Show on map Returning to this series with the 6th of 11 plaques, erected by Arts UK to mark the areas ironstone history.
The strict anti drinking laws of the local mine owners led to many miners turning their back rooms into bars known as ‘Shebeens’. In 1887 the local policeman was injured raiding a Shebeen on this street. He was forced to retire, becoming the town’s postman.
Show on map I think this is actually two signs overlayed, I can make out “W Dermont, Decorator, Signwriter” on the right hand sign which is presumably later.
Unfortunately i’ve not been able to find anything about this person that might indicate the age of the signs.
5th of a series of 11 plaques erected by Arts UK to mark the areas ironstone history.
Site of the mine workers cricket club. In 1910 they travelled to away matches in the mine company’s horse drawn wagon. The horses were said to be so wild that only the company driver could control them. If he was not offered enough money, the cricket team missed their match.
Show on map 4th of a series of 11 plaques that were erected some years ago by Arts UK to mark the areas ironstone history.
Paid £50 a year by the local mining company to empty the night toilets, the farmer used what he collected to fertilise his fields. His potatoes were said to be the best in the area.
Show on map 3rd of a series of 11 plaques that were erected some years ago by Arts UK to mark the areas ironstone history.
The 1760 Enclosure Act took away common grazing land and allotments (no bigger than a quarter of an acre) were provided in compensation. In 1862 the local mining company provided workers with pig pens as well as allotments.
Show on map A series of plaques were erected some years ago by Arts UK to mark the areas ironstone history.
“About to begin an early shift, a miner accidentally set his blasting powder off and wrecked his home near here. After that no miners were allowed to store their blasting powder at home.”
Show on map A series of plaques were erected some years ago by Arts UK to mark the areas ironstone history.
“By 1871 the local mining company forbade spitting, swearing and drinking both at work and at home and employed a policeman to enforce these rules. Every payday he spent the evening trying to catch miners sneaking back from the pubs in Marske”
Pease & Partners were Quakers hence the no-drinking rules in their village.
Show on map This sign is down an alley just off Borough Road. It mentions Arthur Thompson Auctioneer, Valuer and Estate Agent established 1866.
Judging by records held at the Teesside Archives, the company became Thompson and March Ltd around 1949, so it may predates that.
A smaller “Royal Liver Friendly Society” sign is also visible below.
Show on map This stone stands on the village green in Greatham.
I have found a reference in the 1856 book “History, topography, and directory of the county palatine of Durham” by William Whellan that states.
‘The Barrington School, situated in the centre of the village, was erected in 1831 ; it is efficiently conducted, and well attended. There is also an Infant School, which was erected by subscription in 1831’
Show on map I took this photo last summer, but never posted it as I couldn’t figure out any of the text.
Drove past the same location today to find the wall repainted and the sign lost. Does anyone know what it said ?
UPDATE : I think Bruce is right about Pratts looking at this logo.
I can also make out ‘GH TEST’ as above after that hint.