Houghton-le-Spring
Encyclopedia
Houghton-le-Spring is part of the City of Sunderland
in the county of Tyne and Wear
, North East England
that has its recorded origins in Norman times. It is situated almost equidistant between the cathedral city of Durham
7 miles (11.3 km) to the south-west and the centre of the City of Sunderland about 6 miles (9.7 km) to the north-east. The town of Seaham and the North Sea lie about 5 miles (8 km) directly to the east. The towns of Newbottle, Fencehouses
and Hetton-le-Hole
lie nearby. It has a population of 36,746.
Other towns within the Houghton-le-Spring postal district include: Philadelphia
, Shiney Row
, Chilton Moor
and Woodstone Village.
The A690 road
from Durham
to Sunderland meets the A182
in Houghton at an unusual interchange
. Heading northeast, slip roads leave the A690, heading up to a roundabout, while the A690 climbs and travels above a second roundabout, before the entry slip joins the A690 itself.
in 1183 as 'Hoctona'. An English transcription states:
An ancient document dated 1220 describes the town as 'Houghton Sprynges'. The name Houghton comes from the Old English
hoh meaning hill and tun meaning settlement.
During excavations under the church of St Michael and All Angels in 2008-9 as part of the church’s refurbishment, not only were Roman remains discovered but some very ancient stones which suggest that the area has been settled since prehistoric times and that the site of the church has had some religious significance for thousands rather than hundreds of years. Glass inserts in the new floor of the church enable some of these to be seen.
In 1311, the village was owned by Albreda, widow of Lord Henry Spring, hence the addition of 'le spring'. That explanation of the addition of ‘le Spring’ is debatable and there are alternatives. One opinion is that it is derived from the Le Spring family, Lords of Houghton in ancient times. Another explanation, which is backed up by a "Regester Booke belonginge to the Paryshe of Houghton in the Springe" from 1598, is based around the medicinal springs which flow from the surrounding limestone rocks. This latter explanation ties in with the Roman names in the area in which "le" is taken to be "in the" as in Chester-le-Street, Witton-le-Wear, Dalton-le-Dale, Hetton-le-Hole. Credence is added to this consideration by the area of the town formerly known as the Lake and the stream/spring that nowadays still runs through the centre of the town, although this has long since been directed to run through a culvert.
The parish church of St Michael and All Angels
dates back to Norman times and contains the tomb of Bernard Gilpin
, known as 'the Apostle of the North'. Gilpin was Archdeacon of Durham and in 1557 became the rector at Houghton-le-Spring, which at that time was one of the largest parishes in England.
During World War II, Houghton was relatively unscathed from the bombing raids on nearby Sunderland.
Houghton Feast is an ancient festival held every October in the town. It has its origins in the 12th century as the dedication festival to the Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels. Nowadays the festival lasts ten days and typically features a fairground, carnival, fireworks and ox roasting event, in commemoration of Rector Bernard Gilpin's feeding of the poor. It was expanded in the 16th century by Gilpin and furthermore in the late 18th century when it became connected with horse racing. The 19th century saw the introduction of steam-powered rides and all the fun of the fair, however events were downscaled as a result of World War II. Rector Noel Gwilliam was responsible for initiating the Feast format as we know it today and encouraging an emphasis on the religious aspects. 2005 marked the 50th anniversary since former ward councilor John Mawston became involved with Houghton Feast.
In more recent times, Houghton was an active coal-mining town. The local mine began to sink its first shaft in 1823 and was active until its closure in 1981. At its peak in the early 20th century, the mine employed over 2,000 workers.
chain.
Houghton's Newbottle Street now includes a B&M Bargins superstore, and two fashion stores in Store 21 and JD Fashions. Both stores are looking to open nationwide as their new fashion ideas have made a good impression on the locals. Unfortunately, two shops closed down in Newbottle Street, they were Best Wishes (a card and sweet shop) and The Games Emporium (a games, sweet and DIY shop).
Speedway racing was staged at the racecourse. Contemporary newspaper reports indicate the sport was staged in 1930 but it may have operated at other times. Horse racing last featured at the site in 1938 owing to the outbreak of World War II the following year, and was replaced with Greyhound racing.
Nowadays locals often travel the few miles to Joe's Pond
between Chilton Moor
and East Rainton
for walks and relaxation.
The local branch of Woolworths shut down when the company went into administration and there were rumours of a Wetherspoons pub moving in or a Tesco Metro. However, in March 2010 the store was refurbished and is now a Store Twenty One.
Houghton Dance & Performing Arts Academy (originally Anne Thompson School of Dancing) announced a new name "ZAZZ" in January 2010. The Academy is housed in Empire House which was the original Empire Cinema in Houghton le Spring. Nowadays Zazz hosts many theatre productions throughout the year (including Annie in 2009 and Little Shop of Horrors in 2008). Fame the Musical will be staged in August 2010 and for the annual Houghton Feast celebrations in October 2010.
