The chapel consisted of nave, c. 45 feet x 23.5 feet, and chancel 21.5 feet x 20 feet+, externally. The nave had at some time been shortened, a new west wall being built some 7 feet east of the original. The nave was entered by a south door, near its west end. The chancel has a north door. The whole now stands some 2-3 courses above a chamfered base course. The evidence for burials consisted of coffins, grave covers, plain and decorated, medieval and 17th century, and 4 skeletons found in the chancel. It has been suggested, on architectural evidence, that the chapel might be 12th century, but the first reference to a chaplain is in 1296. The building probably fell into ruin in the17th century, although burial on the site may have continued into the next century. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT AND LISTED GRADE 2*. A geophysical survey in 2005 detected a probable ditch forming the forming of the graveyard around the north side of the chapel, and a possible boundary wall to the south. Additional high resistance anomalies could reflect grave slabs or other stone features.
SITEASS
Scheduled 1954. Restored by O of W temp. building of Melton Park, and refurbished by City in 1981-2. Alterations made at those times should be investigated and recorded. The site perhaps needs an interpretative board, but is tidy and secure. A geophysical survey in 2005 detected a probable ditch forming the forming of the graveyard around the north side of the chapel, and a possible boundary wall to the south. Additional high resistance anomalies could reflect grave slabs or other stone features.
Site Type: Broad
Place of Worship
SITEDESC
The chapel consisted of nave, c. 45'x23.5', and chancel 21.5'x20+', externally. The nave had at some time been shortened, a new W wall being built some 7' E of the original. Other alterations: 2 buttresses added to early W wall and part of N wall rebuilt. The nave was entered by a S door, near W end; of its 2 original detached shafts the base of only one remains, the E jamb having been rebuilt without one. The chancel has a N door. The whole now stands some 2-3 courses above a chamfered base course. Some of the worked stones noted by 3, 5 and 6 survive, though most have been resited. It has been suggested, on architectural evidence, that the chapel might be C12; a chaplain is listed in 1296 Lay Subsidy Roll. Burials suggest it was a parochial chapel; Surtees chantry founded in C14. The building probably fell into ruin in C17. Chapel. First reference 1296; dedication unknown. Chancel and nave. North chancel door, south nave door. Narrow chancel opening and inserted west wall.
Source: Hope Dodds History of Northumberland XIII p.338-9 and plan. A scheduled ancient monument. Dated C12th.
Site Name
North Gosforth Chapel
Site Type: Specific
Chapel
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument, Listed Building Grade II*
HER Number
166
Form of Evidence
Ruined Building
Sources
<< HER 166 >> J. Brand, 1989, History of Newcastle I, pp. 321-2
J. Bell, 1832, An Account of the Remains of a Chapel,…near Low Gosforth House, Archaeologia Aeliana, 1, II, pp. 243-245
G.B. Richardson, 1841, Remains of the Old Chapel of So.(sic) Gosforth 184,1Northumberland Records Office
E. Mackenzie, 1825, History of Northumberland Vol. II, p. 470
Rev. R.E. Hooppell, 1882, On the Ruins of an Early Church at North Gosforth, near Newcastle… JBAA, Vol. 38, pp. 117-121
S. Holmes, 1883, Recent Investigations at the Ruined Chapel of North Gosforth, Archaeologia Aeliana, 2, IX, pp. 205-210
R. Welford, (date unknown) A History of the Parish of Gosforth pp. 19-22
J.C. Hodgson,1916, Notices of Ruined Towers, Chapels, etc. in Northumberland circa 1715, Archaeologia Aeliana, 3, XIII, p. 12
M.H. Dodds, 1930, North Gosforth Chapel, Northumberland County History, XIII, pp. 338-9
Photo, Newcastle Planning Dept. City Engineers Reprographics, 1980, North Gosforth Chapel Neg. nos. 7925/1-4
W.W. Tomlinson, 1899, North Gosforth Chapel, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, VIII (for 1897-98), 227; Archaeological Services Durham University, 2005, North Gosforth Chapel, Kingsley Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne - geophysical surveys
SURVIVAL
20-39%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
2006
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
Class
Agriculture and Subsistence
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Clare Henderson
CONDITION
Good
Crossref
164, 166, 167
DAY1
11
DAY2
24
District
Newcastle
Easting
424905
Grid ref figure
10
Map Sheet
NZ27SW
MAP2
NZ27SE
MONTH1
08
MONTH2
03
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
570741
parish
North Gosforth
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
North Gosforth
Description
There are extensive remains of ridge and furrow in what later became Gosforth Park. It survives in the fields and woods north of the old tramway, patchily between the tramway and the racecourse, and very well under the golf course within the race track. Much is clearly visible, but there are places where it is apparent only on aerial photos. Most of it runs roughly north-south; there are some distinct blocks (furlongs); curved and straight ridges; a range of widths from 5.5 to 11.5 metres; and a patch of double-crested ridges. There are also probable traces of enclosure banks which were later removed for the park.
