Excavations of this barrow in 1877 by Dr. Greenwell revealed a Neolithic deposit of cremated bones, perhaps surrounded by boulders, occupying a space 34 feet by 6 feet, with at each end an oblong stone-lined hole filled with charcoal and covered with limestone. The excavator believed that this site was a "flue cremation", but Young, the most recent writer on the subject, suggests that the feature may have been the burnt and collapsed remains of an axial mortuary structure, resembling a low ridge tent, i.e. the two holes may have been large postholes to support a ridge pole. It was not possible to say how many bodies had been placed there, and no artifacts were found associated with them. The burial was situated some 5 feet south of the centre of the mound, and aligned east-west.
Site Type: Broad
Burial
SITEDESC
Excavations of this barrow in 1877 by Dr Greenwell revealed that the primary burial was Neolithic, and consisted of several cremated disarticulated bodies burnt in situ in some form of mortuary structure. It was not possible to say how many bodies had been placed there, and no article or pottery was found associated with them. This primary deposit was situated some 5 feet south of the centre of the mound, and aligned east-west.
Site Name
Copt Hill, Neolithic cremations
Site Type: Specific
Cremation Burial
HER Number
114
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 114 >> C.T. Trechmann,1914, Prehistoric Burials in the County of Durham, Archaeologia Aeliana, 3, XI, pp. 123-30
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, pp. 53, 55
R. Young, 1985, The Copt Hill, Houghton-le-Spring, round cairn: a reassessment, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5, XIII, pp. 7-17
I.A. Kinnes & I.H. Longworth, 1985, Catalogue of the...prehistoric...material in the Greenwell Collection burial 1
SURVIVAL
None
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_STAT
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Poor
Crossref
112, 451
DAY1
03
DAY2
06
District
Sunderland
Easting
435260
Grid ref figure
8
HEIGHT_OD
110
Map Sheet
NZ35SE
MONTH1
08
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 35 SE 1
Northing
554450
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Bronze Age -2,600 to -700
Place
Sunderland
SAMNUMBER
32044
Description
A small round barrow, on the highest point of Hasting Hill, at its west end. Before excavation in 1911 it was low, flat and slightly bowl-shaped, 40 feet in diameter and about 3 feet high. It appears to have been of cairn construction, consisting of earth and stones, with no surrounding bank and ditch. Trechmann, the excavator, found in the make-up of the mound human bones of at least 10 individuals, animal bones, flint chippings and pottery, including part of the base of a small vessel of red clay. The base, 35 mm in diameter, was decorated with a cross formed of two lines of impressed dots. Various authorities have called it a 'food vessel', an 'incense cup' and a 'pygmy vessel'. There is no longer any sign of the barrow at the site, which is presently an unimproved meadow notable for its wild flowers. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT
SITEASS
At present unimproved meadow notable for its wild flowers. Trechmann cannot have left much behind, "but even an isolated mutilated mound may produce valuable environmental and dating evidence by partial excavation at minimal expense", (Saving Our Prehistoric Heritage (1988), p.5).
Site Type: Broad
Barrow
SITEDESC
A small round barrow, on the highest point of Hasting Hill, at its west end. It was described by Trechmann as low, flat and slightly bowl-shaped, with the dimensions 40 feet diameter, c. 2 ft 9 in high in the middle, 3 ft at the edge. There is some inconsistency in the measurements: HBMC 12-15 m diam, 1 m high; Young 19.85 m diam, 1.95 m high. It appears to be of cairn construction, consisting of earth and stones, some large, of limestone, sandstone, whin and erratics, and to lack a surrounding bank and ditch. There is an O.S. trig pillar on top of the mound. It was excavated by Trechmann in 1911 and, in addition to separate entries SMR 112, 451-83, he found in the make-up of the mound scattered human bones of at least 10 individuals, animal bones and flint chippings.
NB HERs 453-466, 468-479, 481-483 and 528 appear on mapping but do not have database entries.
