Evidence for early coal mining was identifed during excavations at Sunnybank Avenue, Benwell. Two possible bell pits and extensive drift mining galleries (HER 16263) were revealed dating to the medieval and/or early post-medieval period. One bell pit measures over 4m by 2.65m and was partially excavated to a depth of 1.4m. The other was 9m by 6m and over 1.5m deep - it as not possible to fully excavate either pit.

In 1856 Silksworth township comprised an area of 1988 acres. In 1801 138 people lived there, 150 in 1811, 210 in 1821, 252 in 1831, 267 in 1841 and 305 in 1851. The principal landowners were Major-General Beckwith (of Silksworth House), William R Robinson (of Silksworth Hall), Edward Thompson (manager of District Bank who lived at Thorney Close) and Sir William Lawson. William R Robinson was lord of the manor. The earliest owners of Silksworth were the ancient lords of Horden. Later it passed to the convent of Durham. Then to the Emildon family, who held it under a free rent of 13s 4d. It passed by marriage to the Middletons of Belsay and then to the present owners. Silksworth township included Silksworth village, Grindon and Farmton Hall. Whellan's directory of 1856 lists some of the inhabitants - Thomas Botcherley, victualler at the Grindon Mill, William Botcherley, joiner and cartwright, John Henderson, brick and tile manufacturer at The Plains. Farms included North Moor, Mill Hall, Grindon Hall, Farrington Hall, Thorney Close, South Farrington, Plains, Silksworth Moor, High Newport, South Grindon, Low Newport, High Farrington.

In 1856 the postmaster was Thomas Liddle. Letters arrived from Sunderland at 10am each day and were despatched to Sunderland at 1pm.

Shown on Plan of farms in Ryhope, 1796-1904 (unnamed), Robson's Plan of Bishopwearmouth, 1831, Bell's Plan of Durham Coalfield, 1843, Ordnance Survey First Edition, 1857. In 1856 the farmer was John Thubron. Gone by 1896.

In 1856 the farmer was John Snowdon.

In 1856 the farmers were Robert Thompson and was John Stainsby. The latter was also the victualler at Hendon Inn.

In 1856 the farmer was George Mallam.

In 1856 the farmer was Joseph Lee. His wife was Hannah. A William Lee lived in Ryhope Cottage.

In 1856 the farmer was Thomas Bowman.

In 1856 the farmer was Robert Weightman. John Hutchinson, shipbuilder and George Shaw Wrightman also occupied 'Lechmer House' (presumably tenants). The OS first edition map of 1858 shows a grand house in large gardens with what looks like a lake, several summerhouses and statues along the main driveway. The Carr has been dammed to create a fish pond. The site of the house is now covered by Edgmond Court. The name lives on in nearby Leechmere Way and Leechmere View.