SITEASS
This would repay closer study, particularly under the golf course, to sort out the blocks, early and late field boundaries, water courses etc.
Site Type: Broad
Cultivation Marks
SITEDESC
There are extensive remains of ridge and furrow in what later became Gosforth Park. It survives in the fields and woods north of the old tramway, patchily between the tramway and the racecourse, and very well under the golf course within the race track. Much is clearly visible, but there are places where it is apparent only on the aerial photos. Most of it runs roughly north-south; there are some distinct blocks (furlongs); curved and straight ridges; a range of widths from 5.5 to 11.5 m; a patch of double-crested ridges; evidence of cross-ploughing. There are probable traces of enclosure banks which were later removed for the park; and presumably the fields north of the tramway belong to this enclosure system.
Site Name
North Gosforth common fields
Site Type: Specific
Broad Ridge and Furrow
HER Number
165
Form of Evidence
Earthwork
Sources
<< HER 165 >> Aerial Photograph, RCHME,RAF 1958 - 0376, 0377, F 21
Aerial Photograph, Newcastle Planning Dept. Fairey Surveys Ltd. 1974, Tyne and Wear County 18:7 112,115,116; 19: 193-197; 20: 469-474
B. Harbottle, 1989, Gosforth Park
SURVIVAL
60-79%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
2021
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
Class
Domestic
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
165, 166, 167
DAY1
22
DAY2
22
District
Newcastle
Easting
424000
Grid ref figure
4
Map Sheet
NZ27SW
MONTH1
08
MONTH2
01
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 27 SW 3
Northing
570000
parish
North Gosforth
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
North Gosforth
Description
The earliest reference to the placename, Gosforth, is in 1166, when William son of Siward certified that he held Goseford and half Milletone for the service of one knight's fee. North Gosforth does not appear for certain until the 13th century when 11 taxpayers are listed in 1296 and 14 in 1312. The available documentary evidence suggests gradual decay between the 16th and 18th centuries - in 1533 there were 30 (or 13) messuages; in 1566 8 messuages, 6 cottages & 10 tofts; in 1666 8 houses; and in 1780 3 cottages, 2 of them empty. Suggested sites for the medieval village are Low Gosforth House and Three Mile Bridge, west of the Great North Road and north of the Ouse Burn.
SITEASS
Find it.
Site Type: Broad
Settlement
SITEDESC
The earliest reference to the placename, Gosforth, is in 1166, when William son of Siward certified that he held Goseford and half Milletone for the service of one knight's fee. North Gosforth does not appear for certain until C13; the Lay Subsidy Roll of 1296 lists 11 taxpayers, and that of 1312 14. In 1379 i.p.m. of Thomas Surtees recorded 20 husbandlands of 24 acres of arable. The unsatisfactory doc. evidence suggests gradual decay, C16-18th century, i.e. 1533 30 (or 13) messuages, 1566 8 messuages, 6 cottages, 10 tofts, 1666 Hearth Tax 8 houses. In a lease of 1780 there were 3 cottages at North Gosforth, 2 of which were empty. An undated map (post turnpiking of Great North Rd) shows buildings NW of chapel - if these are not Low Gosforth House (original date unknown) perhaps they are the remains of the village, later cleared for the garden of the house. Note, however, that Holmes suggested the village had "occupied the site of the present Three Mile Bridge", i.e. west of the Great North Road and north of the Ouse Burn. Dated C13th.
