Weardale History

Weardale is in the heart of the North Pennines and extends 25 miles from Killhope, on the Cumbrian border, to Harperley. This long valley, with most of its settlements following the path of the River Wear, is a land of contrasts. The moorland of Killhope, Wellhope and Burnhope with their purple flowering heather are in sharp contrast to the greener, cultivated land 2000 feet lower at the eastern end of the dale.

The dale has an industrial heritage of mines, quarries and railways but, today, life is much more about commuting to the industrial east and tourists coming in the opposite direction as well as the main land-use for farming. The attraction of the dale is now its natural beauty, which has emerged from the ravages of past industries, but hushes, quarry faces and heaps have their own fascination to the interested onlooker. These features are set alongside tourist attractions and the beautiful moors and rolling farmland managed by generations of Weardale families and home to some of Britains most important wildlife.

The Weardale communities today are a vibrant mix of those who can trace their ancestry back generations within the Dale and others who have migrated to the area more recently. There are many people who are passionate about this special place and are involved in a vast array of community activities.

Weardale’s history is rich but it needs to be sought. Much is in front of your eyes but the casual gazer will miss much.

Geological history has left the dale with a rich mineral legacy, which has been the basis of previous industrial booms. Lead made the dale one of the richest areas in the country at one time. The best place to learn more about the industrial past of the Dale, including the opportunity to experience life as a North Pennines miner is Killhope, the North of England Leadmining Centre.

The settlement of the Dale has its own story to tell, including the pattern of village development and why the place names are so called? The Weardale Museum gives a fascinating insight into the rich history of Weardale, including the connection with the Prince Bishops and the Weardale hunting park. High House Chapel cannot be mentioned without reference to John Wesley, iron making without Attwood, or lead mining without Blackett and Beaumont.

Scratch the surface of this special area and you will have a continual itch to discover more.

For more information on Weardale's history, visit the Semi Precious web site.