(1517–1583), Apostle of the North, was associated with the town. William Sancroft
, later Archbishop of Canterbury
, was briefly Rector of Houghton-le-Spring in 1661-1662. Famous amateur mathematician, William Shanks
, worked out the value of Pi to 707 decimals (of which the first 527 were correct) while living in Houghton. He died in 1882 and was buried in the town. Other noteworthy people associated with Houghton include: the actress Florence Linden Travers
(1913–2001); music producer Trevor Horn
; musician Paul Mullen
; Jaff from rock band the Futureheads; biologist Gordon Scurfield
; novelist Sheila Quigley
; and footballer David Knight
.
City of Sunderland
The City of Sunderland is a local government district of Tyne and Wear, in North East England, with the status of a city and metropolitan borough...
in the county of Tyne and Wear
Tyne and Wear
Tyne and Wear is a metropolitan county in north east England around the mouths of the Rivers Tyne and Wear. It came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972...
, North East England
North East England
North East England is one of the nine official regions of England. It covers Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear, and Teesside . The only cities in the region are Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland...
that has its recorded origins in Norman times. It is situated almost equidistant between the cathedral city of Durham
Durham
Durham is a city in north east England. It is within the County Durham local government district, and is the county town of the larger ceremonial county...
7 miles (11.3 km) to the south-west and the centre of the City of Sunderland about 6 miles (9.7 km) to the north-east. The town of Seaham and the North Sea lie about 5 miles (8 km) directly to the east. The towns of Newbottle, Fencehouses
Fencehouses
Fencehouses, or Fence Houses, is a small village within the parish of Houghton-le-Spring, on the edge of the City of Sunderland, England.It came into existence when Napoleonic prisoners were housed on the outskirts of Houghton-le-Spring...
and Hetton-le-Hole
Hetton-le-Hole
Hetton-le-Hole is a town and civil parish situated in the City of Sunderland in Tyne and Wear, England. It is on the A182 between Houghton-le-Spring and Easington Lane. It is located on the southwest corner of Sunderland on the A182, off A690 close to the A1. It has a population of 14,402 but this...
lie nearby. It has a population of 36,746.
Other towns within the Houghton-le-Spring postal district include: Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Tyne and Wear
Philadelphia is a village in Tyne and Wear, England. It lies on the A182 road between Newbottle and Shiney Row. Unlike Washington, it post-dates its namesake in the United States, being named during the American Revolutionary War by a local colliery owner to commemorate the British capture of the...
, Shiney Row
Shiney Row
Shiney Row is a village in Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear. Shiney Row enjoys good travel links with the rest of Sunderland. One of the City of Sunderland College's main centres is located in Shiney Row...
, Chilton Moor
Chilton Moor
Chilton Moor is located between Houghton le Spring and Fencehouses on the Tyne and Wear/County Durham county boundary. The name of the village differs depending on whom you speak to , but both are acceptable....
and Woodstone Village.
The A690 road
A690 road
The A690 is a road in County Durham running from Sunderland in the east through Durham to Crook.-Sunderland section:Throughout the Sunderland section it is known as either Durham Road or New Durham Road, and is one of the major routes in and out of the city. A single carriageway section runs from...
from Durham
Durham
Durham is a city in north east England. It is within the County Durham local government district, and is the county town of the larger ceremonial county...
to Sunderland meets the A182
A182 road
The A182 begins on the A194 motorway between Gateshead and Washington. Though it is a non-primary route it takes the form of a fast grade-separated dual carriageway passing through the New town of Washington from the A194, before meeting at a roundabout with the A183 in Shiney Row.During this dual...
in Houghton at an unusual interchange
Interchange (road)
In the field of road transport, an interchange is a road junction that typically uses grade separation, and one or more ramps, to permit traffic on at least one highway to pass through the junction without directly crossing any other traffic stream. It differs from a standard intersection, at which...
. Heading northeast, slip roads leave the A690, heading up to a roundabout, while the A690 climbs and travels above a second roundabout, before the entry slip joins the A690 itself.
History
The earliest mention of the town's name is in the Boldon BookBoldon Book
The Boldon Book contains the results of a survey of the bishopric of Durham that was completed on the orders of Hugh du Puiset, Bishop of Durham, in 1183, designed to assist the administration of the vast diocesan estates...
in 1183 as 'Hoctona'. An English transcription states:
- In Houghton are thirteen cottagers, whose tenures, works and payments are like those of Newbotill; and three other half cottagers, who also work like the three half cottagers of Newbotill. Henry the greeve, holds two oxgangs of 24 acres (97,124.6 m²) for his service. The smith - 12 acres (48,562.3 m²) for his service. The carpenter holds a toft and 4 acres (16,187.4 m²) for his service. The punder (one who impounds straying animals) has 20 acres (80,937.2 m²) and the thraves of Houghton, Wardon and Morton; he renders 60 hens and 300 eggs. The mills of Newbotill and Bidic, with half of Raynton Mill, pay XV marks. The demesne, consisting of four carucates, and the sheep pastures are in the hands of the lord.