Site Name
North Gosforth village
Site Type: Specific
Village
HER Number
164
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 164 >> H. Hall, ed. 1896, The Red Book of the Exchequer Part I, Rolls Series 99 p. 440; Part II, pp. 563, 606, 713
Cal. I.P.M.Vol. XV, no. 271
Northumberland Records Office, 18th century - ZBG1/1-18
Northumberland Records Office, Hearth Tax - 1666 - E 179/158/103
Northumberland Records Office, Watson Collection - (date unknown) Gosforth Shelf 26, no. 22
Northumberland Records Office,Tithe Award, North Gosforth, DT 357 S
J. Brand, 1789, History of Newcastle, Vol. I, pp. 321-2
R. Welford, (date unknown) A History of the Parish of Gosforth
S. Holmes, 1883, Recent Investigations at the Ruined Chapel of North Gosforth, Archaeologia Aeliana, 2, IX, p. 206
M.H. Dodds, 1930, North Gosforth Township, Northumberland County History,XIII, pp. 345-355
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1996
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Domestic
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
161, 162
DAY1
17
DAY2
15
District
Sunderland
Easting
439400
Grid ref figure
6
HEIGHT_OD
30
Map Sheet
NZ35NE
MONTH1
08
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
556900
General Period
EARLY MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Early Medieval 410 to 1066
Place
Bishopwearmouth
Description
The earliest reference to Bishopwearmouth village is thought to be c. 930 A.D., when King Athelstan gave "South Wearmouth" and its appendages to the see of Durham. The site is a fairly neat rectangle, outlined initially by High Street West (North), Crowtree Road (East), Vine Place (South), Low Row and Green Terrace (West). The first development outside these boundaries seems to have been the rectory to the North, and between Low Row and the Howle-Eile or Wearmouth Burn. Despite several major redevelopments, the village core area has retained its church, churchyard, almshouses, Church Lane and green on the West side. 19th century buildings occupy the north-east corner, a college the south-west corner and the Crowtree Leisure Centre much of the east side. The West side of Low Row is now a car park, but recent excavation showed that modern construction has removed any surviving archaeological deposits.
Site Type: Broad
Settlement
SITEDESC
Earliest reference is thought to be c. 930, when King Athelstan gave "South Wearmouth" and its appendages to the see of Durham. It was then apparently a centre place, and then or later a parish. The site is a fairly neat rectangle, outlined initially by High Street West (N), Crowtree Road (E), Vine Place (S), Low Row and Green Terrace (W). First development outside these boundaries seems to have been the rectory to the N, and between Low Row and the Howle-Eile or Wearmouth Burn. After several major redevelopments, the area has probably reached a state of equilibrium - church, churchyard, almshouses, Church Lane and enlarged green occupy much of the W side;19th century buildings form the NE corner; college the SW corner; and the Crowtree Leisure Centre much of the E side. The W side of Low Row is now a carpark, though recent excavation showed that modern construction had removed the archaeological deposits. Medieval streets included Little Gate, South Gate, the Lonnin (High Street West), Low Row and Back Lane (Vine Place). Dated C10th.
