New Lambton

The earliest map found to date on which New Lambton is marked is that of 1820 by Christopher Greenwood, part of which is reproduced below. However New Lambton certainly existed long before this - parish records go back at least as far as the 1780s. In his book "True Stories of Durham Pit Life", published in 1912, the author, George Parkinson, was born the son of a miner in New Lambton in 1828. His mother was Mary and his father was also born in New Lambton in 1804. More information regarding this publication can be found on the "George Parkinson" page of this website. 

Mr Parkinson introduces the New Lambton of 1828 thus: 

The village in which I was born was a prominent feature of a picturesque landscape lying between the ancient town of Houghton-le-Spring and the Warden Law on the east, and the still more ancient town of Chester-le-Street on the west, with the well-wooded valley of the Wear between. One long row of low-roofed brick cottages, with a few other rows standing apart, formed the street, which faced a meadow through which ran a clear burn or stream. Some distance down the stream stood an old mill, at the entrance to a series of delightful woods, clothing the steep banks of the burn. In spring, multitudes of primroses grew here and the spot still bears the name of Primrose Hill. Beyond this lay some pleasant lanes, passing near the domains of Lumley and Lambton Castles, with fine woods on either hand; so that even in the life of a pit village, beauty and variety of interest were not lacking..........

......... The oldest and most familiar mental photograph in my memory is that of a square, red-tiled brick building at the end of a long row of miners' cottages in my native village. This structure, being somewhat higher than any other building in the place, had a prominence which naturally attracted attention where there was little else to notice. Two large windows in front and a projecting porch covering the doorway between, marked it out as a special building both in structure and purpose. Though void of ornament and without architectural pretensions, that little unassuming Methodist chapel was the only place of worship and its Sunday school the only place of education in the village for more than sixty years of its history. During those years, the services held and the lessons taught within those rough brick walls won many souls for Christ, changed many lives and many homes, turning evildoers into workers in the Master's vineyeard and helping to form Christian characters to carry on the work in years to come. Thus the little chapel, with these associations and memories of families and friendships from childhood to old age, became as sacred and as much revered by the people of the village as St. Paul's Cathedral can be by inhabitants of London or St. Peter's by the citizens of Rome.

The only place for social gatherings or recreation was a public-house, formed by uniting two cottages, which with a fenced cockpit and a quoit ground at the front and a quiet place for pitch-and-toss just round the corner, provided opportunities for votaries of these sports, which, with the tap-room as their centre, were often accompanied by drunken brawls and fightings, with all the demoralizing influences arising therefrom.

Beside the chapel, the nearest places of worship were the church at Houghton-le-Spring about two miles off to the east and the more ancient church at Chester-le-Street, three miles away on the west. A chapel-of-ease at Penshaw, two-miles-and-a-half in another direction, was the parish church. From none of these, however, was any pastoral visitation conducted, nor were any religious services held for the people of New Lambton, who, like those in many other places, were literally left to sit in darkness and in the region and shadow of death.  

Above: 1820 map by Christopher Greenwood  

The above map, the earliest found to date, shows New Lambton as two rows of structures lining the road the road which we know today running between Bournmoor and New Lambton. The structures are mainly to the east of the waggonway which can be seen on the map running in a roughly south west > north easterly direction. This is of course before the construction of the main line railway further to the east. It should also be noted that there are two mills marked on this map, one to the south west of New Lambton (Floater's Mill) and one to the south east (New Lambton Mill), both using the power of the Lumley Park Burn to turn their respective waterwheels. 

Above: 1843 map by John Thomas William Bell 

Although detailed and accurate in many respects, the 1843 map by Bell (above) shows New Lambton as two rows of structures on either side of the Burnmoor to New Lambton road, but the road mysteriously vanishes to the west of New Lambton and so is not showing as connecting Bournmoor to New Lambton. However, this road must have existed, as is is shown on earlier and later maps. Floaters Mill is clearly marked and it is interesting to note that the Lumley Park Burn has been widened to the east of Floaters Mill - in order to better control the flow of the burn at the mill wheel.

On this 1843 map, the "main line" railway, marked as the Durham Junction Railway, has now been constructed. To the east of this is a north/south-orientated row of buildings (shown as a black strip on the 1843 map) - this is D Pit Row and just to the east of this is the shaft of Lambton D Pit marked as a black circle. To the south of D Pit and to the east of the railway, Lady Ann Pit is also marked by another, larger, circle.

