About
Everyday Histories - Two Mining Families - One Village History- a lasting legacy.
19 Sep 2026 | In person | Pre-booking not required | Exhibition
The growth of mining in West Rainton brought an influx of workers from different parts of the country. A history of two families, their lives and their impact on the community.
One family from Yorkshire and Durham. One family from Ireland and Scotland. Both families led separate, difficult mining lives. The families worked for a range of mining companies, but both experienced the hard life miners and their families faced every day. Both families faced hardship. One faced the heartache of a death in the mines. The families have many things in common but many differences. Both families are buried in the church yard. Both families invested the time, money and skill that helped make West Rainton the village it is today.
This event was supported by leading family history website, Findmypast, who provided access to their records as part of their sponsorship of ‘Everyday Histories’, the festival theme. Discover your ancestors' stories at Find My Past's website.
Timings
Saturday 19 September:
1000-1500
Location & directions
St Mary's Church, South Street, West Rainton, County Durham, DH4 6NR
Directions:
54°48'56.7"N 1°29'56.7"W RG82+79V Houghton le Spring The church was built before the time of cars, so no car access. Simply drive into West Rainton. The Church is totally visible in a large churchyard. If visiting the Church or Churchyard it is best to park along the top road, Chantry Place, and walk through the churchyard. If you chose to park on South Street please be careful to leave room for buses etc. along the main street. There is a tight bend in the road at the bottom of Benridge Bank, so take care. Please have consideration for our neighbours. If you have a wheelchair it is normally easier to park on the top road because the path through the churchyard is easy going. The other side of church has a section of gravel. The number 20 bus links us with Durham, Houghton le Spring and Sunderland.
Contact on day: Karen Engle
Telephone number: +44394322653
Booking information
Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The chancel and altar are only accessible by steps. Help can be available if required,
Additional information
The beautiful and majestic building of St Mary’s Church was built in 1964 replacing a chapel of ease. It became necessary to have a church of this size to accommodate the growing congregation due to mining activity in the area. Although they were not wealthy, the people of West Rainton and Leamside raised the money to furnish the church with many of its beautiful features- The east and west stained glass windows by William Wailes, the eagle lecturn, the panelling, the seats in the quire, the pulpit, the church clock and bell, the weathercock and iron gates in porch. Visitors can investigate.
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St Mary's Church, BlanchlandBlanchland got its name from the white habits worn by monks of the Premonstratensian order who founded Blanchland Abbey.
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