to the Stockton & Darlington Railway Co. for £1,000, £365 of which was invested by the trustees in land & £635 in the£3 percent. Consols, now in the hands of the Charity Commissioners on trust: on the division of Wolsingham common, about seven acres were allotted to the trust: in 1789 Jonathan. Wooler left £100, & in 1826 George Wooler also left £100, the interest of which is received by the governors: Mr. George Newcomb, in 1847, left £200 £3 per Cents: the buildings erected in 1786 comprise a school room & a good dwelling house & garden; in 1886 a new wing was added, containing a school room & dormitory: the school is now managed under a scheme of the Charity Commissioners, by 9 governors, 5 of whom are appointed by the Charity Commissioners, two by the magistrates & 2 by the ratepayers of the parish; Rev. Francis Henry Eales M.A. master.

National, East end (mixed), a building of stone in the Elizabethan style, erected in 1848, at a cost of £1,000 & enlarged in 1887, for 365 children; average attendance, 63 boys, 65 girls & 87 infants.

Catholic, St. Thomas (mixed), for 40 children; average attendance, 30.

Wesleyan, Front street (mixed), built about 1859 & enlarged in 1867, for 240 children; average attendance, 135.

Kelly's Directory of Durham (1890)

Most Common Surnames in Wolsingham

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Darlington Ward
1Johnson1371:582.33%9
2Watson1171:682.00%10
3Bell971:821.45%7
4Hall961:831.46%8
5Robson831:951.17%6
6Smith741:1070.61%1
7Hodgson711:1122.46%32
8Jackson691:1151.96%21
9Richardson681:1171.39%11
10Brown661:1200.69%2
11Robinson651:1220.84%5
12Gibson601:1322.18%35
13Wilkinson591:1341.57%18
14Graham561:1411.81%29
15Coates541:1473.94%77
16Thompson531:1490.57%3
17Wilson521:1520.60%4
17Armstrong521:1521.40%19
19Ward491:1622.45%52
19Lambert491:1627.78%202
21Stephenson441:1801.39%27
22Teasdale421:1895.94%174
23Whitfield411:1934.01%112
23Dowson411:1937.02%217
25Young391:2031.02%17
25Rutter391:2035.60%178
27Henderson381:2081.12%24
28Newton371:2142.83%83
28Walton371:2141.51%41
30Peart361:2206.55%239
31Morgan351:2263.47%115
32Scott341:2330.69%12
32Bainbridge341:2332.30%70
34Proud331:2404.65%170
35Gray321:2481.40%44
35Atkinson321:2480.90%20
35Lawson321:2481.84%60
35Collinson321:2488.63%373
35Moses321:2488.47%361
40Williams301:2641.49%51
40Harrison301:2640.76%15
40Murray301:2641.99%67
40Ridley301:2642.10%73
40Collingwood301:2649.62%449
45Little291:2733.96%161
45Vickers291:2735.24%237
45Iley291:27313.06%626
48Parker281:2831.71%64
48Dobson281:2832.08%82
48Egglestone281:28325.45%1,203
51McMahon271:29310.23%531
52Burns261:3051.99%83
52Hopper261:3052.57%114
54Simpson251:3170.80%28
54Dixon251:3170.64%16
54Allison251:3172.33%109
54Snowdon251:3173.45%166
58Green241:3301.28%55
58Forster241:3300.91%38
58Craggs241:3303.32%168
58Ayton241:33023.76%1,292
58Wayper241:33072.73%2,980
63Walker231:3440.56%14
63Martin231:3441.32%59
63French231:3444.32%250
63Fleming231:3446.89%415
63Pickering231:3442.87%149
63Coulson231:3442.02%102
63Angus231:3446.39%386
63Bowes231:3444.72%278
63Galley231:34413.14%780
72Moore221:3601.19%57
72Gill221:3602.98%159
72Sanderson221:3601.42%65
72Charlton221:3600.94%42
72Donnelly221:3607.07%452
72Maughan221:3603.16%177
72Stobbs221:3605.47%337
