Witton Gilbert
Witton Gilbert | |
---|---|
Location within County Durham | |
Population | 2,419 (2011)[1] |
OS grid reference | NZ235459 |
Unitary authority | |
Ceremonial county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | DURHAM |
Postcode district | DH7 |
Dialling code | 0191 |
Police | Durham |
Fire | County Durham and Darlington |
Ambulance | North East |
UK Parliament | |
Witton Gilbert
Geography
Witton Gilbert is situated about 3.7 miles (6.0 km) to the north-west of Durham. River Browney passes to the south of the village, while Dene Burn, one of its tributaries, runs through it. Parts of the Prior of Durham's Park of Beaurepaire are within the bounds of Witton Gilbert.
The village once had a
History
There is archaeological evidence of the area having been populated in the late Neolithic and in the Bronze Age periods. A small Roman settlement at Crookton across the River Browney existed as a settlement until the 13th century.[2]
Witton Gilbert is a medieval town of
In the early 14th century,
Beaurepaire Priory
The manor house of Beau Repaire (French for 'beautiful retreat') was built near Witton Gilbert in the mid-13th century and became a retreat for the priors and monks of
Leper Hospital
Around 1175, Gilbert de la Ley, Lord of the Manor and tenant of the Bishop of Durham, financed the building of a leper hospital.[2] The hospital originally took in five lepers, their number later increased to eight. Wealthy lords often funded hospitals for the lepers out of Christian concern for their suffering and as an act of piety. The hospital had its own chapel for worship and continued to operate until the dissolution of the monasteries when the inmates were dispersed to fend for themselves. Afterwards, the hospital was converted to a farmhouse and is still in use. A medieval window frame carved out of stone can still be seen from Coach Lane, and the original entrance is now a doorway inside.
St. Michael and all Angels parish church
Notable people
- The 1980s sophisti-pop band Prefab Sprout were based around Witton Gilbert.[4]
References
- ^ "Parish population 2011". Retrieved 13 July 2015.
- ^ a b c d "History". Witton Gilbert Parish Council.
- ^ "Chapel of Beaurepaire, Bearpark, Witton Gilbert (Bearpark)". Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council. 11 September 2012.
- ^ "Paddy McAloon and Thomas Dolby: How we made Prefab Sprout's Steve McQueen". 30 June 2020.