Site Name
Bishopwearmouth village
Site Type: Specific
Village
HER Number
163
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 163 >> W. Greenwell, ed. 1852, Boldon Buke, Surtees Society, 25, p. 46
W.Greenwell, ed. 1856, Bishop Hatfield's Survey, Surtees Society, 2, pp. 132-134
D.A. Kirby, ed. 1972, Parliamentary Surveys of the Bishopric of Durham, Surtees Society, II 185, pp. 164-174
W. Hutchinson, 1787, The History of...Durham II, pp. 641-646
R. Surtees, 1816, The History of...Durham I, pp. 224-226
1857, The History of...Durham II, pp. 392-3, 416-19, 428-35
Sunderland Museum - 19th century general, and specific to Bishopwearmouth from C188, though principally 19th century
Sunderland Library Local Studies, 19th century general, C188-19th century include Ordnance Survey 1st ed. 25 8.14
Dept. Pal. & Dip. Durham Halmote Court - 18th century enclosures
S. Speake, 1987, Excavations at Wood Lane/Low Row, Sunderland
G.W. Bain, 1909, The Topography of Bishop Wearmouth, Parts I and II, Antiquities of Sunderland VIII, pp. 44-74
G.W. Bain, 1912, The Topography of Bishopwearmouth, Part III, Antiquities of Sunderland XI, pp. 1-22
J.W. Corder, 1939, Bishop Wearmouth Village in 1790, Antiquities of Sunderland XIX, pp. 42-49
S. Speak & M. Snape, 1993, Excavations at Crowtree Road, Sunderland
S. Speak in N. Higham, ed. 1992, Research in 1992, Medieval Settlement Research Group Annual ii. Excavations 7, p. 43
SURVIVAL
20-39%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
N
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Monument <By Form>
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Good
Crossref
161, 163
DAY1
23
DAY2
15
District
Sunderland
Easting
439280
Grid ref figure
8
HISTORY_TOPIC
Anglo-Saxon
Map Sheet
NZ35NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
06
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
556950
General Period
EARLY MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Early Medieval 410 to 1066
Place
Bishopwearmouth
Description
The stone, in medium-grained yellow sandstone, 71.1 cm high x 28 cm wide x 17.8 cm deep, was found in St. Michael's Church, Bishopwearmouth, in the north wall near its west end. It is probably the lower part of a grave-marker, with the upper section ornamented and the lower part roughly dressed for insertion in the ground. The carved ornament on the stone is poor and ill-defined, however. Upright cruciform grave-markers of this type tend to be late and this may be 11th century..
SITEASS
The stone was seen on the floor, under a table, covered with other unconsidered trifles, in the storage area in the north aisle of the church. It was said to be in 2 pieces and not on the inventory. Eric Cambridge, the DAC archaeologist, has been alerted.
Site Type: Broad
Findspot
SITEDESC
Probably the lower part of a grave-marker, upper section ornamented, lower roughly dressed for insertion in ground. In medium-grained yellow sandstone, damaged but unworn. A Incised standing cross, crudely framed in wavering roll moulding B ?Interlace with grooved side mouldings C Incised cross D May have been divided into panels A crude lop-sided carving with little clearly defined ornament; either very late or incompetent. Impossible to date, but upright cruciform grave-markers tend to be late. C11? 71.1 cm high x 28 cm wide x 17.8 cm deep. Found in St. Michael's Church, Bishopwearmouth, in the north wall near its west end. Dated C11th.
Site Name
Bishopwearmouth Church, part of Anglo-Saxon grave-marker
Site Type: Specific
Gravestone
HER Number
162
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 162 >> J.W. Corder, 1951, Bishopwearmouth Church, Antiquities of Sunderland Vol. XX (for 1932-43), pp. 55-56
R.J. Cramp, 1984, Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Stone Sculpture, Vol. I, part 1, p. 53, plate 19
SURVIVAL
40-59%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Good
Crossref
162, 163
DAY1
19
DAY2
13
District
Sunderland
Easting
439280
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
06
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 35 NE 29
Northing
556950
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Bishopwearmouth
Description
A pre-Conquest church here has been suggested on the basis of an early documentary reference to South Wearmouth, supposed Saxon stones found on the site, the appearance of the tower in an antiquarian illustration and various written and pictorial descriptions. However, while written descriptions suggest 12th century and later features, a pre-Conquest church is not supported by the evidence currently available. Successive rebuildings have removed most of medieval fabric. LISTED GRADE 2*
SITEASS
If the statement about vaults under the church is true there is probably little prospect of fruitful digging. Useful to inspect and list the faculties.
Site Type: Broad
Place of Worship
SITEDESC
Possible pre-Conquest origins. The evidence: pre-Conquest documentary reference to South Wearmouth, supposed Saxon stones (but even no. 162 not liked by RJC), appearance of tower in illus in (1) and (5), dimensions given by (1) of nave 14 paces (40') long and 14-16' wide (less later aisles). Description by (1) of nave arcades of circular piers supporting round arches suggests a C12 provision of aisles, and the illus perhaps indicate a large-scale rebuilding - wider aisles, new chancel - in late C13. Clerestory and parapets all long gone look Perp. Of all this only the east end of the chancel, with piscina, sedilia etc., and the lower parts of the nave aisle walls survive in situ. Other features, e.g. chancel arch, have been relocated. Successive rebuildings have removed most of medieval fabric - 1806-10, 1849-50, 1872, 1874-5, 1887, 1932-35. In 1872 6" of concrete was put down over the floor on account of the vaults under. (5) mentions vaults under chancel; nave unclear. Fittings and furnishings largely 1932-5. 1902 font. Altar in Bede Chapel incorporates panels from 1632 pulpit. Dated C12th.