Site Name
Hasting Hill Barrow
Site Type: Specific
Round Barrow
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument
HER Number
113
Form of Evidence
Earthwork
Sources
<< HER 113 >> Transactions Architecture & Archaeology Society Durham & Northumberland, 1889, III, p. 185
C.T. Trechmann, 1913, Hasting Hill, Offerton, Co.Durham,Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 3, V (for 1911-12), p. 139
C.T. Trechmann, 1912, Recent Finds of Pre-historic Remains at Hasting Hill, near Offerton, Antiquities of Sunderland, XIV, pp. 1-5
T. Coke Squance, 1912, Notes on, and Deductions from Bones found at Hasting Hill... Antiquities of Sunderland, XIV, pp. 6-11
C.T. Trechmann, 1914, Prehistoric Burials in the County of Durham, Archaeologia Aeliana, 3, XI, pp. 135-156
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, pp. 68-70, 74, Fig. 21
R. Young, 1980, An Inventory of Barrows in Co. Durham, Transactions Architectectural & Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland, New series, Vol. 5, p. 10 no. 44
SURVIVAL
1-19%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_STAT
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Good
Crossref
113
DAY1
03
DAY2
06
District
Sunderland
Easting
435260
Grid ref figure
8
HEIGHT_OD
110
Map Sheet
NZ35SE
MATERIAL
Ceramic
MONTH1
08
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
554450
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Neolithic -4,000 to -2,200
Place
Sunderland
Description
In 1911 Trechmann excavated the Hasting Hill barrow and found, among other things, fragments of two Neolithic pots. The first comprised three sherds of a small, shallow semi-globular bowl, in dark orange fabric with vertical incised lines around the exterior and shallow indentations on the rim. The second, interpreted as 'Peterborough Ware', was a rim sherd in a hard, gritty red fabric, decorated with deeply scored lines on the rim and neck, and with fingernail impressions on the exterior of the rim. The reason for the deposition of this pottery is uncertain, but may have originally accompanied a burial scattered by the insertion of the numerous Bronze Age burials. Alternatively, with the flints and animal bones also in the mound, it could have been derived from an earlier occupation preserved by the construction of the barrow.
Site Type: Broad
Barrow
SITEDESC
In 1911 Trechmann excavated the Hasting Hill barrow. In the material of the mound he found, among other things, frags of 2 Neolithic pots (1). 1. 3 sherds of a shallow semi-globular bowl, 4+" diam., in dark orange fabric with vertical incised lines around exterior and shallow indentations on rim bevel. 2. Rim sherd in Peterborough Ware. T-shaped profile forming an internal bevel. Hard red fabric, much grit, decorated with deeply scored lines on rim bevel and neck, fingernail impressions on exterior of rim. Reason for the deposition of this pottery uncertain. Small bowl might have originally accompanied a burial or burial deposit scattered by the insertion of the numerous Bronze Age burials. Alternatively,...with the flints and animal bones also in the mound, it "could have been derived from an earlier occupation preserved by the erection of the barrow mound".
NB HERs 453-466, 468-479, 481-483 and 528 appear on mapping but do not have database entries.
Site Name
Hasting Hill barrow, Neolithic pottery
Site Type: Specific
Vessel
HER Number
112
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 112 >> C.T. Trechmann, 1914, Prehistoric Burials in the County of Durham, Archaeologia Aeliana, 3, XI, pp. 135-156
T.G. Manby, 1973, Neolithic Pottery from Hasting Hill, Co. Durham, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5, I, pp. 219-222
SURVIVAL
1-19%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
Class
Unassigned
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Fair
Crossref
109, 110
DAY1
29
DAY2
06
District
Sunderland
Easting
435700
Grid ref figure
6
HEIGHT_OD
80
Map Sheet
NZ35SE
MONTH1
07
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
553800
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Bronze Age -2,600 to -700
Place
Sunderland
SAMNUMBER
32070
Description
There are a number of circular and sub-circular features visible as cropmarks nearby the Hasting Hill interrupted ditch enclosure and possible cursus, or ceremonial pathway. Some have been described as ring ditches, while other sources have described them as barrows, or burial mounds. One stands out prominantly on aerial photographs outside the south end of the possible cursus. These remains are probably being steadily destroyed by ploughing. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT.
SITEASS
Important because they suggest a possibility of occupation continuing from the Neolithic into the Bronze Age (5). Being eroded by ploughing, so either this should stop or there should be total excavation. Some are outside the scheduled area which should be extended.
Site Type: Broad
Archaeological Feature
SITEDESC
There are a number of circular and sub-circular features visible as cropmarks in the same field as Site nos. 109 and 110. Two might be cut by 109. Some have been described as ring ditches (4), and one such is clear outside the south end of 110 (1). Source (6) refers to them as barrows.
Site Name
Hasting Hill, circular features
Site Type: Specific
Site
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument
HER Number
111
Form of Evidence
Cropmark
Sources
<< HER 111 >> Aerial Photograph, N. McCord, 1971, Hasting Hill, A/083715/30-32 -Museum of Antiquities
Aerial Photograph, D.W. Harding, Hasting Hill, 116/1-8, 117/2,4,6-8 -Dept. of Archaeology, Durham
Aerial Photograph, Ordnance Survey 1974, Hasting Hill, 74.195, 074-75
A.F. Harding, 1980, Hasting Hill, 1980, Excavation report
Pers comm. A.F. Harding, 1984
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, no. 2, p. 70, pl. 7
Aerial Photograph, National Monuments Record, 1974, Hasting Hill, 1974/240-244 -Dept. of Archaeology Durham
SURVIVAL
20-39%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Claire MacRae
CONDITION
Fair
Crossref
109, 111
DAY1
29
DAY2
16
District
Sunderland
Easting
435500
Grid ref figure
6
HEIGHT_OD
80
Map Sheet
NZ35SE
MONTH1
07
MONTH2
01
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
553800
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Neolithic -4,000 to -2,200
Place
Sunderland
SAMNUMBER
32070
Description
A rectangular structure, marked by ditches, has been tentatively identified as a cursus, or ceremonial pathway. Its square north end is c. 30 m wide, and close to the south-east side of the Hasting Hill interrupted ditch enclosure. It is aligned roughly north-south, and its parallel sides are visible for a length of some 200 m. In 1980, a little to the south of the interrupted ditch enclosure, the cursus ditch was located and excavated and found to be about 1 m wide and 40 cm deep, with a V-shape of asymmetrical profile and some sizeable stones in the bottom. This is one of a group of features regarded as unique in north-east, but probably being steadily destroyed by ploughing. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT.
