Dun Cow Inn

The Dun Cow is a well-established and popular pub in the village of Bournmoor. Many people assume it has always been a pub but, similar to Bournmoor's other pub, The Floater's Mill, it started life as a working farm in the parish of Little Lumley. Its exact origins are uncertain but it is thought to date from the latter part of the 18th century. The following information was provided by Mr T.W. Beastall in 1991:

”A John Sheraton first appears in the Little Lumley rental in 1763 when he took over the tenancy of a small farm from a Frances Lax. He signed, with the other Lumley tenants, a Contract Book in 1776 by which he undertook to farm according to the rules and good practices of the estate. In 1775 he had signed an annual lease for his farm of 36 acres, 2 roods and 22 perches for £24 a year. In 1778 he signed an agreement with other tenants to provide a horse with gear and a driver to cart coal from the nearby colliery to the river Wear down which it was taken on keel boats to Sunderland and put on coastal vessels for the London and east coast markets. The rentals show an unbroken tenancy by John Sheraton for the same farm at Little Lumley from 1771 to 1803. There is little doubt that the Sheratons occupied the same farm to the death in 1874 of a John Sheraton.

There is for 1827 an incomplete draft petition to Magistrates to be used by John Sheraton when he pleads for the opening of a public house on his farm. This would be The Black Cow, later The Dun Cow, described in the 1845 report on the estate drawn up for the Earl of Scarbrough by William Downs, a land agent and surveyor from Dedham in Essex, who wrote reports on the Lumley estates in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Durham.

In the 1850s and 1860s a John Sheraton was paying £120 a year for a farm and inn; a holding of about 75 acres. This was a small farm but given the inn and nearby colliery trade must have been a good occupation both for the landlord and the tenant.”

The above information comes courtesy of Linda Sheraton, who has conducted much research into her Sheraton ancestors and can be contacted at: lindasheraton@btinternet.com

The above modern-day picture gives some idea of the various building phases that have taken place on the building itself and can be compared with the images below.

The Webmaster would be pleased to hear from anyone regarding the history of this building and would be grateful to receive pictures for inclusion on this page. Contact email address is on the Home page of this website.

Above: The Dun Cow Inn, 1933

Above: The Dun Cow Inn, 1940s

The earliest map found (to date) which shows a building at this location is that of the 1820 map by Christopher Greenwood and is reproduced below. Earlier maps show neither a building nor a road at this location, but that does not mean that the building did not exist. Below is a series of maps going back in time which show how the name of the pub changed over time, as well as how its layout / buildings and the surrounding area evolved. Also included are the various census returns starting in 1841 and running to the most recently-released census, that of 1911. Also included are the Electoral roll entries which give an accurate indication of who was living there at that time. Using a combination of the maps and the census returns it is evident that the building was, for many years, both a farm and a pub at the same time. In years gone by it was not uncommon for a farmer to generate extra income this way, providing "refreshments" to both travellers and locals alike.

Maps of The Dun Cow and area:

Above: 1989

Above: 1972

Above: 1966

Above: 1958

Above: 1938

Above: 1919

Above: 1896

Above: 1861

Above: 1856

Above: 1820 map by Christopher Greenwood

Chronology of the Dun Cow Inn / Farm

1841: Census:

John Sheraton, aged 50, farmer, born Durham County

Mary Sheraton, aged 15, born Durham County

Joshua Sheraton, aged 13, born Durham County

Jane Pringle, aged 15, servant, born Durham County

John Malkin, aged 15, Ag. lab., born Durham County

Isabella Turnbull, aged 20, born Durham County

Hannah Turnbull, aged 15, born Durham County

NOTE: There is a 'Sheraton's Well' marked on the 1856 (surveyed) Ordnance Survey map of this area a short distance to the south of the 'Black Cow p.h.' next to the Lumley Park Burn. There is also a 'pond' shown just behind the property but this has disappeared by 1861.

1813: Marriage of John Sheraton to Sarah Liddle

1841: Death of Sarah Sheraton of consumption

1843: John Sheraton's second marriage - to Hannah Lister.

1851: Census:

John Sheraton, aged 61, farmer, born Durham County

Hannah Sheraton, aged 48, farmer's wife, born Durham County

Joshua Sheraton, aged 23, farmer's son, born Durham County

Thomas Johnson, aged 11, visitor, scholar, born Durham County

Ann Dodds, aged 18, servant, born Durham County

1861: Census:

John Sheraton, aged 70, farmer, born Durham Lumley Park

Hannah Sheraton, aged 59, farmer's wife, born Durham Sedgefield

Joshua Sheraton, son, aged 30, farmer's son, born Durham Lumley Park

Henry Frost, servant, aged 24, farm servant, born Durham

Thomas Sheraton, lodger, aged 22, joiner, born Durham

Ann Bolam, servant, aged 31, born Newcastle on Tyne

Matthew Brownley, servant, aged 24, bortn Northumberland

1863: Durham County Advertiser 24 July 1863

Sudden Death at Houghton-le-Spring.