Site Name
Church of St. Michael
Site Type: Specific
Parish Church
SITE_STAT
Listed Building Grade II*
HER Number
161
Form of Evidence
Extant Building
Sources
<< HER 161 >> W. Hutchinson, 1787, The History of...Durham, Vol. II, pp. 511-13
R. Surtees, 1816, The History of...Durham, Vol. I, pp. 227-232
W. Fordyce, 1857, The History of...Durham, Vol. II, pp. 428-435
T.J. McKitterick, 1923, Bishopwearmouth Church
J.W. Corder, 1951, Bishopwearmouth Church, Antiquities of Sunderland, Vol. XX (1932-43), pp. 48-56
H.L. Robson, 1973, Seating and Seat-Holders in Bishopwearmouth Parish Church 1632 & 1658, Antiquities of Sunderland Vol. XXV (1970-73), pp. 26-39
G. New, 1976, Bishopwearmouth Parish Church Churchwarden's Accounts 1661-1671, Antiquities of Sunderland, Vol. XXVI (1974-76), pp. 47-67
N. Pevsner & E. Williamson, 1983, The Buildings of England, County Durham p. 451
T. Corfe & G. Milburn, 1984, Buildings and Beliefs, pp. 6-7
P. Nicol, 1988, Bishopwearmouth Church 1790-1981, Durham County Local History Society Bulletin, 40 (May 1988), pp. 4-42
H.M. Wood, 1903, Notes on the Rectors of Bishopwearmouth from A.D. 1200 to 1900, Antiquities of Sunderland, Vol. II, 29-71; Peter Ryder, 2011, Historic Churches of County Durham, p74
SURVIVAL
1-19%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
DAY1
05
DAY2
10
District
Sunderland
Easting
439980
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35SE
MONTH1
04
MONTH2
04
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 35 SE 4
Northing
553660
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Neolithic -4,000 to -2,200
Place
Ryhope
Description
In the 1860s bones of a minimum of 7 skeletons (5 males, 1 female, 1 child) were recovered from a cave in the Permian limestone on the north side of the "glen" between Ryhope and Tunstall. The cave was described as a narrow passage c. 2 feet high x 3 feet wide, descending and widening slightly as it went into the rock. Originally it would have been c. 25 feet above the foot of the glen, but by the mid-19th century it was level with colliery spoil which had filled up the valley bottom. Other finds were the bones of dog, rabbit, goat, sheep, ox, pig, birds and fish, shells, and traces of charcoal. Other human bones were removed before the finds could be recorded. Four trial pits in 1975 proved the cave (and others adjacent) to be sterile, and showed it had been completely cleared before and during the Second World War when it was used as an air raid shelter. The National Coal Board then used it for a time as a tip for colliery rubbish.
SITEASS
Am not sure I located the site correctly - the only indication of caves are in the rock face just west of the council estate and because of the reclamation of Ryhope Colliery the area does not resemble available OS maps and makes NGR not very useful. No action required.
Site Type: Broad
Burial
SITEDESC
In the 1860s bones of a minimum of 7 skeletons (5 males, 1 female, 1 child) were recovered from a cave in the Permian limestone on the north side of the "glen" between Ryhope and Tunstall. The cave was described by (1) as a narrow passage c. 2 ft high x 3 ft wide, descending and widening slightly as it went into the rock. Originally it would have been c. 25 ft above the foot of the glen, but by the mid 19th century it was level with colliery spoil which had filled up the valley bottom. Other finds were the bones of dog, rabbit, goat, sheep, ox, pig, birds and fish, shells, and traces of charcoal. Other human bones were removed before the finds could be recorded. Four trial pits in the 1975 excavation proved the cave (and others adjacent) to be sterile, and showed it had been completely cleared before and during the Second World War when it was used as an air raid shelter. The NCB then used it for a time as a tip for colliery rubbish.