Also noteworthy is the presence of a "Salt Works" just to the west of New Lambton. In 1815 deposits of salt were discovered coating the inner surface of one of the boilers at Lambton D Pit. A salt works at nearby New Lambton was subsequently established in order to tap into the supply of saline spring water. For information on the salt works please refer to the page 'New Lambton - Salt Works / Old Engine' of this website. 

An 1831 trade directory refers to it thus:

 

1831 - 'A Topographical Dictionary of England', Samuel Lewis & R. Creighton

At New Lambton, in this township, is a brine well ninety-seven fathoms deep, where salt-works were established in 1815. There is also a place of worship for Wesleyan Methodists, with a Sunday School attached, in which about one hundred and sixty children are instructed


1834: An historical, topographical, and descriptive view of the county palatine of Durham: Comprehending the various subjects of natural, civil, and ecclesiastical geography, agriculture, mines, manufactures, navigation, trade, commerce, buildings, antiquities, curiosities, public institutions, charities, population, customs, biography, local history, &c, Volume 1:

"Burn-Moors..... This township contains two farmsteads and four public houses with some genteel residences at Bowes House, Dee-pit Row, Wapping, Elba, Bounder House and Board's Nook are all hamlets in Burn-Moors; but New Lambton is the most considerable place. Salt works were established here in 1815 by Messrs Rand and Parkinson; the spring having been first discovered to contain salt by the water leaving a quantity of that useful article in the steam boiler at the Dee pit near New Lambton and afterwards in the boiler at the New Lambton pit, where the works are situated. The brine well is 97 fathoms deep. Here is a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel and a Sunday School belonging to the Methodists, where about 150 children receive instruction."

Above: 1874 Map, OS

The 1874 OS map (above) gives much more detail regarding the layout of New Lambton in the latter part of the 19th century. The main row of buildings, in accordance with earlier maps, is still to the north of the Bournmoor to New Lambton Road (Lambton Lane). There are some buildings towards the west end, to the south of the road, but to the east of these are gardens or allotments, corresponding to the properties on the north side of the road. To the south of the gardens/allotments is open land leading down to the Lumley Park Burn.

At the far eastern end of the northern row is a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. This is in agreement with the description of the village given by George Parkinson above. The village is also starting to fan out to the north and south at its western edge and there is a structure marked "New Lambton Engine" at the far centre-left of the map, to the west of the waggonway. At the far eastern end of the village is 'New Lambton Mill (corn)', situated south of the road and west of the railway.

At the far centre-left of the above map is the "Old Engine". There is a photograph of this on the 'New Lambton - Salt Works / Old Engine' page of this website.

 Above: 1896 Map, OS

By the time of the 1896 map, New Lambton had expanded considerably in size. The oldest row of houses, to the north of the Burnmoor to New Lambton road have been demolished and the village has expanded to the south of the road with the construction of much new housing. However, the original 'Methodist Chapel (Wes.)' is still marked, despite a new 'Methodist Chapel (Primitive)' having been built to the north of the road and a 'Methodist Chapel (Free United)' to the south. The New Lambton Mill has also been demolished and replaced with housing. At the far right of the 1896 map, to the east of the railway line and north side of the road, more houses have been constructed. This is Railway Terrace. An Infant School has also been constructed to the north of the road at the east end of the village. 

 Above: 1940 Map, OS

 The 1940 map is the first to show the names of some of the streets in New Lambton, namely:

The most noticeable differences between the 1896 and 1940 maps are the developments which have occured in the area between New Lambton and the Lumley Park Burn. These were largely funded and established by the Lambton Miners' Welfare Committee. There is now:

The Methodist Church (Primitive) is still in operation to the north of the Bournmoor to New Lambton road but the building marked as 'Methodist Chapel (Free United)' is simply marked as 'Hall'. 

Above: New Lambton, 1951 

Above: 1958 Map, OS

 

By 1958, another amenity has been added to the village in the form of a 'football ground' at the south east corner, bordering the Lumley Park Burn.

 

ove: 1972 Map, OS

By 1972 (above), the village had largely been demolished. The outline of the streets can still be seen clearly as well as the remains of the recreation areas to the south of it. The Methodist Church is still in use, marked as 'New Lambton Bethel Methodist Church.' The Infant School has been demolished and in its place is Lambton House, later to become a care home. 

Above: New Lambton Today 

Above: A wider view of New Lambton today 

The above, modern view of New Lambton very much still mirrors the layout the village once had. The lines of trees tend to follow the courses of the old streets and recreation grounds; although somewhat overgrown, some are still visible, as is the course of the Lumley Park Burn.


