Penshaw
Contents "This parish, which was formed in 1866, comprises the township Lambton, from Chester-le-Street parish, and the townships of Burnmoor and South Biddick, from Penshaw parish. The castle and park of Lambton are within this parish, and form part of the township of Harraton. The population of the parish in 1891 was 1628, and its area 1548 acres.
"Biddick (South) Township contains 343 acres, and its ratable value is £2926.
"Bourn Moor Township is the property of the Earl of Durham, who is also lord of the manor. Its area is 500 acres, and its ratable value £6334.
"Lambton Township contains 652 acres, and is the property of the Earl of Durham."
[From History, Topography and Directory of Durham, Whellan, London, 1894]
"The population in 1801 was 490; in 1811, 141; in 1821, 167; in 1831, 199; in 1841, 74; in 1851, 38; in 1861, 48; in 1871, 50; in 1881, 50; and in 1891, 58 souls."
"The number of inhabitants in 1801 was 889; in 1811, 955; in 1821, 1139; in 1831, 938; in 1841, 891; in 1851, 891; in 1861, 973; in 1871, 1206; in 1881, 1355; and in 1891, 1362."
"Its population in 1801 was 266; in 1811, 253; in 1821, 293; in 1831, 256; in 1841, 120; in 1851, 115; in 1861, 130; in 1871, 149; in 1881, 151; and in 1891, 164."
[From History, Topography and Directory of Durham, Whellan, London, 1894]
"The Church, dedicated to St. Barnabas, is a handsome building, of white brick and stone, in the Early English style, erected in 1867, by the Earl of Durham, and consists of nave, chancel, north and south aisles, south porch, and organ chamber. The church will seat 400 persons. The living is a rectory, in the patronage of the Earl of Durham; gross value, £405; Rev. Alfred Merle Norman, M.A., D.C.L., rector, and hon. Canon of Durham."
[From History, Topography and Directory of Durham, Whellan, London, 1894]
[These are listed under the parent parish of Penshaw.]
"The village of South Biddick occupies a low, sequestered situation, near the river Wear, about four miles north-east by east of Chester-le-Street. This village has many historical and interesting associations.
"Early in the eighteenth century, and subsequently for a considerable period, the "Biddickers" were not in every respect a highly civilised community. At one time they set at defiance all authority, so much so that the excise officers were afraid to perform their duty; hence we are told that no less than ten shops sold spirits without licence. Even the pressgang were summarily dealt with on visiting this spot, and on one occasion were glad to escape with the loss of two men, and, as may well be imagined, they did not venture upon a second visit; the place thus became a comparatively safe asylum for persons fleeing from justice.
"Bourn Moor Township, formerly known as Biddick Fence, was separated from Biddick, over one hundred years ago, probably on account of the population attached to the collieries. The village of Burnmoor is about two miles north by west of Houghton-le-Spring. New Lambton is another village in this township. The old school was converted into a reading-room and library when the present one was built. Here also, in connection with the colliery, are extensive brick and tile and sanitary pipe works.
"Lambton Township comprises the hamlet of Houghton Gate, a few scattered houses, and a considerable portion of the extensive park of Lambton Castle, where the family now resides, to whom it anciently gave name, and who, for many centuries, had their seat in this township, which is on the south side of the Wear, and, consequently, in the North Division of Easington ward, two miles east-north-east of Chester-le-street. Houghton Gate is a hamlet in this township, two miles east of Chester-le-Street.
[From History, Topography and Directory of Durham, Whellan, London, 1894]
[Last updated: 14th November 2000 - Paul R. Joiner]