Site Name
Ryhope Cave
Site Type: Specific
Inhumation
HER Number
160
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 160 >> J.W. Kirkby & G.S. Brady, 1867, On Human and other Remains found in a Cavern near the Ryhope Colliery, Transactions Natural History Society of Northumberland and Durham Vol. I (for 1865-67), pp. 148-151
T.C. Squance, 1913, Remarks on two Pre-Historic Skulls, one found in a grave at Ryhope, Antiquities of Sunderland Vol. XIV, pp. 12-16
T.C. Squance, 1913, Ryhope, near Sunderland,Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 3, V (1911-12), pp. 242-3
Ordnance Survey archaeological record card, JHO, 1952, Possible Neolithic inhabited cave
A.F. Harding, 1976, Ryhope 1975, Department of Environment Archaeological Excavations p. 48
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, p. 72, no. 11
A.F. Harding, 1979, Trial Excavations at Ryhope Caves Tyne and Wear, 1975, Council British Archaeology, Archaeological Newsbulletin Series 2, no. 8, Sept. 1979, pp. 18-19
SURVIVAL
None
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1996
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
333, 334, 335
DAY1
04
DAY2
22
District
Sunderland
Easting
438300
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ35SE
MONTH1
04
MONTH2
01
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 35 SE 6
Northing
552900
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Bronze Age -2,600 to -700
Place
Silksworth
Description
In February, 1876, the small natural mound of sand and gravel, with a small barrow on top, called Steeple Hill, was removed. Inside it was a cist which contained a contracted skeleton, and two Food Vessels, in one of which was a cremation. Nearby was a second skeleton. The area is now covered by allotments.
SITEASS
Steeple Hill can now only be located from 1st ed. O.S., and its NGR is approximately as indicated. Area is now covered by allotments: further discoveries are improbable if the whole mound/barrow was removed. No action required.
Site Type: Broad
Barrow
SITEDESC
In February, 1876, the small natural mound of sand and gravel, with a small barrow on top, called Steeple Hill, was removed. Inside it was a cist which contained a contracted skeleton, and two Food Vessels, in one of which was a cremation. Nearby was a second skeleton. In Young's Group B - "Sites which upon destruction or complete excavation have proved to be barrows".
Site Name
Steeple Hill, barrow
Site Type: Specific
Round Barrow
HER Number
159
Form of Evidence
Levelled Earthwork
Sources
<< HER 159 >> W. Greenwell, 1877, British Barrows, p. 441
Transactions Architectectural & Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland, 1890, A Prae-Historic Cist Burial at Sacriston, Vol. III (for 1880-9), p. 184
W. Page, ed. 1905, Early Man, Victoria County History, Durham, Vol. I, p. 208
W.Mitchell, 1919, History of Sunderland, p. 11
A.M. Gibson, 1978, Bronze Age Pottery in the North-East of England, British Archaeological Report, Vol. 56, p. 76
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, p. 72, no. 10
R. Young, 1980, An Inventory of Barrows in Co. Durham, Transactions Architectural & Archaeological Society Durham & Northumberland, New Series, Vol. 5, p. 13 no. 92
SURVIVAL
None
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1996
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
232, 233
DAY1
03
DAY2
13
District
Sunderland
Easting
435900
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ35SE
MATERIAL
Bone
MONTH1
04
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 35 SE 2
Northing
554600
General Period
EARLY MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Early Medieval 410 to 1066
Place
Grindon
Description
In 1905 skeletons were found during quarrying of sand and gravel on Grindon Hill. Earthworks were also exposed on top of the hill. These consisted of two circular depressions, side by side, the distance across both being 68 feet east-west, the larger having a north-south diameter of 49 feet, the smaller 31 feet. Running east from them was a "raised trench or barrow", 126 feet long, 6 feet wide and 9 inches high. In the barrow were found 9 skeletons, all with their heads to the west, and "placed in a V-shape". More burials were found later: in 1952, the then O.S. field investigator, after an interview with J. Wilson, curator of the Sunderland Museum, wrote "...labourers on the site stated that numerous skeletons, always with head to the west, were found in the top 3 feet of the quarry. No accompanying finds were discovered...". The quarry is now filled in, and area grassed as public open space.
SITEASS
Quarry now filled in, and area grassed as public open space. There does not seem to be any archaeological action required. Interpretation is difficult: absence of finds and orientation suggest the bodies are Christian, hill top site pagan - if indeed they are Early Medieval.