Mr Sheraton, of the Dun Cow Inn, near Fence Houses, was found dead in bed at the Victoria Inn, Houghton, on the morning of Friday, the 17th inst. Deceased had been drinking for some days previous, and the Victoria innkeeper had thought it better to give him a bed than to let him go home in the state he was. The Coroner’s inquiry was held on the 20th and the verdict was “Died from excessive drinking.” The jury do not seem to have blamed, but rather to have commended, the Victoria innkeeper for keeping Mr Sheraton in bed all night instead of allowing him to go home. Deceased had been previously warned that if he continued drinking it would kill him.

1871: Census: "Black Cow Inn":

John Sheraton, head, aged 81, publican and farmer of 73 acres, employing 9 labourers, born Lumley Park

Hannah Sheraton, wife, aged 70, born Sedgefield

John Sheraton, grandson, aged 7, scholar, born Monkwearmouth

Jane Simpson, servant, aged 18, domestic servant, born Berwick on Tweed

Alexander Tate, servant, aged 18, farm labourer, born Berwick on Tweed

1873: Death of Hannah Sheraton, Chester-le-Street, aged 72

1874: Death of John Sheraton, Chester-le-Street, aged 85

1881: Census: "Dun Cow"

William Humphrey, head, aged 50, publican and farmer of 75 acres employing our own family, born Durham Hylton

Jane Humphrey, wife, aged 51, born Durham Hallgarth

Margaret Tindale Humphrey, daughter, aged 18, born Durham Ewe Hill, Morton Grange

Mary Humphrey, daughter, aged 16, teacher school, born Durham Ewe Hill, Morton Grange

John Humphrey, son, aged 15, farm labourer, born Durham Ewe Hill, Morton Grange

Elizabeth Humphrey, daughter, aged 14, scholar, born Durham Ewe Hill, Morton Grange

Ellen Humphrey, daughter, ged 12, scholar, born Durham Ewe Hill, Morton Grange

Annie Louisa Humphrey, daughter, aged 10, scholar, born Durham Ewe Hill, Morton Grange

1885: Electoral Roll: William Humphrey

1886 Electoral Roll: (Roll not available)

1887: Electoral Roll: William Humphrey

1888: Electoral Roll: William Humphrey

1889: Electoral Roll: William Humphrey

1890: Electoral Roll: Hugh Race

1891: Electoral Roll: Hugh Race

1891: Census: "Dun Cow Inn"

Hugh Race, head, aged 49, farmer and publican, born Durham Castle Eden

Sarah Race, wife, aged 49, born Yorkshire ?

Fanny Race, daughter, aged 16, born Durham Sunderland

Mary E. Race, daughter, aged 13, scholar, born Durham Hetton

Edith A. Race, daughter, aged 11, scholar, born Durham Hetton

Elizabeth A. Race, daughter, aged 9, scholar, born Durham Hetton

Sarah Butler, servant, aged 19, general servant (domestic), born Yorkshire Sheffield

1891 Electoral Roll: Hugh Race

1892 Electoral Roll: Hugh Race

1893 Electoral Roll: Hugh Race

1894 Electoral Roll: Hugh Race

1894: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 29 August 1894

Deaths. Race – On the 27th inst, at the Dun Cow Farm, Fence Houses (after a protracted illness), aged 52 years, Hugh Race. Interment at Burnmoor on Thursday afternoon at 2.30. Friends please accept this (the only) intimation.

1895 Electoral Roll: Hugh Race

1894: Durham County Advertiser 31 August 1894

Death of Mr Hugh Race, Lumley Park.

The death in announced of Mr Hugh Race, of the Dun Cow Farm, Lumley Park, Fence Houses, which occurred on Monday. Born at Castle Eden in the year 1842, when a youth he entered the service of the North Eastern Railway Company but soon afterwards went out to India where his career was of a successful character. On his return to England he married and after a time became the host of the Hetton Colliery Hotel. This business he carried on for many years and by his straightforward and manly conduct gained the esteem and respect of a large circle of friends who sincerely sympathise with his widow and family. In politics he was a staunch Conservative. Mr Race’s remains were interred yesterday (Thursday) in the pretty churchyard at Burnmoor in the presence of a large number of sorrowing relations and friends.

1895: Durham County Advertiser 26 April 1895

Dun Cow Farm, Fence Houses.

Mr Jas. Turnbull F.A.I., having received instructions from Mrs H. Race, will sell by auction, on Wednesday, May 8th, 1895, the whole of the farming stock, horses, cattle, implements, &c.

