History of the county talks to resume online

A series that offers interesting insights into the archives at Durham County Record Office will re-start later this month.

The Third Thursday history talks programme was put on hold earlier this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but it has now been moved online for residents to enjoy.

The upcoming talk will focus on the H et ton Coal Company, 200 years after it created the breakthrough that allowed the development of the East Durham Coalfield.

Led by Dr John Banham, Secretary of Durham County Local History Society and a member of the Hetton Colliery Railway 200 organising group, the presentation is entitled Adventurers and Pirates: The Hetton Coal Company, 1820-36.

Using George Stephenson’s steam locomotives three years before the opening of the Stockton and Darlington railway, the Hetton Coal Company’s railway was the first in the world to use steam power from the outset – combining rope haulage by fixed engines and locomotives to take coal to the River Wear in Sunderland.

However, the business methods employed were sometimes questionable and this talk will look at the men who were often seen as“adventurers and pirates” by their contemporaries.

Cllr Joy Allen, Durham County Council’ s cabinet member for transformation, culture and tourism, said: “I would strongly encourage people to make a regular date with history.”

The talk will take place on Thursday, November 19, from 10.30am to 11.30am. The event is free, but booking is essential – to do so, go to record office shop. durham. gov.uk/pgEventResult