An ancient document dated 1220 describes the town as 'Houghton Sprynges'. The name Houghton comes from the Old English
Old English language
Old English or Anglo-Saxon is an early form of the English language that was spoken and written by the Anglo-Saxons and their descendants in parts of what are now England and southeastern Scotland between at least the mid-5th century and the mid-12th century...
hoh meaning hill and tun meaning settlement.
During excavations under the church of St Michael and All Angels in 2008-9 as part of the church’s refurbishment, not only were Roman remains discovered but some very ancient stones which suggest that the area has been settled since prehistoric times and that the site of the church has had some religious significance for thousands rather than hundreds of years. Glass inserts in the new floor of the church enable some of these to be seen.
In 1311, the village was owned by Albreda, widow of Lord Henry Spring, hence the addition of 'le spring'. That explanation of the addition of ‘le Spring’ is debatable and there are alternatives. One opinion is that it is derived from the Le Spring family, Lords of Houghton in ancient times. Another explanation, which is backed up by a "Regester Booke belonginge to the Paryshe of Houghton in the Springe" from 1598, is based around the medicinal springs which flow from the surrounding limestone rocks. This latter explanation ties in with the Roman names in the area in which "le" is taken to be "in the" as in Chester-le-Street, Witton-le-Wear, Dalton-le-Dale, Hetton-le-Hole. Credence is added to this consideration by the area of the town formerly known as the Lake and the stream/spring that nowadays still runs through the centre of the town, although this has long since been directed to run through a culvert.
St Michael and All Angels Church, Houghton-le-Spring
St Michael and All Angels Church is the parish church of Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, England.The church dates from the late 12th century and contains the tomb of Bernard Gilpin.-External links:***-References:...
dates back to Norman times and contains the tomb of Bernard Gilpin
Bernard Gilpin
Bernard Gilpin , was an Oxford theologian and then an influential clergyman in the emerging Church of England spanning the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth I...
, known as 'the Apostle of the North'. Gilpin was Archdeacon of Durham and in 1557 became the rector at Houghton-le-Spring, which at that time was one of the largest parishes in England.
During World War II, Houghton was relatively unscathed from the bombing raids on nearby Sunderland.
Houghton Feast is an ancient festival held every October in the town. It has its origins in the 12th century as the dedication festival to the Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels. Nowadays the festival lasts ten days and typically features a fairground, carnival, fireworks and ox roasting event, in commemoration of Rector Bernard Gilpin's feeding of the poor. It was expanded in the 16th century by Gilpin and furthermore in the late 18th century when it became connected with horse racing. The 19th century saw the introduction of steam-powered rides and all the fun of the fair, however events were downscaled as a result of World War II. Rector Noel Gwilliam was responsible for initiating the Feast format as we know it today and encouraging an emphasis on the religious aspects. 2005 marked the 50th anniversary since former ward councilor John Mawston became involved with Houghton Feast.
In more recent times, Houghton was an active coal-mining town. The local mine began to sink its first shaft in 1823 and was active until its closure in 1981. At its peak in the early 20th century, the mine employed over 2,000 workers.
Today
Houghton-Le-Spring's main shopping area is located in Newbottle Street which includes a supermarket, a library, the Post Office, and various other outlets including a Computer Repair shop. Pubs in Houghton-Le-Spring include The White Lion, The Copt Hill, The Mill, The Burn, The Britannia, The Golden Lion which reportedly has stood for almost 300 years The earliest records for the public house date from 1827 and show that it was owned by the Rector, and The Wild Boar which is part of the WetherspoonsWetherspoons
J D Wetherspoon plc is a British pub chain based in Watford. Founded as a single pub in 1979 by Tim Martin, the company now owns 815 outlets. The chain champions cask ale, low prices, long opening hours, and no music. The company also operates the Lloyds No...
chain.
Houghton's Newbottle Street now includes a B&M Bargins superstore, and two fashion stores in Store 21 and JD Fashions. Both stores are looking to open nationwide as their new fashion ideas have made a good impression on the locals. Unfortunately, two shops closed down in Newbottle Street, they were Best Wishes (a card and sweet shop) and The Games Emporium (a games, sweet and DIY shop).
Speedway racing was staged at the racecourse. Contemporary newspaper reports indicate the sport was staged in 1930 but it may have operated at other times. Horse racing last featured at the site in 1938 owing to the outbreak of World War II the following year, and was replaced with Greyhound racing.