Horses. Bay mare Darby, aged, 15.2 h.h., in foal to Commander. Bay mare, Meggie, aged, 16 h.h. Both quiet and good workers. Bay yearling colt, sire Commander, dam lot 1. Shetland yearling pony.

Cattle and Pigs. White cow, 1 month calved, good milker. Dark roan cow, geld. Light roan cow, geld. 3 pork pigs.

Implements. Rolley, nearly new, by Willis, Hetton; Long cart, 3 coup carts, water cart, Bamlett’s Combined Reaper (nearly new), Kearsley’s Reaper, Ord and Maddison’s Corn Cutter, Hornsby Grass Cutter, Samuelson’s Grass Cutter, Horse Hay rake, Cambridge roller, drill roller, flat roller (in 2 sections), Turnip dill, scrubber, grubber, chain harrows, 4-bull iron harrows, D.M.B., wheel, swing and digger ploughs. Turnip slicer and pulper (combined), cake crusher, weighing machine and weights, 2 new gates (small), 2 iron pig troughs, 3 stone troughs, sheep rack, 6 stack stands, 3 sheet troughs, 3 cattle troughs, patent chain blocks (up to 2 tons), 2 long ladders, 1 short ladder, sack barrow, wheel barrow, 2 hay knives, pig cradle, hoes, &c.; and a large assortment of new hand tools (for agricultural work).

Harness. Cart, plough and trace harness for 3 draughts, set of brass-mounted harness, riding saddle, &c.

Dog cart by Atkinson and Philipson

4-wheeled phaeton by Foot, Preston.

Whitechapel trap, nearly new, by Hayes and Sons, Peterborough.

Also dairy utensils, barrel churn and a small quantity of household furniture.

Sale at 1.30pm

The horses are real good sorts. The implements are all of the modern type and almost new.

1895: Durham County Advertiser 30 August 1895

Sale of 20 acres of away-going crops on Dun Cow Farm, Fence Houses.

Mr J. Turnbull F.A.I., being again honoured with the confidence of Mrs Race, will sell by auction on Friday, August 30, 1895, the under-mentioned away going crops, viz.:

Lot Acres

1 8 Tartar oats

2 4 Wheat

3 4 Black oats

4 4 Early oats

20 acres.

Terms: subject to measurement, 2½ per cent. Discount for cash or 3 months’ credit on approved joint security. The crops are really excellent and worthy of buyers’ attention. Sale at 4.30pm. To meet at the Dun Cow Inn.

Sales offices, Chester-le-Street.

1896 Electoral Roll: Not found.

1896: Durham County Advertiser 27 March 1896

Ploughing Day at Lumley.

One of those grand old customs was observed at Lumley on Wednesday, viz. the giving of a ploughing day to an incoming tenant by the adjoining farmers. The incoming tenant is Mr Wm. Robinson, of Langley Moor, butcher and farmer who, after a residence of 21 years, is leaving Langley Moor for Lumley East Farm in succession to Mr Dickman. Sixteen draughts assembled at the farm and the land being in good condition, a large breadth was turned over. The Earl of Durham, the owner of the estate, sent two draughts from Bowes House and the following farmers each sent one: Mr Miller (Dun Cow Farm), Mr Tindale (Woodstone House), Messrs Ward and Jackson (Brecon Hill), Mr Cleasby (Broomside House), Mr Dickman (Lumley), Mr Hodge (Lumley), Mr Harland (Pea Flatts), Mr Brown (Lumley), Mr Dodds (Lumley), Mr Lawson (Low Cocken), Mr Potts (Harbour House), Messrs Thompson (Finchale Banks), Mr G. Welsh (Rainton) and Mr Chrystal (Lumley).

1897 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1898 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1899 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1900 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1901 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1901 Census: "Dun Cow Inn"

Thomas Miller, head, aged 46, publican and farmer, born Northumberland Abberwick

Annie Miller, wife, aged 40, born Scotland

Edward Miller, son, aged 11, born Durham Burnmoor

Isabella Miller, daughter, aged 10, born Durham Burnmoor

Alexander Miller, son, aged 7, born Yorkshire Flaxton

Thomas Miller, son, aged 4, born Durham Little Lumley

Infant (no name), daughter, aged 1mo., born Durham Little Lumley

Mary Cairns, visitor/widow, aged 66, born Scotland

Melona Tait, servant, aged 15, born Durham Burnmoor

1902 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1902:Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 07 January 1902

Mysterious Disappearance of a Policeman.

