Several times I drove to the Durham Records Office, West Boldon and Hartlepool for my dad’s side of the family. Was disappointed to find the magnificent church in Chester-le-Street removed all the graves from around the grounds, back in the 1970’s I was told, and bundled the headstones against the perimeter wall. Trying to sort through them you couldn’t help but think how sad it all was. Needless to say, nothing with any of my family name.
I ventured across to Preston to visit the Records Office there and the churchyard in Mellor to find mum’s ancestors. Found the grave of my grandfather in St. Mary’s Chapel and a signed copy of the book: ‘The History of Mellor” by Neil Summersgill in a local shop, which is out of print now unfortunately. I had a lovely email exchange with the author about finding the farm where mum grew up.
If you have anything to add to this website about our family, it will be greatly appreciated. Just send me a message from the contact form. Meantime, I hope you enjoy browsing.