subject: Life Among The Durham Dales And Spennymoor [print this page] About seven miles from the city of Durham and standing above the Wear Valley, the small town of Spennymoor has a population of about 20,000 people. Founded around 160 years ago the town was once much more industrialised although nowadays it relies on light industry, public services and tourism, thanks to its proximity to the North Pennines and the Durham Dales, for its economy.
Whilst the current town is not so old, there have been settlements in the area since Roman times. Roman artefacts have been found in Binchester which lies five miles south of Spennymoor. Spennymoor itself was once just moorland and some have suggested that its name comes from the Latin 'Spina' meaning thorn and the Anglo-Saxon 'Mor' meaning moor. Others suggest a Scandinavian root to the name. Either way, it is some indication that the area was settled to some degree in ancient times.
The area is not much mentioned in official records except to chart invasion and unrest. First Picts, then Danes and finally the Normans were all raiders into the region leading to some extremely unsettled times. In the 1420s the Manor of Whitworth and including Newfield, Tudhoe, Old Park and Byers Green all became the property of the Earl of Westmoreland and part of the great landholdings of the Neville Family who dominated the north for centuries. Coal mining was recorded in the area in the early 1600s but there is little mention of the Spennymoor vicinity.
it is mining that brought development to Spennymoor and the opening of the Wittered Pit in 1839 saw the building of a town of sorts as accommodation for the miners was built. Mining took place at Whitworth, Merrington and Tudhoe (which today all make up part of Spennymoor).This increase in mining saw emigration into the area of workers from the Midlands, Lancashire and Wales and led to a rise in population. By the 1860s, Spennymoor was becoming prosperous thanks to its numerous mines, furnaces and coke ovens. Miners' housing improved in quality and quantity and in 1876, the railway came to the town. By the late 1800s, however, the boom was over and wages fell considerably. This downward slide continued into the 1930s and as collieries closed, living conditions in the town became deplorable. By the 1960s, all this had changed. New industries came to the town and the town itself was transformed.
Spennymoor is now a pleasant town with easy access to Durham, Auckland and the cities of Tyne and Wear by car and coach. There is no longer a train link to Spennymoor but visitors can take the train to nearby Durham. Visitors now come to Spennymoor to enjoy the local scenery and beauty spots. Primary amongst them are The Durham Dales, an area of outstanding natural beauty less than ten miles from Spennymoor and perfect for walking. Historical buildings are also of interest. Binchester Roman Fort is about four miles from Spennymoor and gives a glimpse into the distant past of the area. Whitworth House is within walking distance of the town centre and is a restored 18th century house and has lovely woodland around it. The nearby towns of Durham and Auckland also offer plenty for the visitor
by: Matt McFay
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