A great sensation has been caused at Lambton owing to the mysterious disappearance of P.C. Eggleton. The officer, accompanied by P.C. Hugil (Chilton Moor) went for a walk on Saturday about noon. They stopped at the Dun Cow Inn, near Houghton Gate, Hugil having to see the landlord on business. He spoke to the landlord for about five minutes and, on comng out, could not see his companion anywhere. Eggleton had, during the whole of the morning, been in a very depressed state of mind and Hugil proceeded as quickly as possible to Lambton, where the missing man resided. On inquiring, he found that he had not been seen there. He at once gave the alarm and soon a party was searching high and low but no trace of the missing policeman rewarded their efforts. Sunday and yesterday were also spent in fruitless searching. The whole of Breckon Hill Woods was scoured, old pit shaftswere visited and the River Wear was searched as far as the North Farm above Chester-le-Street but all to no purpose. Eggleton is highly esteemed and respected throughout the locality.

1903 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1903: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 12 October 1903

Death of an Unknown at Fence Houses.

On Saturday afternoon, at the Dun Cow Inn, Primrose Hill, near Fence Houses, Coroner Mr Maynard held an inquest touching the death of a man unknown, whose dead body was found lying on the roadside opposite to the public house named, on Friday morning. John Wheatley, of the Jolly Farmers Inn, Houghton-le-Spring, said he had known deceased for the past 16 years. He went by the name of Paddy Hall and spent his time in helping farmers at harvest time. Mr Stewart, landlord of the Dun Cow Inn, spoke to seeing deceased the night before he was found and when he left he said he was going to Chester-le-Street. He seemed quite capable of walking to Chester-le-Street or he would have given him lodgings. The Coroner said evidently deceased had sat down for shelter in the hedge and had so met his death from exposure. The jury returned a verdict to this effect.

1904 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1904: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 12 August 1904

His Last Sleep.

Body Found on Burning Ballast Heap.

The dead body of a man was found on Wednesday night near the ballast heap, New Lambton and is now lying at the Dun Cow Inn, Primrose Hill, awaiting identification. The heap is on fire, and the body is burnt about the face and chin. It is that of a man unknown, about 45 years of age, 5ft 9in high, fair complexion, red hair. He was wearing slate-coloured jacket, vest and trousers, red muffler, blue and white check shirt, clog on one foot and boot on the other and light coloured “linings.” The body appears to be that of a tramp.

1905 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1906 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1907 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1908 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1909 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1910 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1911 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1911 Census: "Dun Cow Farm"

Thomas Miller, head, aged 56, farmer and publican, born Northumberland Abberwick

Annie Miller, wife, aged 50, born Banffshire Inveravon

Edward Miller, son, aged 21, farmer's son working on farm, born Durham Burnmoor

Isabella Miller, daughter, aged 20, born Durham Burnmoor

Fairgrey Miller, son, aged 17, estate clerk, born Yorkshire Flaxton

Gerald Miller, son, aged 14, school, born Durham Little Lumley

Millicent Miller, daughter, aged 10, school, born Durham Little Lumley

Rose Jarrett, servant, aged 16, general servant (domestic), born Sunderland Bishopwearmouth

1912 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1912: Chester-le-Street Chronicle and District Advertiser, July 12, 1912

Lumley Colliery Institute

The Fourth

Annual Sports

Will be held on

Tomorrow, Saturday, July 13th, 1912

In a field adjoining the “Dun Cow” Inn (10

Minutes’ walk from Fence Houses Station)

The following events will take place:

£15 for 110 yards foot handicap. 1st prize £10; 2nd £3; 3rd £1 5s; 4th 15s.

Wrestling competition. 1st prize £5; 2nd £1 10s; 3rd £1; 12st 2lbs limit, Cumberland style, governed by Association rules. Entrance fee 6d, taken on the field.

Pony putting competition (confined to putters on Lambton and Hetton Collieries). 1st prize £1 and gold medal; 2nd 15s and silver medal with gold centre; 3rd 10s; 4th 5s; Limbers provided to suit all collieries. Entrance 3d.

Quoit handicap (single playing) – 1st prize £2; 2nd 10s; 3rd 5s; 4th 5s. Entrance 6d.

Tug of war. 1st prize £1 10s; 2nd 15s; 6 per team. Entrance 3d.

Bowling at wicket. 1st prize 7s 6d; 2nd 2s 6d.

Kicking at goal. 1st prize 7s 6d; 2nd 2s 6d.

Racing for school boys (under 9). 1st prize 2s; 2nd 1s.

Stone race (over 9 and under 14). 1st prize 3s; 2nd 1s 6d.

Skipping (under 8). 1st prize 2s; 2nd 1s.

Skipping (over 8 and under 14). 1st prize 3s; 2nd 1s 6d.

Slide shows, swings, &c., in attendance. Lumley Colliery Township Silver Band will render selections during the afternoon.