Site Type: Broad
Burial
SITEDESC
In 1905 skeletons were found during quarrying of sand and gravel on Grindon Hill. The earthworks exposed on top of the hill consisted of 2 circular depressions, side by side, the distance across both being 68 ft E-W, the larger having a N-S diameter of 49 ft, the smaller 31 ft. Running E from them was a "raised trench or barrow", 126 ft long, 6 ft wide and 9 in high. In the barrow were found 9 skeletons, all with their heads to the W, and "placed in a V-shape".(1) Robinson believed these burials to be "Ancient British", Trechmann however wrote "No trace of a barrow exists on the hill and the skeletons were uncontracted and were concluded to be of Anglo-Saxon date".(3) It seems clear that more skeletons were found subsequently since, in 1952, the then O.S. field investigator, after an interview with J. Wilson, curator of the Sunderland Museum, wrote "...labourers on the site stated that numerous skeletons , always with head to the west, were found in the top 3 ft of the quarry. No accompanying finds were discovered...".(4)
Site Name
Grindon Hill inhumations
Site Type: Specific
Inhumation
HER Number
158
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 158 >> J. Robinson, 1907, Ancient Remains discovered at Grindon Hill, near Sunderland,Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 3, II, pp. 197-99
D. Woolacott,1909, The Physical Geography of Sunderland and District, Antiquities of Sunderland Vol. VIII (for 1907), p. 77
C.T. Trechmann, 1914, Prehistoric Burials in the County of Durham, Archaeologia Aeliana, 3, XI, p. 137
Ordnance Survey archaeological record card, JHO, 1952, Possible tumulus (site): Possible Anglo-Saxon burials.
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, p. 72, no. 9.2
R. Young, 1980, An Inventory of Barrows in Co. Durham, Transactions Architectural & Archaeological Society Durham & Northumberland, New Series, Vol. 5, p. 12 no. 90
SURVIVAL
None
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
N
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Jennifer Morrison
Crossref
7, 8, 13787
DAY1
20
DAY2
03
District
Sunderland
Easting
438020
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35NE
MONTH1
03
MONTH2
03
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 35 NE 37
Northing
555240
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Bronze Age -2,600 to -700
Place
Sunderland
Description
In 1873, during the construction of the Humbledon Hill High Reservoir on the summit of the hill, the barrow was removed and 3 urns were discovered, probably all containing cremations.
SITEASS
The barrow site lies under covered reservoirs. There is a small piece of scruffy, over-grazed grassland on the west side, a cliff face on the east.
Site Type: Broad
Barrow
SITEDESC
There was originally "a very definite barrow...on the site".(5) In 1873, during the construction of the Humbledon Hill High Reservoir on the summit of the hill, the barrow was removed and 3 urns were discovered, probably all containing cremations.
Site Name
Humbledon Hill, barrow
Site Type: Specific
Round Barrow
HER Number
157
Form of Evidence
Levelled Earthwork
Sources
<< HER 157 >> G.B. Gibbs, 1912, Early History of the Water Supplies of Sunderland and South Shields, Antiquities of Sunderland Vol. XII (for 1911), p. 33
Transactions Natural History Society Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle, 1877, Note on Cinerary Vases found at Humbledon Hill, near Sunderland, Vol. V (for 1873-6), p. 97
W. Greenwell, 1877, British Barrows pp. 440-1
Transactions Architectectural & Archaeological Society Durham & Northumberland, 1890, A Prae-Historic Cist Burial at Sacriston, Vol. III (for 1880-89), p. 184
C.T. Trechmann, 1914, Prehistoric Burials in the County of Durham, Archaeologia Aeliana, 3, XI, pp. 120-1, 137
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, pp. 60-61, no. 4.1
R. Young, 1980, An Inventory of Barrows in Co. Durham, Transactions Architectectural & Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland, New series,Vol. 5, p. 12 no. 89
W. Page, ed. 1905, Early Man, Victoria County History, Durham Vol. I, p. 208
Geoquest 2000, Archaeological Assessment for ... Humbledon Hill, Sunderland
Archaeological Services University of Durham, 2001, Humbledon Hill, Sunderland Geophysical Survey