SITEASS
One of a group of features regarded as unique in north-east. Being damaged by ploughing. Preserve by eliminating cause of damage, or totally excavate. Either should be preceded by geo-physical survey. Scheduled area should be extended to include southern half of cursus.
Site Type: Broad
Cursus
SITEDESC
A rectangular structure, marked by ditches (1,2) has been tentatively identified as a cursus (4). Its square north end is c. 30 m wide, and close to but not touching the south-east side of Site no. 109. It is aligned roughly north-south, and its parallel sides are visible for a length of some 200 m. In 1980, a little to the south of Site no. 109, the cursus ditch was located and excavated. "It is about 1 m wide and 40 cm deep, with a V shape of asymmetrical profile and some sizeable stones in the bottom". A geophysical survey carried out on the cursus in 2012 around the northern cursus terminal confirmed the existence of a ring ditch and highlights the possibility of other features between the cursus and enclosure (HER109). Survey in 2014 revealed anomalies associated with it. Strong responses were given from modern agricultural activity which may mask earlier archaeological features.
Site Name
Hasting Hill, cursus
Site Type: Specific
Cursus
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument
HER Number
110
Form of Evidence
Cropmark
Sources
<< HER 110 >> Aerial Photograph, N. McCord, 1971, Hasting Hill, A/083715/30-32- Museum of Antiquities
Aerial Photograph, D.W. Harding, Hasting Hill, 116.1-8, 117.2,4,6-8- Dept. of Archaeology Durham
Aerial Photograph, Ordnance Survey 1974, Hasting Hill, 74.195, 074-75
T.G. Newman, 1976, A Crop-Mark Site at Hasting Hill, Tyne and Wear, NZ 355 541 Archaeologia Aeliana, 5, IV, pp. 183-4, pl. IX
A.F. Harding, 1980, Hasting Hill, 1980
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, no. 2, p. 70, pl. 7
Aerial Photograph, National Monuments Record, 1974, Hasting Hill 1974.240-244 -Dept.of Archaeology Durham; Phase Site Investigations, 2014, Hasting Hill and Penshaw Hill - Geophysical Survey; Harding and Biggins, 2012, Hasting Hill Monument Complex, Sunderland - Geophysical Survey
SURVIVAL
20-39%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
2015
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
Class
Monument <By Form>
COMP1
B. Harbottle
COMP2
Claire MacRae
CONDITION
Fair
Crossref
110, 111
DAY1
29
DAY2
16
District
Sunderland
Easting
435500
Grid ref figure
6
HEIGHT_OD
80
Map Sheet
NZ35SE
MONTH1
07
MONTH2
01
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
554100
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Neolithic -4,000 to -2,200
Place
Sunderland
SAMNUMBER
32070
Description
The enclosure measures c.100 m x 60 m, and is marked by a single interrupted ditch. In 1980 the ditch was tested in two places. On the west side it was preserved to a width of 2.20 m, and showed up as a compact silty brown soil against the whitish limey natural soil. Its depth was not explored, but the deposits appeared to be well preserved. On the south side the ditch had been severely damaged by ploughing and was barely 1 m wide and only 20 to 30 cm deep. A small amount of animal bone came from just below the modern plough soil. The gradiometer survey showed the main ditch, with gaps, and internal features including a circular ditch. The excavation showed that the enclosure and associated features, which are unique in the north-east, are being steadily destroyed by ploughing. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT.
SITEASS
The enclosure (and associated features) are unique in the north-east. The excavation showed that archaeological features and deposits do survive, but are being steadily reduced by ploughing. Recommended treatment - either preservation (by eliminating the cause of damage) or total excavation.