Tea will be provided in marquee at 4 o’clock.

Ball in marquee at 8 o’clock.

Admission: gents 1s, ladies 6d. Efficient music provided.

Gates open at one o’clock prompt.

Admission: Field only 6d; Tea and field 1s 3d (if tickets are bought any time up to eve of sports, 1s.); School children, field, 1d; others 3d. Tea and field half-price.

Mr A.. Lee, Secretary, Fence Houses.

1913 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1914 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1914: Newcastle Journal 13 January 1914

Auction Marts …..

..... Chester-le-Street. Messrs J. Turnbull and Son held their usual fortnightly sale of fat stock at their Chester-le-Street mart yesterday. They had forward 57 fat cattle, 266 sheep, 35 pigs, 4 milch cows and 3 calves. There was a fair attendance of buyers but trade was slightly easier for both cattle and sheep. Pigs met a brisk demand. Prices were as follows…..

…. Mr T. Peacock, Dun Cow, Fence Houses, fat cow to £12.

1915 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller

1916 Electoral Roll: No roll

1917 Electoral Roll: N/A

1918 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller / Annie Miller / Edward John Miller / A. Fairgrave Miller / T. Gerald Miller

1918: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 31 October 1918

Deaths. Miller. At the Dun Cow Farm, Fence Houses, on 29th inst., aged 17 years, Millicent Forbes, youngest and beloved daughter of Thomas and Annie Miller. Interred at Burnmoor, Friday, Nov. 1st, at 3.30pm. Friends please accept this intimation.

1919 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller / Annie Miller / Edward John Miller / A. Fairgrave Miller / T. Gerald Miller

1920 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller / Annie Miller / Edward John Miller / A. Fairgrave Miller / T. Gerald Miller

1921 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller / Annie Miller / Edward John Miller / A. Fairgrave Miller / T. Gerald Miller

1922 Electoral Roll: Thomas Miller / Annie Miller / Edward John Miller / A. Fairgrave Miller / T. Gerald Miller

1922: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 15 June 1922

Fence Houses.

Late Mr T. Miller. The funeral of the late Thomas Miller, of the Dun Cow Inn, Primrose Hill, Fence Houses, took place yesterday afternoon in the churchyard at Burnmoor, the Rev. A.J. Gadd officiating. Deceased, who was 68 years of age, had been ill for about six weeks. He is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter.

1923 Electoral Roll: Frederick Kirton / Robert Philips / Marion Philips

1924 Electoral Roll: Frederick Kirton / Robert Philips / Marion Philips

1925 Electoral Roll: Frederick Kirton / Robert Philips / Marion Philips

1925: Durham Chronicle 17 October 1925

Leek And Vegetable Show.

The members of the Dun Cow Leek Club held their second annual show in the Dun Cow Inn, Fence Houses last weekend. There were 37 stands of leeks. Mr F. Blunt officiated as judge and Mr J.G. Fife as secretary. Results in order of merit: Pot leeks: G. Winship, A. Blunt, R. Forster, J. Charlton, J.G. Fife, J. Forster, T. Clark, F. Kirton, T. Hardy, N. Lowerson, G. Winship, A. Brown, J. Emmerson, T. Winn, W. Whitworth, T. Purvis, G. Blackburn, J. Thompson, T. Milburn, R. Blunt, R. Phillips, J. Stamp, R. Oxley, W. Leonard, J. Rutherford, T. Berry, A. Tindale, T. Romaines, T. Yellowley, J. Parsons, T. Rickaby, J. Martin, J. Dobson, W. Blake, J. Perry, A. Brown and J. Jackson. Beet: 1, A. Brown; 2, H. Oxley; 3, W. Leonard. Celery: 1, J. Emmerson; 2, A. Blunt; 3, A. Brown. Potatoes: 1, A. Brown; 2, J. Emmerson; 3, T. Perry.

1925: Durham Chronicle 24 October 1925

Shadforth Weddings.

Miller – McBriar.