Parish Registers:

The baptism and burial records for people from New Lambton have been transcribed for Chester-le-Street, Penshaw and Houghton-le-Spring Parish Church registers, 1785-1865. If you require a surname look-up, please contact the Webmaster via the email address on the Home Page of this website.

Above: Graph illustrating total number of baptisms for people residing at New Lambton, taken from the Chester-le-Street, Penshaw and Houghton-le-Spring Parish Church registers, 1785-1865

Above: Graph illustrating total number of burials for people residing at New Lambton, taken from the Chester-le-Street, Penshaw and Houghton-le-Spring Parish Church registers, 1785-1865

 

Durham Chronicle, May 29, 1936:

Baths for Lambton Miners.

Ballot Majority for Scheme.

Early Start with Building.

Six More Homes for Aged Miners.

The Lambton Miners’ Welfare Committee, which has as its chariman Mr A. Thompson, the manager of the Lady Ann and “D” Pits and as its secretary Coun. G. Garland J.P., has had under consideration for some time the question of Pithead Baths for the workmen at their collieries. They have had a large swimming bath since 1924. It has proved a boon to the people in the district and is decidedly popular. It is used extensively by the scholars from the schools in the district.

Before the Central Welfare Committee will erect Pithead Baths, they must have an assurance that the collieries in that district will have a life of at least 30 years. It will be good news for the miners, tradesmen and others in the district that the Lambton, Hetton and Joicey Collieries Ltd. are able to give that assurance as far as the Lambton Pits are concerned.

Another condition that the Central Welfare Committee requires is that a ballot must be taken amongst the workmen and that it must show a majority in favour of at least 66 per cent. A ballot has been taken this weekend at the Lodge’s Headquarters, the Miners’ Hall, Fence Houses and the result shows a percentage of 82 per cent in favour. The total number of workmen employed is approximately 1,300. Only those workmen over 18 years of age were allowed to vote.

The baths will be erected by the Central Welfare Committee but their upkeep will be in the hands of the Local Welfare Committee. Every workman at the collieries, whether he uses the baths or not, will have an agreed amount deducted from his pay to meet the cost of upkeep.

Mr Garland is confident that an early beginning will be made with the erection of the baths. A site has not yet been decided upon, but it is in every way likely that they will be erected near the present swimming bath, which faces both the pits. The cost of erecting pithead baths comes from royalties and not from the tonnage levy.

Another piece of interesting information for the Lambton Miners is that six aged miners’ homes are to be erected at New Lambton, near Primrose Hill, the site for which has been generously given by the Earl of Durham. These cottages will not be built by the Durham Aged Miners’ Homes Association but by the Central Welfare Committee, who not only bear the cost of their erection but endow them too, so that the fortunate tenants will be provided with free coal and light and will not have to pay any rent or rates.

The local committee have been inspecting various aged miners’ homes in the county and plans are being got out which will ensure that they contain all the latest improvements.

 The New Lambton Aged Miners' Homes:

 

Chester-le-Street Chronicle, November 26, 1937

Six New Miners’ Homes Opened.

Mr A. Kirkup officiates at New Lambton.

First to be built from Welfare Fund.

Six aged miners’ homes were opened at New Lambton on Saturday, by Mr Austin Kirkup, a director of the Lambton, Hetton and Joicey Collieries Ltd. The foundation stones were laid on May 29.

Prior to the opening, the officials and delegates of Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Association were entertained to luncheon in the Bethel Methodist Church Schoolroom, New Lambton, by the committee of the Lambton Miners’ Welfare, after Mr Kirkup had opened the door of one of the houses.

Burnmoor Rector Former Treasurer

The Rector of Burnmoor, Rev A.J. Gadd, opened the proceedings with prayer, and a hymn was sung.

The Rector said that the Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association was inaugurated at a meeting held in the Whitburn Rectory, when the late Canon Moore Ede, then Rector of Whitburn, and the late Mr Hopper, the first president of the Association, were the prime movers in forming the movement. Mr Gadd said he had acted as their treasurer for four months.

Contractor’s High Prices Complaint

Mr William Whiteley M.P., President of the Mineworkers’ Association, who presided, complained of the high prices which were being submitted by contractors for the building of aged miners’ homes in the county. This was very evident in the tenders which they had had before them during the last few weeks.

He was definitely of the opinion that they were being overcharged and he was afraid that contractors were adding to their tenders by taking into consideration the gifts the Association were receiving from the Colliery Companies and the Special Commissioner. He wanted the building community of the county to realise that they were a voluntary organisation and were prepared to pay trade union wages for work done them.

