Bishop Auckland to Wearhead

Through a splendid collection of over 200 photographs we travel on a journey in time, along the River Wear, taking in the scenery around the river and the railway as well as encountering the various communities of the area. Among the places visited in this tour through Weardale are: Wearhead, St John’s Chapel, Stanhope, Frosterley, Wolsingham, Witton-le-Wear and, of course, Bishop Auckland. In all of these communities we catch a glimpse of what life was like in the days before the motor car and in more recent times. The hamlet of six farms, that now lies beneath Burnhope Reservoir, is pictured, as are many other scenes that are long since gone. There were various quarrying and mining industries that were important to the wealth of the area; including lead mines, collieries and brickworks, along with the rather smaller concerns – such as the local post offices and public houses. The people of the area are depicted at work and leisure; a variety of school classes, sports teams, weddings and celebrations are seen in the different communities. This fascinating selection of pictures will bring back many memories to older residents of the area and will provide an insight into the history of their communities for newer residents and the younger generation.