More than ordinary interest was manifested in the wedding solmenised at Shadforth Parish Church on Saturday afternoon and which was a very pretty event. Mr Alexander Fairgray Miller, second son of the late Mr Thomas Miller and Mrs Miller, formerly of Dun Cow Farm, Fence Houses and now of Biddick House, was the bridegroom, his bride being Miss Lilian Myrtle McBriar, daughter of the late Mr and Mrs D. McBriar, of Sutton Street, Durham and niece of Miss McBriar, of Elder Cottage, Shadforth. The bride was attached to the teaching staff of Sherburn Hill Girls’ School, while Mr Miller occupies a responsible post in the Lambton Estate Office. The service, which was choral, was conducted by the Rector, the Rev T.H. Perkins M.A., assisted by the assistant curate, the Rev A.C. Hague B.A. The surpliced choir were in attendance and met the bridal party at the church door, preceding it down the aisle. Hymns “The voice that breathed o’er Eden” and “Holy Spirit, Lord of Grace” were sung and following the signing of the register, Miss Smith, organist, played the Bridal Chorus from “Lohengrin” (Wagner). The bride, who was given away by her uncle, Mr W. McBriar, of Wheatley Hill, was dressed in white silk georgette beaded in pastel shades and silver. She wore a silk net embroidered veil with Russian coronet of pearls and diamante and silver shoes to match. She carried a sheaf of lilies. There were two attendants, viz.: Mrs A. Shipley and Miss Buck. Their dresses were of powder blue georgette with silver Dutch caps and shoes to match. They carried bouquets of delicately shaded chrysanthemums and asparagus fern to tone with their dresses. The best man was Mr G. Miller, brother of the bridegroom, and the groomsmen were Mr A. Shipley and Mr J.C. Punton. Following the ceremony there was a reception at Elder Cottage, Shadforth, from which place Mr and Mrs Miller later departed for their honeymoon. The going away frock was of brown silk repp surmounted with a sable fox fur, the gift of the bridegroom. The bride’s gift to the bridegroom was a travelling case. Among the numerous other gifts to the bridegroom were a silver tea service from Mr and Mrs H.M. Stobart, of Biddick Hall, and a canteen of cutlery from the staff of the Lambton Estate office. The bride was presented with a lustre fruit bowl from the school children of the Sherburn Hill Girls’ School.

1925: Durham Chronicle 28 November 1925

Houghton-le-Spring Police Court. Thursday, November 26th……

…. Inn Manager’s Dishonesty.

Frederick Kirton, manager of the Dun Cow Inn, Little Lumley, Fence Houses, was charged with embezzlement of the sum of £28 belonging to Messrs C. Vaux and Sons Ltd., brewers, Sunderland. Mr W.H. Bell, for the prosecution, said when stock was taken there was a shortage of £27 18s 11d and defendant admitted he had lent £28 to a cousin, a butcher, at Tyne Dock, to buy a beast. Walter Cameron, stocktaker, gave evidence in support. The defendant pleaded that he did not do it with any fraudulent intent but with the intention of getting the money paid in again, “But it did not come off,” he added “and I have to stand the racket.” He declared that sometime or another he would pay it back. He had done his utmost to get the money but had failed. The Chairman said it was a serious matter but they did not want to be hard on the defendant as he seemed to have been shabbily treated by the man to whom he lent the money. He would be fined £5 or 25 days.

1926 Electoral Roll: Frederick Kirton / Robert Philips / Marion Philips

1927 Electoral Roll: Richard Ayre / Isabella Ayre / Joseph Winship / Thomas Winship

1928 Electoral Roll: Richard Ayre / Isabella Ayre / Joseph Winship / Thomas Winship

1928: Durham Chronicle 12 October 1928

Burnmoor.

Burnmoor and District Club held their annual show in the Dun Cow Inn, Primrose Hill, on Saturday. Mr Fred Blunt was judge and Mr J.G. Fife acted as hon. secretary. Results: Pot leeks: M. Croudace, R. Blunt, C. McCall, R. Ayre, E. Teasdale, W. Forth, G. Nairn, G.H. Winship, T. Romaines, J.G. Fife, A.W. Gowland, Jas. Martin, N. Winship, J. Perry, Jas. Douglas, V. Tindale, A. Birbeck, J. Lawton, T. Robson, P. McCall, A. Blunt, T. Winn, J.W. Charlton, J. Jackson, C. Lynn, R. Wayman, C. Rush, D. Mill, A. Renshaw, J. Emerson, R. Donkin. Long beet: D. Mill, A. Birbeck. Round beet: G. Nairn, A. Birbeck. Celery: J. Emerson, R. Blunt. Round potatoes: A. Birbeck, M. Croudace. Kidney potatoes: M. Croudace, A. Birbeck.

1928: Durham Chronicle 02 November 1928

Fence Houses.

Leek Show.

An open leek and vegetable show was held in the Dunn Cow Inn, Primrose Hill, on Saturday. Mr Fred Blunt was judge and Mr J.G. Fife hon secretary. There were 33 stands of leeks. Results: 1, W. Simpson; 2, R. Charlton; 3, T. Ranson; 4, T. Robson. Celery: 1, W. Bambro; 2, Alf. Cole; Kidney potatoes: 1, Thos. Jackson; 2, Jim Charlton. Round potatoes: 1, A. Long; 2, R. Pratt.

1929 Electoral Roll: Richard Ayre / Isabella Ayre / Joseph Winship / Thomas Winship

1929: Durham Chronicle 11 October 1929

Fence Houses.