Lord Joicey Unable to Attend

In performing the opening ceremony, Mr Kirkup said his task that day was a pleasure to him. They regretted that Lord Joicey was not able to be present but he had offered to take his place.

The Welfare Committee, Mr Kirkup announced, had allocated the six homes to the following men who had worked at the colliery for the longest time:-

John Passmoore, a miner, with 59 years, 4 months service.

George Lumley, a miner, 59 years.

Richard Green, a colliery official, 57 years

William Atkinson, a blacksmith, 56 years

Joseph Thompson, a miner, 55 years

Thomas Lee, a miner, 55 years

A total of 341 years and an average of approximately 57 years.

They all had their partners with them, which Mr Kirkup said was a grand thing. He had prepared six envelopes with two pound notes in each, for each of the six occupiers.

Memento Acknowledged.

Mr A.H. Balmer, of Houghton-le-Spring, the contractor who had built the homes, under the supervision of Mr Robert Gibson, architect to the Colliery Company, presented Mr Kirkup with a silver card tray as a memento of the occasion, which he gratefully acknowledged.

Mr C. Howson, agent to the Lambton, Hetton and Joicey Collieries, said he hoped it would not be long before other six homes were provided. He greatly regretted that Mrs Howson, through indisposition, was not able to be present to present the keys to the tenants, but he assured them that as soon as she was able, she would pay them a visit in their new homes. She often visited those in the Lumley houses and found pleasure in doing so.

Peace after 50 years

Mr S. Haw, of Sunderland, said that a man who had worked for 50 years was entitled to live the rest of his life in peace and comfort.

Mr Whiteley announced that apologies for absence had been received from Alderman James Gilliland, Mr A. McDonald treasurer of the Association and Mr A.W. Henzell, a sub-agent of the Colliery Company.

Mr A. Thompson, manager of New Lambton Colliery and President of the Lambton Miners’ Welfare, presented on the latter’s behalf, a condiment set to Mr Howson for Mrs Howson. Mr Howson, in accepting the gift, said he was sure his wife would appreciate it very much.

Thanks for help

Alderman George Garland, secretary of Lambton Miners’ Lodge, acknowledged the help given to the scheme by the Colliery Company, the Welfare Committee, the Miners’ Lodge and Mr J. Adair, and said that since they had got the baths, the money which went into the Welfare Fund had accumulated and they did not know what to do with it. After a lot of persuasion, the National Welfare Association had agreed to allow them to use the money by building aged miners’ homes. They were the first Lodge to benefit by the scheme and he hoped they would use any further grants in building more homes.

Mr Whiteley then presented an oak Westminster chiming clock to Mr Robert Gibson, who had done all the architect’s work in connection with the scheme in an honorary capacity.

Speeches were also made by Mr W.S. Hall, secretary of Durham County Mechanics’ Association and Mr R. Watson, of Bolton, treasurer of the D.M.A.

Mr A. Long, treasurer of Lambton Miners’ Lodge proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Kirkup and others who had assisted them in the opening.

100 homes in company’s area

In seconding, Mr J. Adair, secretary of the County Association, said Mr Kirkup had been a very good friend to them in their efforts and mentioned that 100 homes had now been built in the area covered by the Company.

Lord Durham had given them the land for the Lambton homes, only charging a nominal sum to cover the cost of conveyance, and the Commissioner for Special Areas had given them a grant of £80 per house. The tenants would have light and coal provided and their rates would also be paid out of the £2,000 which the Welfare Fund had set aside for endowment. The approximate cost of building the six homes was £2,000.

The officials, speakers and tenants were afterwards entertained to tea in the adjoining schoolroom. 

 

 Old Images of New Lambton

Above: Two pictures of New Lambton Primitive Methodist Chapel and its location in the north-western part of the village (marked with arrow)

Above: New Lambton Wesleyan Chapel, c.1910 and its location in Chapel Row (marked with arrow)

Above: North Terrace, New Lambton

Above: taken c.1905, a row of mineworkers' cottages at New Lambton 

 Above: taken c.1950, Railway Terrace, New Lambton, with Lambton D Pit in the background. Railway Terrace was demolished in 1974.

 Above: New Lambton Post Office, proprietor Mr Alf Mason at his premises at 4 & 5, North Terrace  

Above: Members of New Lambton Bowling Club, 1950

Above: Bath House is in the centre of the picture and the baths on the right. This images is looking north-east and dates from the late-1970's after the demolition of Railway Terrace.