A unique heritage

Situated in the County of Durham, Easington is first mentioned in records dated 900AD, making it one of the oldest county settlements. Durham itself, is a historic region world-renowned for its Christian heritage, and Easington was at the centre of the political power games played by the Prince Bishops.  These Bishops were powerful rulers, their territories formed part of the ancient Border Kingdom of Northumbria.  The Bishops ruled this 'Kingdom within a kingdom' with all the powers normally bestowed on the King. 

This distant period of the District's history is extensively documented in the early recordings of the Venerable Bede (700 AD) describing the life of Saxon settlements and mediaeval villages. 

The connoisseur of history will be kept extremely busy in the district as roots run deep into ancient Saxon times. 

The monuments, churches and halls that grace the area are a reminder of the earliest medieval and Saxon settlers.  There are many examples to choose from throughout the district, however, the most notable are the 11th Century churches of Seaham and Easington and the remains of the 12th Century stronghold of Dalden Tower at Dalton-le-Dale. 

The age and significance of St Mary the Virgin church at Seaham (See PDF) was not fully appreciated until around 1909 when a local builder removed a bed of lime and exposed two Anglo Saxon windows in the north wall.  This discovery seemed to confirm that the Christian church was one of the first to be built in England. 

St Mary the Virgin church at Easington (See PDF) was at the heart of Christianity in medieval Durham and the church and surrounding estates eloquently reflect that historic period.  Whilst at St Mary's look for the "Maltese" cross cut into the stone, or the splendid Norman tower and distinctive round arches, which are now the oldest sections of the building.     

There are also the notable remains of Dalden Tower in Dalton-le-Dale.  The ruins of this ancient stronghold of the Lords of Dalton still dominate the east end of the wooded dene here.  Through the marriage of Sir Jordan of Dalden's grand-daughter Matilda to William De Bowes in 1375, the Tower passed into the hands of the Bowes family, ancestors of the late Queen Mother, who held it for the next two centuries.  This was to assure the district's place in Royal history.

Seaton Holme, a grade 1 listed building, is now a discovery centre which traces the history and importance of the building, and allows the visitor to learn more about the district's intriguing and colourful past.  Seaton Holme, opposite St Mary's Church, Easington was the residence and administrative centre of successive Archdeacons (second in command to the Bishop of Durham).   In 1248, Seaton Holme, built for the retirement of Prince Bishop Farnham, was to become a major landmark for the governing dynasty, acting as the administrative centre for the area.  It was from here in 1569, during the reformation and persecution of Roman Catholics, that a directive from Queen Elizabeth I was read.  Of the six Easington rebels who had signed allegiance to Mary Queen of Scots, the Queen decreed that two should be put to death.  Today it's difficult to stand in the centre of the quiet, spacious village green and visualise the clamorous crowds that attended this very public execution.   

Seaham - Lord Byron.  In 1814 Seaham saw the arrival of the famous English poet Lord Byron, who was to marry Anne Isabella, daughter of the very wealthy Lord of the Manor, Sir Ralph Milbanke.  It was said of Byron that he was 'mad, bad, and dangerous to know' and perhaps there was more truth to this than was given credit.  Whatever the reason, the marriage was doomed from the start and within a year, was ended.  Byron's scandalous relationship with his half-sister caused such a public outrage that the poet left the District and England ....never to return. 

When Coal was King.  Within a decade, the District's social and industrial heritage was to change for ever with the advent of Seaham Harbour.  Its construction by the 3rd Marquis of Londonderry and his wife Frances-Ann Vane Tempest was to have far-reaching and unforeseen implications.  The harbour was to shape the District of Easington into the region that we know today and it remains a monument to Londonderry's vision. 

The access to shipping transformed the tiny agricultural community into a thriving industrial base.  Seaham became the focus of the emerging East Durham coalfield and it was the new mining environment that forged the character of the District through its workforce.  As friendly as this new population was hard; as warm-hearted as it was determined; the people created a unique spirit of togetherness that seemed born out of the adversity of the tough economic times. 

The close-knit communities were united through the industry they served, for coal mining was the heart of the people and it is hardly surprising that the feeling of warmth, edged with steely determination still exists almost two hundred years later. 

From the misty birth of Christianity, through the dynasties of the Prince Bishops to the beginnings of its industrial revolution, this small but unique area has had an enormous impact on Great Britain through its often unexpected, yet always fascinating heritage. 

Uncover the real history behind the areas surprising past when you visit the District of Easington, and let it take you back.