Site Type: Broad
Enclosure
SITEDESC
The enclosure measures c. 100 m x 60 m, and is marked by a single interrupted ditch (1,2,4). In 1980 the ditch was tested in 2 places. On the west side it was preserved to a width of 2.20 m, and showed up as a compact silty brown soil against the whitish limey natural soil. Its depth was not explored, but the deposits appear to be well preserved. On the south side the ditch was barely 1 m wide and only 20 to 30 cm deep, i.e. it had been severely damaged by ploughing. A small amount of animal bone came from just below the modern plough soil.
The gradiometer survey showed the main ditch, with gaps, and internal features including "a circular ditched thing". In 2012 the enclosure was examined by Newcastle University/Timescape Surveys. A geophysical survey was undertaken. It revealed the full extent of the enclosure - ditch 96.5m N-S and 72m E-W enclosing 0.546ha. It is irregular in plan, rounded in outline to the N and S but with flattened sides E and W. Ditch width varies between 1.5m and 3.2m. Within the enclosure a range of anomalies were revealed which require further investigation. The survey confirmed that there were more than two entrances to the NW and the SE and may be an early Neolithic causewayed enclosure. Survey around the northern cursus terminal confirmed the existence of a ring ditch and highlights the possibility of other features between the two monuments.
Site Name
Hasting Hill, interrupted ditch enclosure
Site Type: Specific
Ditched Enclosure
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument
HER Number
109
Form of Evidence
Cropmark
Sources
<< HER 109 >> Aerial Photograph, N.McCord, 1971, Hasting Hill A/083715/30-32- Museum of Antiquities
Aerial Photograph, D.W. Harding, Hasting Hill, 116.1-8, 117.2,4,6-8- Dept. Archaeology Durham
Aerial Photograph, Ordnance Survey, 1974, Hasting Hill, 74.195, 074-75
T.G. Newman, 1976, A Crop-Mark Site at Hasting Hill, Tyne and Wear, NZ 355 541 Archaeologia Aeliana, 5, IV, pp. 183-4, pl. IX
A.F. Harding, 1980, Hasting Hill, Excavation report
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, no. 2, p. 70, pl. 7
Aerial Photograph, National Monuments Record, 1974, Hasting Hill, 1974.240-244 -Dept. Archaeology Durham
A.F. Harding, 1989, Gradiometer Survey of south end of site; Phase Site Investigations, 2014, Hasting Hill and Penshaw Hill - Geophysical Survey; Harding and Biggins, 2012, Hasting Hill Monument Complex, Sunderland - Geophysical Survey
SURVIVAL
20-39%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
2015
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Domestic
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Good
DAY1
22
DAY2
31
District
S Tyneside
Easting
440600
Grid ref figure
6
HEIGHT_OD
20
Map Sheet
NZ46SW
MONTH1
07
MONTH2
10
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
561800
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Whitburn
Description
The earliest reference to Whitburn is in 1183. In c.1382 seven residents were described as free tenants, 31 as holding demesne land, 5 as cottagers and 19 as holding exchequer lands (this is not a total number of tenants as there was overlapping between the categories). A total of 30 separate holdings were listed, along with a windmill and a pound. In layout it was probably originally a 2-row green village, of average size. The green does not extend through the eastern half of the settlement, where the onetime hallgarth projected north to reduce the width of Front Street. The early street pattern, with the parish church behind the south row of houses, appears to survive although the houses have ben much rebuilt. The Hall was demolished in 1980 and the site built over. Limestone boundary/garden walls are a striking feature of the village.
SITEASS
A tidy, prosperous, well-protected village where there are not likely to be opportunities for excavation. Street names to note in planning applications: Front Street, East Street, North Guards, Chicks Lane, Sandy Chare, The Bank, Church Lane.
Site Type: Broad
Settlement
SITEDESC
Probably originally a 2-row green village, of average size, founded in C12. The green does not extend through the eastern half of the settlement, where the onetime hallgarth projected north to reduce the width of Front Street. Parish church lies behind the south row. Early street pattern probably survives but houses much rebuilt: 18th century houses in west half of south side,19th century houses on north side. Hall demolished in 1980, and site built over. Note Cross House built on the green. Earliest reference 1183 (1). In c. 1382 7 were described as free tenants, 31 as holding demesne land, 5 as cottagers and 19 as holding exchequer lands; this is not a total number of tenants as there was overlapping between the categories. There had been considerable colonisation of the waste, 30 separate holdings being listed, there was a windmill and a pound (2). In 18th century it was recorded that "there are some handsome houses in the village, and several families of consequence"(8). Limestone boundary/garden walls are a striking feature. In 1964 in his gazetteer of County Durham, Ian Nairn described Whitburn as 'the best place in Durham to see an old village turn sophisticated. The result is so fresh and so free of second-hand cosiness that it is a model for the rest of the county. Whitburn has a grand shape, to start with, and has always had a wealthy comfortable tradition. The green is off the main coast road, and starts soberly with a line of cottages (north) opposite a high wall (south). Then both sides widen out. The north widens up, too: the houses here are on a level with the branches of the trees which march down the centre of the green. Even in winter, there will always be a fan-dance of buildings behind branches. From the uphill end, the houses recede in enhanced perspective down to the church and beyond - an enchanting lane which runs past a house of 1842 which is exactly the right kind of joke, and ends in a five-ways of directions. Two are drives to private houses, the other three paths start side by side but with completely different characters, one to the recreation ground, one asphalt and contained within fences, the other a rough footpath across a rough field. Choice beyond the dreams of anarchism; the field must be preserved, even though the houses of outer Sunderland are only a few yards beyond. Back on the green, the indispensable house in the middle is just being restored'. Dated C12th.