The sixth annual leek and vegetable show of the Burnmoor and District Club was held at the Dun Cow Inn, Primrose Hill. There were 40 stands of pot leeks. Mr Fred Blunt was judge and Mr J.G. Fife secretary. Results: Pot leeks: J. Storer, M. Croudace, M. Ellison, R. Ayr, E. Teasdale, A. Birkbeck, J. Renshaw, G. Lumsden, A. Yellowley, H. Murray, J. Martin, J. Charlton, J. Cummings, W. Simpson, H. Perry, G. McCall, J.G. Fife, R. Allison, W. Forth, J. Cresswell, Mrs Perry, A. Goodrich, A.W. Gowland, R. Weeks, V. Tindal, A. Renshaw, T. Winn, R. Wayman, E. Nairn, T. Romaines, T. Robson, J. Emmerson, R. Stavers, C. Lynn, F. Kirton, R. Nairn, R. Donkin, C. Bilton, J. Green, D. Mill. Long beet: T. Robson, R. Nairn, J. Emmerson. Round beet: E. Teasdale, A. Birkbeck, H. Murray. Potatoes (any variety): J. Emmerson, M. Ellison, J. Emmerson. Celery: M. Croudace, J. Emmerson, R. Donkin.

1929: Durham Chronicle 06 December 1929

Leek Club Dinner.

The members of the Burnmoor and District Leek Club held their first annual dinner in the Dun Cow Inn, Primrose Hill on Saturday night. An excellent dinner was provided by the host and hostess, Mr and Mrs R. Ayre. Mr R. Cummings presided and congratulated the club on its success and made an appeal for more members. The remainder of the evening was spent in harmony to which the following contributed: Messrs Jas. Martin, J. Stobbs, W. Lynn, R. Stokoe, Coonan and S. Ranson (pianist). The secretary of the club (Mr J.G. Fife) carried out the arrangements.

1930 Electoral Roll: Richard Ayre / Isabella Ayre / Joseph Winship / Thomas Winship / Nora Davison Winship

1931 Electoral Roll: Richard Ayre / Isabella Ayre / Joseph Winship / Thomas Winship / Nora Davison Winship / Evelyn Winship

1932: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 27 October 1932

Mr R. Ayre, landlord of the Dun Cow Inn, Fence Houses, last night was presented with the silver cup as winner of the first prize at the recent annual leek show.

1934: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 21 May 1934

Sir Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus.

At Burnmoor on Tuesday May 22

Dun Cow Inn (adjoining flying ground) will be open all day from 11am for the sale of intoxicants and other refreshments.

1934: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 26 November 1934

The third annual dinner of the Dun Cow Leek Club was held in the Dun Cow Inn, Primrose Hill, Fence Houses, on Saturday night. Mr and Mrs R. Ayre were host and hostess and Mr F.P. Lishman presided and congratulated the members on the recent excellent show. The following entertained: Messrs G. Wilson, J. Davey, G. Hardy, R. Martin, W. Black, J. Martin, T. Romaines and J. Bates. Mr F. Middlemiss was at the piano. Mr J.G. Fife, secretary, proposed a vote of thanks to the artists.

1935: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 07 October 1935

Fence Houses Winners.

Fence Houses Dun Cow Leek Club: Leeks: R. Fletcher, A. Conn, S. Towler, J.P. Oliver. Vegetables: J.P. Oliver (two firsts), P. Brown and R. Fletcher (each one first and one second), J. Johnson (one first and two seconds), F.P. Lishman and A. Oliver (each one first), W. Thompson (two seconds), A. Conn (one second).

1935: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 04 November 1935

Leek Club Supper.

The annual supper of the Dun Cow Leek Club was held on Saturday in the Dun Cow Inn, Fence Houses. Mr T. Golden, presided and presented the cup to Mr R. Fletcher, of Brecon Hill, for having the best leeks in the recent show. Entertainment was provided by Messrs J. Martin, R. Haswell, P. Brown, R. Martin, W. Green, T. Romaines, W. Back and A. Conn, with Mr F. Middlemas at the piano. Mr A. Conn won the wheel-barrow made and given to the show by Mr R. Haswell.

1936: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 11 March 1936

Deaths. Thornton. Dun Cow Farm, Fence Houses, on March 10, aged 67 years, John, beloved husband of Mary E. Thornton. Interment Chester-le-Street, Thursday, 2.30 p.m.; leave residence 1.10 p.m. for service in Burnmoor Church at 1.30 p.m. Friends please accept this (the only) intimation.

1936: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 14 March 1936

Acknowledgements. Thornton – Mrs Thornton and family, Dun Cow Farm, Fence Houses, wish to thank all friends for their kindness, letters of sympathy and floral tributes sent to them in their recent sad bereavement.