79Morris211:3772.46%138
79Dodds211:3771.09%53
79Moor211:3773.33%201
79McKenna211:3775.05%321
79Hindmarch211:3775.44%350
84Bird201:3964.26%289
84Hamilton201:3963.03%191
84Emerson201:3964.99%339
84Corrigan201:39619.05%1,250
84Westgarth201:3966.78%474
89Hutchinson191:4170.66%31
89Burke191:4175.78%426
89O'Neil191:4174.60%326
89Coulthard191:4173.75%265
89Pentland191:41720.88%1,399
89Hildreth191:41718.27%1,256
89Muse191:41739.58%2,296
89Hindmoor191:41755.88%2,923
97White181:4400.71%40
97Spence181:4402.09%135
97Parkin181:4402.08%134
97Temperley181:44014.06%1,071
101Williamson171:4661.61%111
101Liddle171:4661.47%101
101Marley171:4663.38%268
101Lowes171:4662.16%152
101Bradwell171:46624.29%1,723
106Shaw161:4951.31%93
106Welsh161:4951.93%141
106Hobson161:4955.37%467
106Love161:49513.33%1,122
106Pattinson161:4953.49%296
106Irwin161:4954.27%365
106Conn161:49514.95%1,234
113Davison151:5280.43%22
113Potts151:5281.03%71
113Nixon151:5282.03%158
113Whittle151:52810.64%972
113Halliday151:5283.26%295
113Wheatley151:5282.60%223
113Barron151:5282.75%242
113Braithwaite151:5288.29%754
113Milburn151:5281.82%145
113Moralee151:52813.89%1,227
123Lee141:5660.82%62
123Dawson141:5660.67%48
123Sharp141:5661.92%164
123Cain141:5663.32%314
123Wharton141:5663.93%393
123Lightfoot141:5666.67%664
123Waugh141:5662.58%244
123Ayre141:5663.17%306
123Humble141:5662.61%246
123Shield141:5663.70%361
123McGarry141:56619.44%1,691
123Irvin141:5669.40%918
123Heseltine141:56629.79%2,320
123McGough141:56612.07%1,160
123Hillary141:56615.22%1,384
123Turp141:56682.35%4,749
139Price131:6091.91%184
139Fletcher131:6091.40%126
139Harvey131:6092.63%273
139Hunter131:6090.40%25
139Grant131:6092.22%215
139Elliott131:6090.56%43
139McIntyre131:6094.15%448
139Peacock131:6091.30%116
139Gardiner131:6093.36%347
139Metcalfe131:6091.79%165
139Curry131:6090.92%74
139Emmerson131:6091.72%157
139Raine131:6091.03%89
139Vasey131:6093.37%350
139Tweddle131:6093.92%419
139Pybus131:6096.74%715
139Stankley131:60992.86%5,503
156Taylor121:6600.25%13
156Anderson121:6600.38%26
156Carter121:6600.87%76
156Stewart121:6600.93%86
156Ford121:6602.33%261
156Briggs121:6602.07%221
156Abbott121:6605.17%594
156Dodd121:6602.11%225
156Franklin121:6605.06%577
156Cowan121:6605.69%659
156Peel121:6603.87%454
156McCabe121:6603.49%405
156Hind121:6603.28%376
156Rogerson121:6606.06%703
156Nicolson121:66046.15%3,567
156Maddison121:6600.88%79
156Willey121:6604.76%549
156Coombe121:66054.55%4,004
156Tinkler121:6603.08%345
156Batey121:6602.53%284
156Golightly121:6603.18%364
156McGinn121:66032.43%2,744
156Rawes121:66046.15%3,567
156Minikin121:66030.77%2,651
180Mitchell111:7200.98%104
180Adams111:7201.81%205
180Mason111:7200.74%69
180Wallace111:7201.12%118
180Willis111:7201.23%131
180Todd111:7200.62%58
180Blackburn111:7202.30%281
180Herbert111:7204.72%587
180Tait111:7202.06%247
180Guy111:7203.27%414
180Pattison111:7200.86%87
180Askew111:7204.93%620
180Batten111:72068.75%4,949
180Copley111:72047.83%3,880
180Etherington111:7202.62%316
180Thomason111:72040.74%3,470
180Cheesman111:72021.15%2,154
180Urwin111:7201.51%163
180Coltman111:7205.73%720
180Kipling111:7205.21%659
180Trainor111:72033.33%2,980
180Wailes111:72013.25%1,498
180Weatherald111:720100.00%6,520
180Scollin111:72042.31%3,567