Site Name
Whitburn village
Site Type: Specific
Village
HER Number
108
Form of Evidence
Documentary Evidence
Sources
<< HER 108 >> W. Greenwell, ed. 1852, Boldon Buke, Surtees Society, 25, p. 46
W. Greenwell, ed. 1856, Bishop Hatfield's Survey, Surtees Society, 32, pp. 102-6
DA Kirby, ed. 1972, Parliamentary Surveys of the Bishopric of Durham II, Surtees Society, 185, pp. 50-54
Durham University Archives & Special Collection Halmote Court Books, 1680, Whitburn 88, f.554
Durham University Archives & Special Collection Chancery Decree Awards, 1680, Moors and West Meadows in Whitburn parish 57
Durham University Archives & Special Collection Chancery Decree Awards, 1718, Fields in Whitburn Parish 58
Durham University Archives & Special Collection, Halmote Court Addit maps and plans Whitburn, Cleadon and Boldon Royalties 36a
W. Hutchinson, 1794, History of Durham II, pp. 625-8
R. Surtees, 1816, History of…Durham II, p. 50
Wm. Parson & Wm. White, 1828, Directory of Durham and Northumberland II, pp. 199-200
Durham University Archives & Special Collection, Tithe Award, 1840, Whitburn
Durham University Archives & Special Collection, Ordnance Survey maps 1st ed. 25=1 mile Durham VIII.3; Ian Nairn, 1964, A Townscape Gazetteer - County Durham, Architectural Review, Vol. 135 (1964) p 120; Durham Record Office, Plan of the village of Whitburn, 1817
SURVIVAL
60-79%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_STAT
Public Right of Way, Conservation Area
Class
Domestic
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Poor
DAY1
20
DAY2
31
District
Gateshead
Easting
418550
Grid ref figure
8
HEIGHT_OD
70
Map Sheet
NZ15NE
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
07
MONTH2
10
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 15 NE 4
Northing
559920
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Whickham
SAMNUMBER
32050
Description
When first built, perhaps in the 13th century, the house was an oblong, 16.15 x 6.65 metres externally, with walls 0.90 metres thick, with 2 rooms (hall and chamber) on each of 2 floors, and a probable garderobe turret at the south-west angle. Later a 2-storey wing was added to the east wall on each side of the entrance, and finally a wall, with arch above to support a tower, was built between the wings. It became a possession of the Bowes c.1730. In 1889 it was used as a cattle shed, but it was then decided to keep the ruins in good order. There has been some vandalism to the site in recent years, however. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT AND LISTED GRADE 1.
SITEASS
Masonry in good order after 2 restorations, 1975 and 1983-6, but no provision yet for regular maintenance. Excavation (before a permanent floor), study of masonry and search for additional documentary sources needed before a proper account can be written for publication. Weedy and littered on last visit. Vandals have wrenched off sections of masonry above doorway [2002]. Ruin attracts anti-social behaviour. Fires set alight inside. SMC required for the repair. Conservation Plan required for long-term. Pevsner - ruins of a fortified manor house beautifully placed right above the River Derwent. The hall was a long oblong with, at its south end, high up (ie originally on the upper floor), a two-light C13 window with a pierced circle in the spandrel. To the east an entrance tower with a hugely high open arch, 20 ft high by 9 ft wide (cf. Lumley). To its north a barrel-vaulted room. Towards the river, at the south end there seems to have been a smaller tower. Monument on the English Heritage Register of Buildings at Risk 2007, priority D - Slow delay; solution agreed but not yet implemented. Heritage At Risk 2008, Priority D (slow decay, solution agreed but not yet implemented), condition poor. Isolated situation has made it vulnerable to vandalism. EH has offered a grant towards repair and consolidation works, which will commence in Spring 2008. Works undertaken. No longer on Heritage At Risk Register.