Nowadays locals often travel the few miles to Joe's Pond
Joe's Pond
-Overview:Joe's Pond is a four hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest that lies to the east of, and adjacent to, the Rainton Meadows nature reserve. It was originally notified, as Nicholson’s Pond, in 1968...
between Chilton Moor
Chilton Moor
Chilton Moor is located between Houghton le Spring and Fencehouses on the Tyne and Wear/County Durham county boundary. The name of the village differs depending on whom you speak to , but both are acceptable....
and East Rainton
East Rainton
East Rainton is a village in the City of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, in the north east of England. It is situated alongside the A690 road between Sunderland and Durham, near Houghton-le-Spring. It is home to Rainton Meadows, the nature reserve....
for walks and relaxation.
The local branch of Woolworths shut down when the company went into administration and there were rumours of a Wetherspoons pub moving in or a Tesco Metro. However, in March 2010 the store was refurbished and is now a Store Twenty One.
Houghton Dance & Performing Arts Academy (originally Anne Thompson School of Dancing) announced a new name "ZAZZ" in January 2010. The Academy is housed in Empire House which was the original Empire Cinema in Houghton le Spring. Nowadays Zazz hosts many theatre productions throughout the year (including Annie in 2009 and Little Shop of Horrors in 2008). Fame the Musical will be staged in August 2010 and for the annual Houghton Feast celebrations in October 2010.
Famous people from Houghton-le-Spring
Bernard GilpinBernard Gilpin
Bernard Gilpin , was an Oxford theologian and then an influential clergyman in the emerging Church of England spanning the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth I...
(1517–1583), Apostle of the North, was associated with the town. William Sancroft
William Sancroft
William Sancroft was the 79th Archbishop of Canterbury.- Life :Sancroft was born at Ufford Hall in Fressingfield, Suffolk, son of Francis Sandcroft and Margaret Sandcroft née Butcher...
, later Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. In his role as head of the Anglican Communion, the archbishop leads the third largest group...
, was briefly Rector of Houghton-le-Spring in 1661-1662. Famous amateur mathematician, William Shanks
William Shanks
William Shanks was a British amateur mathematician.Shanks is famous for his calculation of π to 707 places, accomplished in 1873, which, however, was only correct up to the first 527 places. This error was highlighted in 1944 by D. F...
, worked out the value of Pi to 707 decimals (of which the first 527 were correct) while living in Houghton. He died in 1882 and was buried in the town. Other noteworthy people associated with Houghton include: the actress Florence Linden Travers
Linden Travers
-Life and career:Travers was born Florence Lindon-Travers in Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, the daughter of Florence and William Halton Lindon-Travers. She was the elder sister of Bill Travers, and attended La Sagesse. She made her first stage appearance at the Newcastle Playhouse in 1933...
(1913–2001); music producer Trevor Horn
Trevor Horn
Trevor Charles Horn CBE is an English pop music record producer, songwriter, musician and singer. He was born in Houghton-le-Spring in north-east England....
; musician Paul Mullen
Paul Mullen
Paul Mullen is an English musician, most notable recognized for being the primary vocalist and guitarist with Yourcodenameis:milo who went on hiatus in 2007, and the joint lead vocalist, guitarist and synthesizer player for The Automatic from 2007 onwards...
; Jaff from rock band the Futureheads; biologist Gordon Scurfield
Gordon Scurfield
Gordon Scurfield was an Australian biologist and author, with expertise in botany and ecology. He engaged in a variety of projects in several divisions of CSIRO, and published over 50 papers in journals serving fields as diverse as chemistry, haematology and mineralogy.- Biography :Scurfield was...
; novelist Sheila Quigley
Sheila Quigley
Sheila Quigley is a British author of thrillers.-Career:Sheila Quigley became a national news story when Random House acquired her first novel, Run For Home, with major coverage throughout the press and television. A documentary about Sheila and the making of Run for Home was broadcast on BBC1...
; and footballer David Knight
David Knight (footballer)
David Sean Knight is an English footballer who plays for Histon as a goalkeeper.-Club career:Born in Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, Knight began his career with the Middlesbrough youth system at the age of 11 after he was spotted by a scout playing for his local team Hetton Juniors...
.
External links
- ZAZZ - Home of Houghton Dance & Performing Arts Academy (1984-Present)
- Houghton-le-Spring Heritage Centre Online
- Houghton Feast: The Ancient Festival of Houghton-le-Spring
- Houghton-le-Spring churchyard burial lists c1730 - 1971
- Durham Miner Project: Houghton le Spring – A short history
- GENUKI – Houghton-le-Spring
- Houghton-le-Spring's Hillside Cemetery
- Ghost stories for Houghton-le-Spring
- Houghton at War