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
6
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
6
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
4
MONTH2
4
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
4
MONTH2
1
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
Silksworth, 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
4
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
3
MONTH2
3
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
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
2003
English, British
ADDITINF
N
AREA_STAT
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Class
Monument <By Form>
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
CONDITION
Poor
Crossref
154, 155
DAY1
28
DAY2
22
District
Sunderland
Easting
439160
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35SE
MONTH1
3
MONTH2
1
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 35 SE 9
Northing
554470
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Bronze Age -2,600 to -700
Place
Tunstall
Description
In 1952 an Ordnance Survey field investigator recorded a possible tumulus without a surrounding ditch on top of the southern peak of the Tunstall Hills, "formed of turf-covered stones surmounted by an O.S. trig pillar". Its measurements were given by a later investigator as 15.20 m in diameter and 1.70 m in height. It has been suggested that this site is the same as HER no. 154, but this seems unlikely on the grounds of location.
SITEASS
Though Miket suggests this site is the same as no. 154 this seems unlikely since the latter is described as 6 ft from the base on the N side of the S peak. One must suppose the erection of the trig pillar would damage the mound considerably but a geophysical survey might reveal something.
Site Type: Broad
Cairn
SITEDESC
In 1952 the then O.S. field investigator recorded a possible tumulus "formed of turf-covered stones surmounted by an O.S. trig pillar. There is no surrounding ditch...". Young included it in his inventory - "a small round turf-covered cairn 15.20 m diameter and 1.70 m high". It forms the top of the S peak of the Tunstall Hills.
Site Name
Tunstall Hills, ?tumulus
Site Type: Specific
Cairn
HER Number
156
Form of Evidence
Earthwork
Sources
<< HER 156 >> Ordnance Survey archaeological record card, JHO, 1952, Possible tumulus/cairn NZ35SE9
R.Young, 1980, An Inventory of Barrows in Co. Durham, Transactions Architectural & Archaeological Society Durham & Northumberland, New Series, Vol. 5, p. 12 no. 88
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, p. 71, no. 7.3
SURVIVAL
40-59%
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1996
English, British
ADDITINF
N
AREA_STAT
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
154, 156
DAY1
28
DAY2
13
District
Sunderland
Easting
439100
Grid ref figure
6
Map Sheet
NZ35SE
MONTH1
3
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 35 SE 9
Northing
554400
General Period
UNCERTAIN
Specific Period
Uncertain
Place
Tunstall
Description
On the south peak of Tunstall Hill a grave was discovered in 1887 whilst preparing the ground for a bonfire to commemmorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign. The grave had been hewn out of the solid limestone and contained a human skeleton apparently of the Stone Age. This is the only reference to this discovery, and there is no secure evidence for its date.
SITEASS
Nothing specific to this find. In general see under no. 154.
Site Type: Broad
Burial
SITEDESC
"On the same hill [S peak of Tunstall Hill] another grave was accidentally discovered in 1887, whilst preparing the ground for a bonfire to commemmorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign. The grave had been hewn out of the solid limestone and contained a human skeleton apparently of the Stone Age". This is the only reference to this discovery, and there is no evidence for its date.
Site Name
Tunstall Hills, inhumation
Site Type: Specific
Inhumation
HER Number
155
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 155 >> W.C. Mitchell, 1919, History of Sunderland, p. 10
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, p. 71, no. 7.2
SURVIVAL
None
YEAR1
1989
YEAR2
1995
English, British
ADDITINF
N
AREA_STAT
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Barbara Harbottle
COMP2
Barbara Harbottle
Crossref
155, 156, 331
DAY1
14
DAY2
13
District
Sunderland
Easting
439180
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ35SE
MATERIAL
Limestone
MONTH1
3
MONTH2
11
Grid Reference
NZ
NMRNUMBER
NZ 35 SE 9
Northing
554420
General Period
PREHISTORIC
Specific Period
Bronze Age -2,600 to -700
Place
Tunstall
Description
In the Summer of 1814, some workmen discovered on the northern side of the southern peak, about six feet from the base, a covered cist made from limestone flags. It measured about four feet square, and was three feet below the surface. On the floor were deposited the fragments of three pots bearing zigzag decorations, all of them containing a rich dark mould in which were small fragments of bone and some human teeth".
SITEASS
No legal human disturbance taking place on tops, but possibly some erosion - there is exposed rock in places on the S hill. Perhaps some poking by geologists lower down, and litter in bushes typical of the urban fringe. Anthony Harding rejected the idea of a geophysical survey as too difficult.
Site Type: Broad
Cist
SITEDESC
"….in the Summer of 1814, some workmen discovered on the northern side of the Southern Peak, about six feet from the base, a rude sepulchre, formed of common limestones, and covered with the same materials. On the floor were deposited the fragments of three urns of very rude and inelegant form, ornamented with zigzag; and all of then containing a rich dark mould, in which were interspersed small fragments of bone, and some human teeth".(1) Dr Clanny in a letter to Mr. Surtees, added - the "pit, which was about four feet square, and three feet from the surface, had been formed by large pieces of limestone; and upon the bottom of this pit or grave the urns were found... ". (2)
Site Name
Tunstall Hills, cist
Site Type: Specific
Cist
HER Number
154
Form of Evidence
Find
Sources
<< HER 154 >> R. Surtees, 1816, The History of Durham, Vol. I, p. 249
E. Mackenzie & M. Ross, 1834, View of the County Palatine of Durham, Vol. I, p. 338
W. Greenwell, 1877, British Barrows p. 440
Transactions Architectectural & Archaeological Society of Durham & Northumberland, 1890, A Prae-historic Cist Burial at Sacriston, Vol. III, p. 184
W. Page, ed. 1905, Early man, Victoria County History, Durham Vol. I, p. 208
R. Miket, 1984, The Prehistory of Tyne and Wear, p. 71, no. 7.1