Site Type: Broad
Fortified House
SITEDESC
When first built, perhaps in C13, house was an oblong, 16.15 x 6.65m externally, with walls 0.90m thick, and with 2 rooms (hall and chamber) on each of 2 floors, and a probable garderobe turret at SW angle. In phase 2 a 2-storey wing was added to the E wall on each side of the entrance, and in phase 3 a wall, with arch above to support a tower, was built between the wings, (8). Details: 2-light window in first floor S wall; no trace of original hearths but a secondary fireplace in first floor E wall; in NE wing a vaulted lower room; no sign of a primary stair, but possible site for a later one within the later "porch". Later additions/alterations include a buttress against N end of E wall. Descent of manor of Hollinside from 1317, when it belonged to Thomas de Holinside, to c. 1730, when it became a possession of the Bowes, is in (2). No mention of the house. 1886 some tidying up (3). 1889 said to have been used as a cattleshed, then decided to keep the ruins in good order (4). Dated C13th.
Site Name
Old Hollinside
Site Type: Specific
Fortified Manor House
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument, Listed Building Grade I, Local Authority Guardianship
HER Number
107
Form of Evidence
Ruined Building
Sources
<< HER 107 >> W. Hutchinson, 1787, History....of Durham, Vol. II, pp. 450
R. Surtees, 1820, History of...Durham, II, pp. 250-1
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 1886, Hollinside, 2, II, pp. 184-6
J. Robinson, 1890, Hollinside, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, IV, p. 177
J.R. Boyle, 1892, Durham: Its Castles, Churches, etc. pp. 594-5
J.F. Hodgson, 1898, Finchale Priory, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, Rev 2, VIII, p. 180
Archaeologia Aeliana, 1912, Seals,3, VIII, p. 110
A.H. Thompson, 1922, Hollinside, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 3, X, p. 286
R.B. Harbottle, 1988, Files entitled Old Hollinside, T&W CC C/GD/DS/05/01, now with Gateshead MBC
C.H.H. Blair. 1935, The Renaissance Heraldry of the County Palatine of Durham, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, XII, p. 48
Monthly Chronicle of North-Country Lore and Legend, 1890, Hollinside Manor, March, pp. 128-9
Q. Peel, 1974, Civic cash aids North history, Wed. 4 Dec., The Journal, p. 7
Evening Chronicle, 1976, Foreign money find puzzles the historians, Wed. 12 May, p. 5
R. Anderson, Scrapbook Vols. I, p. 17, II p. 101, III p. 4, Gateshead Library Newspaper cuttings
P.J. Davison, 1965, Interesting Places... pp. 11-12
P.J. Davison, 1979, The Derwent Valley, pp. 40-
W. Greenwell, ed. 1856, Bishop Hatfield's Survey, Surtees Society, 32, p. 93; Gateshead Council, 1999, Conservation Area Policy Guidelines, Strategies and Character Statements, Gibside Conservation Area, pp 51-53
SURVIVAL
60-79%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Defence
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Claire MacRae
CONDITION
Poor
DAY1
17
DAY2
17
District
Gateshead
Easting
423260
Grid ref figure
8
HEIGHT_OD
70
Map Sheet
NZ25NW
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
05
MONTH2
03
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 25 NW 1
Northing
559140
parish
Lamesley
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Ravensworth
SAMNUMBER
32068
Description
Two square towers and fragments of the attached curtain wall remain of what was presumably a quadrangular castle of 4 angle towers connected by a curtain wall to form a square enclosure. The surviving north tower comprises a brick-vaulted half-underground room, a large stone-vaulted room at mezzanine level, and a small mural south chamber. The south tower comprises a vaulted room on each of the 4 floors and mural chambers. The earliest reference to the placename is c.1080 when it was in the hands of Bishop Flambard from whom the manor passed through various hands (in the 14th and 15th century the Lumleys) until in 1607 it was bought by Sir Thomas Liddell, in whose family (later Barons Ravensworth) it remained until c.1976. The first reference to the castle is 1405/06, although its actual date of origin is probably late 13th or 14th century. The towers survived the Liddells' constant rebuilding of their houses, now almost all gone, in the 18th and 19th centuries. This is an important, largely unknown and wholly unrecorded monument. It is included on English Heritage's Register of Buildings at Risk 2002 as being in "very bad" condition. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT AND LISTED GRADE 2*
SITEASS
An important, largely unknown and wholly unrecorded monument. Fabric in poor condition, in danger from vandals and neglect. For the towers full set of drawings, internal photos and verbal interpretation needed. The scrub, at last visit, has been cleared; scheme for recording in preparation. Listed on English Heritage's Register of Buildings at Risk 2002. Listed as being in "very bad" condition. Priority A. "Remaining fragments of house in poor condition. Stables more complete, but roofless and in very bad condition, Feasibility study for re-use of stables, consolidation of castle and house has been prepared by North East Civic Trust". Monument on the English Heritage Register of Buildings at Risk 2007, priority A - Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; no solution agreed. Heritage At Risk 2008, priority A - Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; no solution agreed. Condition very bad. Listed on English Heritage's Heritage At Risk Register 2009. Condition: very bad. Priority: A. A Conservation Plan was completed in 2008 and the Local Authority has a planning brief for the site. A quantity surveyor's report and viability study are both due for completion in 2009 and will inform the full repair programme for the site. Listed on English Heritage's Heritage At Risk Register 2011. Medieval castle of which two C14 corner towers and part of the curtain wall survive, in poor condition. The towers are propped to prevent further collapse. A Conservation Plan was completed in 2008 and there is now a Viability Study and Planning Brief for the site. An English Heritage grant was offered in 2010 to help fund project development work that will bring forward a phased repair scheme.