1936: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 05 November 1936

Farmer’s Daughter Weds Librarian.

Miss Hilda Thornton, youngest daughter of Mrs Thornton, of the Dun Cow Farm, Primrose Hill, Fence Houses, and the late Mr J. Thornton, was married at Burnmoor yesterday to Mr Clifford George Pybus, librarian at Chester-le-Street and Bishop Auckland, and youngest son of Mrs Pybus, of Durham and the late Mr W.S.G. Pybus. The Rev. A.J. Gadd officiated. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr Fred Thornton, was attired in a white flowered cloque dress and wore a bridal veil with orange blossom. She carried a bouquet of red roses. Miss Brenda Thornton, niece of the bride, was bridesmaid. Mr G.T. Thornton, the bride’s brother, was best man.

1938: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 08 February 1938

Lost. Black and white collie dog lost, January 31, collar, no name; big tooth missing from lower jaw. Thornton, Dun Cow Farm, Fence Houses.

1939: 1939 Register:

Dun Cow Inn:

Richard Ayre, born 1878, manager

Isabella Ayre, born 1878, unpaid domestic duties

Evelyn Winship (Hardy), born 1909, dealer in sweets and tobacco

Dun Cow Farm:

Mary E. Thornton, born 11 Feb. 1876, unpaid domestic duties

Frederick R. Thornton, born 8 July 1901, farmer and livestock auctioneer

Ada Thornton (Henderson), born born 21 July 1908, assistant farm worker

1939: Newcastle Evening Chronicle 09 September 1939

Tennis Player and Teacher.

Miss Nora Davison Winship, daughter of Mrs Richard Ayre, of the Dun Cow Inn, Primrose Hill, Fence Houses, was married at St Barnabas’ Church, Burnmoor, today, to Mr Andrew Tait, of Durham Street, Fence Houses. The Rev Arthur J. Gadd officiated. The bride wore a wine coloured dress of velvet and lace. Miss Evelyn Winship was bridesmaid and Mr James Whillis was the best man. The bride is a teacher at Fence Houses Intermediate School. Both she and the bridegroom are members of Houghton Tennis Club.

1940: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 30 September 1940

At the 17th Annual show of Dun Cow Leek Club, Primrose Hill, Fence Houses, £50 was given in prizes. Mr A. Blunt was judge. Results: pot leeks: 1 and special, P. Simpson; 2. A. Oliver; 3. A. Conn. White celery: 1. A. Atkinson, 2. P. Simpson 3. J. Hardy. Pink celery: 1. H. Jackson; 2. S. Towler; 3. W. Thompson. Globe beet: 1. M. Robinson; 2. P. Simpson; 3. J. Smith. Long beet: 1. M. Bestford; 2. R. Tait; 3. P. Simpson. Carrots: 1. R. Fletcher; 2. and 3. N. Bestford; Kidney potatoes: 1. R. Fletcher. 2. A. Atkinson; 3. P. Simpson. Round potatoes: 1. J. Bowery.

Morton Grange Allotments Association leek and celery show (Mr Blunt, judge). Results: Pot leeks: 1. R. Oliver, Sixth Pit; 2. J. Oliver, Sixth Pit; 3. T. Oliver, Lumley. Celery, any variety: 1. W. Chilvers, Fence Houses; 2. J. Dobson, New Lambton; 3. J. Oliver.

1942: Newcastle Journal 14 November 1942

Marriages. Thornton – Ramshaw. At St Barnabas’ Church, Burnmoor, Nov. 12th, by the Rev A.J. Gadd, George Thomas Thornton, Sheraton Hall, Castle Eden, younger son of Mrs and the late John Thornton, Dun Cow Farm, Fence Houses, to Nancy, only child of the late Mr and Mrs Ramshaw, Castle Eden.

1947: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 04 March 1947

Granted Decree Nisi and Damages.

A former Whitley Bay newsagent, Clifford George Pybus, now living at South Crescent, North End, Durham, was cited as co-respondent when Ernest Mohun, of Park View, Whitley Bay was awarded a decree nisi and £150 damages by Judge Richardson, sitting as a special Divorce Commissioner in Newcastle yesterday on the grounds of his wife’s adultery. The suit was contested on the issue of damages only. Evidence was given by Mrs Hilda Pybus, of Dun Cow Farm, Primrose Hill, Fence Houses, who it was stated had obtained a decree nisi on the grounds of her husband’s adultery with Mildred Mohun, the respondent in yesterday’s case.

1949: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette 27 April 1949

Morris 8, 1837 for sale, overhauled, resprayed and new tyres, £220. C. Taylor, Dun Cow Inn, Fence Houses.