Condition: very bad
Priority: A Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; no solution agreed. Heritage At Risk 2012: CONDITION: Very bad, PRIORITY: A Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; no solution agreed Heritage At Risk 2013: CONDITION: Very bad, PRIORITY: A Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; no solution agreed. Discussions are ongoing to secure the implementation of the necessary works. HERITAGE AT RISK 2015: Medieval castle of which two C14 corner towers and part of its curtain wall survive in poor condition, as well as
associated archaeological deposits. A sustainable future for
all the historic structures on the site has been the subject of
discussions over many years, but a long-term solution has
yet to be agreed. Urgent repairs were completed by the
owners in spring 2015 following a condition survey
commissioned by the Local Authority using Historic
England grant-aid. Discussions with the owner about the
longer-term repair needs of the castle are on-going. CONDITION: VERY BAD PRIORITY: A
Site Type: Broad
Castle
SITEDESC
Two square towers and fragments of attached curtain wall remain of what was presumably a quadrangular castle of 4 angle towers connected by a curtain to form a square enclosure. N tower: brick-vaulted half-underground room; at mezzanine level a large stone-vaulted room entered via door in S wall and stair against W wall of tower, and small mural S chamber; access to roof by S stair. S tower: vaulted room on each of 4 floors, mural chambers, W stair. Earliest reference to the placename c. 1080. From Bishop Flambard in C11 the manor passed through various hands (in C14 and C15 the Lumleys) until in 1607 it was bought by Sir Thomas Liddell, in whose family (later Barons Ravensworth) it remained until c. 1976. First reference to the castle is 1405/06, it is certainly earlier than this but the actual date is unknown. Late C13 is preferred by sources 3 & 4; its plan however suggests C14. These towers survived the Liddells' constant rebuilding of their houses, now almost all gone, in 18th century and C19. NAA (2006) suggest that the castle started life as a late 12th century fortified hall-house similar to Edlingham Castle in Northumberland. In the 13th century a solar tower (the surviving North Tower) was added. Probably in the late 14th century 3 or 4 further towers were added (only the South Tower now survives) and a curtain wall to create a castle which was quadrangular in plan. Ravensworth however is simpler in design and has no interconnected buildings like planned quadrangular castles (Bolton Castle, Wensleydale or Lumley). No above-ground structures can be dated to the period between the 14th century castle and the 18th century villa (HER 13484) but the medieval towers have changes which may be from this period. The North Tower's straight chamfered stone mullion and transom windows are probably 16th or 17th century and a wall-walk exit on the South Tower's west side and an arrow slit window on the south side are blocked with handmade brick, possibly late 16th or early 17th century. The Lumleys, Boyntons and Gascoignes who held the manor in the 15th and 16th centuries would almost certainly have modified the castle. Bailey's 1787 engraving shows what appears to be an Elizabethan range - two storeys with a steeply pitched roof and three chimney stacks, one in the centre and two at the west end. The Tudor phase may have been modified or demolished after the Palladian villa was built to the east. The medieval remains are of exceptional evidential significance. The Medieval Towers were laser scanned in 2014 by NAA but had been previously recorded in 1998 and 2006. Monitoring during consolidation works to the towers and gateway in 2014 was also undertaken by NAA. Dated C12-17th.
Site Name
Ravensworth Castle (medieval)
Site Type: Specific
Quadrangular Castle
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument, Listed Building Grade II*
HER Number
106
Form of Evidence
Ruined Building
Sources
<< HER 106 >> W. Hutchinson, 1787, History of County Palatine of Durham, II, pp. 417-18
R. Surtees, 1820, History of the County Palatine pf Durham, II, p. 208
W.H.D. Longstaffe, 1855, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, I, pp. 256-7
J.R. Boyle, 1892, Durham...Its Castles, Churches etc. pp. 607-8
F. Whellan & Co. 1894, Directory of ... Durham,pp. 1207-08
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 1895 2, VI, p. 49 and Bucks' view
H.E. Bell, 1939, Calendar of Deeds given to the Society by Lord Ravensworth, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4, XVI, pp. 43-70, nos. 46, 73
C.R.Walton, 1950, Romantic Ravensworth - Gateshead Post
R.W. Martin, The Liddells of Ravensworth, a scrapbook - Gateshead Library
N. Pevsner & E. Williamson, 1985, County Durham Second edition revised, pp. 389-90.
D. McKay & M. Bowden, (RCHM(E)), 1989, Ravensworth Castle
P. Meadows & E. Waterson, 1993, Lost Houses of County Durham, pp 16-19; Gateshead Council, 1999, Conservation Area Policy Guidelines, Strategies and Character Statements, Ravensworth Conservation Area, pp 61-63; Northern Archaeological Associates, 2006, Ravensworth Castle, Gateshead; North of England Civic Trust, 2008, Ravensworth Castle, Gateshead, Conservation Plan; Northern Archaeological Associates, 2014, Ravensworth Castle, Gateshead - Building Recording; Northern Archaeological Associates, 2016, Ravensworth Castle, Gateshead - Watching Brief;
SURVIVAL
40-59%
YEAR1
1988
YEAR2
2016
English, British
ADDITINF
Y
AREA_STAT
Public Right of Way
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Claire MacRae
CONDITION
Fair
DAY1
01
DAY2
16
District
N Tyneside
Easting
430520
Grid ref figure
8
HEIGHT_OD
40
Map Sheet
NZ36NW
MATERIAL
Sandstone
MONTH1
05
MONTH2
06
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 36 NW 9
Northing
567210
General Period
MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Medieval 1066 to 1540
Place
Wallsend
SAMNUMBER
32053
Description
Most of the building is probably mid 12th century in origin, with later additions and modifications. It was the parochial chapel of Wallsend in the parish of Jarrow, property of the prior and convent of Durham, as confirmed by Henry II. Except at the south-west corner, the walls stand only 3-5 courses high. Inside there remain the base of the font and 3 gravestones, all uncovered in 1909. The church ceased to be used at the end of the 18th century and fell into ruin, but was excavated and consolidated in 1909. SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT AND LISTED GRADE 1.
SITEASS
March 1992. Bases of the walls exposed by TWCMS, and repointing - to PJ's spec - carried out by their mason.
Site Type: Broad
Place of Worship
SITEDESC
Properly the parochial chapel of Wallsend in the parish of Jarrow. First recorded Rector, Alexander de Nola (1220). 3 bay aisled nave with aisles engaging W tower, S porch and chancel with N vestries. Property of the prior and convent of Durham, confirmed temp. Henry II (1). Most of the building probably mid C12/early 13th century. It is a tapering rectangle in plan, the nave being 17 feet 5 inches wide at W end, 30 feet 8 inches long, the chancel 15 feet 5 inches wide, 11 feet 10 inches long, the two separated by a narrow chancel arch. Nave is entered by a S door beneath round arch of which the mouldings and scalloped capitals support a mid C12 date. Except at SW corner, the walls stand only 3-5 courses high. Inside there remain the base of the font and 3 gravestones, all uncovered in 1909. A N door to nave, once blocked, is now open. Diagonal angle buttresses were added to W wall of nave in C14, S porch in C17 (6). The church ceased to be used at end of 18th century (2) and fell into ruin (3,4), though graveyard not closed until 1888. It was excavated and consolidated in 1909 (6). The inscriptions on the gravestones have all been recorded (5-8).Fittings and furnishings: 13th century font on clustered shaft. 16-17th century brasses, post-medieval wall monuments. Two bells 1763, others 1868 and 1879. Dated C12th.
Site Name
Holy Cross Church
Site Type: Specific
Church
SITE_STAT
Scheduled Monument, Listed Building Grade I, Local Authority Guardianship
HER Number
105
Form of Evidence
Ruined Building
Sources
<< HER 105 >> Canon Fowler, ed. 1898, Durham Account Rolls, Surtees Society, 99, p. 63
Northumberland Records Office, C188 Wallsend Vestry Minute Book, EP 44/30
Northumberland Records Office, 1807, Act for taking down present church... EP 44/33
G.B. Richardson, 1842, Sketches Northumberland and Durham, ZAN M13/F13 -Northumberland Records Office
J.C. Hodgson, 1908, Epitaphs in Wallsend Old Churchyard, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 3, III, pp. 58-61
W.H. Knowles, 1910, The Church of the Holy Cross, Wallsend, Northumberland, Archaeologia Aeliana, 3, VI, pp. 191-203
W. Richardson,1910, Additional Inscriptions in Holy Cross Churchyard, Wallsend Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 3, VI, pp. 200-202
W. Richardson,1923, History of the Parish of Wallsend, pp. 110-122, 509-516
M.H. Dodds, ed. 1903, Northumberland County History,- XIII, pp. 444-454
S. Oswald, 1884, The Church of the Holy Cross, Wallsend, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, 2, I, pp. 21-24 and pl.
M.A. Richardson, 1842, The Local Historian's Table Book, Legendary Division I, pp. 395-6' Ryder, P. 2011, Historic Churches of County Durham, p127