THE CHANGING GEOGRAPHY

OF CORNFORTH PARISH

BETWEEN 1950 - 1970
 

Submitted by Brian Johnson for:-

External Diploma – Geography
London University – May 1970

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Durham County Development plan 1951 (written analysis)
Durham County Development Plan (Amended 1964)
Victoria County History.
Land Classification of Northumberland, Durham and Part of North Riding.

Ordinance Survey Maps
2.5” N.Z.  23/33 (1969)
6” N.Z.  33 SW (1964)
25” Revision of 1938/39 Sheets XXXV
6, 7, 25” (West Cornforth)
 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

Thanks are due to the following who have made this piece of work possible by their willingness, kindness and patience in face of many enquiries.

Mr.  P.  Rickenson – Farmer of Thrislington Hall Farm for his help and suggestions on farming changes.

Mrs. S.  Parkinson, for her overall help in planning the work.

Mr.  L.  Davies, and Mr.  C.  Robson, Managers of Steetley and Cornforth Quarries respectively for their help on the quarrying account.

Mr.  D Parnaby.
The Staffs of Durham County Archive Office and Darlington Public Library.

To those inhabitants of Cornforth who so willingly volunteered information necessary for the chapter on employment changes and to the young pupils of Hurworth Modern School whose help in traffic census was invaluable.

In conclusion I am especially indebted to my wife Anne, whose encouragement, despite added family responsibility, due to a geographer going in search of material, was always at hand and to Mrs.  E Pipe and Miss Alison Walker for their invaluable assistance to my family during my long hours of absence.  Last but not least to Mrs.  Pat Veal who has so kindly typed the script.  To all may I extend my most sincere thanks.
 

CONTENTS

Preface

Chapter 1 – Introduction

Chapter 2 – Land Utilisation and Farm Study

Chapter 3 – Economic Growth and Change between 1950 - 1970

Chapter 4 – Communications

Chapter 5 – Conclusion



PREFACE

It is always with some remorse that one returns to his native village, naturally thinking of yesteryear, and noticing the ever changing landscape.  This is especially the case in my relations with Cornforth Parish.  Being born and bred within a stones throw of a colliery employing over a thousand men, I was ever conscious of the towering heaps and machinery, as being a source of income to those around me.  However, during the last 15 year, conditions have changed, my visits have become less frequent but it seems that on each visit there is something new to notice within the parish, and it is hoped in this dissertation to portray the changes that have occurred in the geography of the parish since 1950.
What does the future hold for the small parish of Cornforth, situated on the southern edge of the Durham Coalfield? During the last 100 years the parish has changed from an entirely agricultural settlement, through a mining ‘bonanza’, to one that is now deprived of it’s most important benefactor – that of coal mining.

Cornforth has not yet reached the stage of a ‘ghost town’ post 1950 additions in the form of housing estates have been developed.  Furthermore the communication system (part of the railways) has retained its pre 1950 pattern, and space relations are such that its inhabitants can find work in the Industrial Estates at Newton Aycliffe, West Auckland, Spennymoor and the newly created estate at Bowburn on the site of the former Bowburn Colliery.

At present there are a number of more recently established industries within the parish, namely quarrying, demolition plants, and industrial coal producers but as yet they are insufficiently developed to replace coalmining as a source of employment to the local population.
 

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

The Parish of Cornforth comprises an area of 1659 acres and consists of a small village of Cornforth and the mining community of West Cornforth.  It is situated six miles south east of Durham City and seven miles north east of Bishop Auckland.  The small village of Cornforth, situated around a small green has changed little in form since its early days but West Cornforth owes its present day position to the development of Thrislington Colliery, however since the closure of this colliery in February 1967 the community’s future seems somewhat in doubt.

The aim of this dissertation is to examine the growth, and especially the changes brought about in Cornforth since the beginning of the second half of this century, and to consider how they may have changed the function of the parish.
The parish itself is defined by no natural boundaries except in the north east where the boundary follows the course of Coxhoe beck.  This northerly boundary then runs in a north easterly direction, following a single track railway, until skirting some old brickyards, it changes its direction to a westerly one and follows the course of a dismantled railway.  I then turns towards the south-west and follows a stream running in that direction.

The western boundary runs in an almost southerly direction for two miles (the first three quarters of a mile of which it follows a small stream) keeping to the east of the main London-Edinburgh railway.  At Ferryhill Gap the boundary turns and runs in a north-easterly direction until it joins the A177 road about one hundred and fifty yards south of Garmondsway.  The southern boundary follows fields and hedgerows.  The eastern boundary runs almost due north from the point where it joins the A177 to Coxhoe Bridge where it turns west and becomes the northern boundary.

From east to west the parish has a maximum width of two miles and from north to south a maximum depth of two and one fifth miles.
Like so many of the older villages in South Durham, Cornforth was built around a large and irregular green of several acres, lying at a height of approximately 340 feet on a north facing, yet warm and sheltered slope of the Magnesian Limestone plateau of East Durham.  In its early days the village was apparently surrounded on all sides by gushing streams, which burst from the limestone rock, but today only the sites of these streams remain.

The function of the village in the early days was primarily agricultural and despite the opening of limestone quarries nearby it still, to some extent, retains its solitude.  West Cornforth, on the other hand, owes its present day position to the opening of Thrislington Colliery, and its growth has, to a very large extent been governed by the state of the colliery.  Terrace housing development of the early industrial area has given way to more modern development during the first half of the present century, and since 1950.  Apart from occasional private houses, the last large building program within the parish was completed in 1962, and this was in the nature of slum clearance/redevelopment.

As you can see from the population graph (diagram 1/3) the population of Cornforth remained almost static between 1801 and 1831.  The next 30 years saw an expansion to over 1,000 but by 1871 this figure had almost trebled itself; this being due to the opening of an early colliery in 1838 and later of Thrislington Colliery in 1868.  The houses built to accommodate this extra influx put the stamp of a mining community on the parish, for they were constructed in long parallel lines.  Despite a decrease of 350 between 1871 and 1881 the population reached almost 6,000 by 1911.

No population figures are available for the years 1911 to 1941, but by the latter date it had fallen to 4,250 (compared with 5,850 in 1911).  The census of 1951 showed a further decrease to 4,174 and at the last census of 1961 the population was officially 4,006.
From map ¼, Cornforth’s position with regard to the communications can be seen.  Although only six miles from Durham City and seven from Bishop Auckland, Cornforth is by no mean as near to the larger towns of the county.

Hartlepool, 12 miles to the east, Darlington, twelve miles to the south are the nearest large towns.  However there are easy connections to the other major towns of Newcastle, Sunderland and Stockton.  Cornforth’s space relations with regard to these towns and others in North Eastern England can be seen on map ½.  Although served by no major roads the Parish of Cornforth lies between the A1 on mile to the west and the A177 to the east of the parish.  The new A1(M) Motorway (Bradbury – Bowburn section of the Durham Motorway) constructed between February 1967 and December 1968, and opened to traffic in March 1969 runs through the eastern part o the parish but because of no exits from it for Cornforth it seems very probable that it will have little effect on the communications of the parish.  The only advantage seems to lie in the fact that Cornforth will now be seen by many more motorists than it was, prior to the motorway construction.

The parish is also served by two single track railways, now mainly used for the transport of limestone from Coxhoe and Garmondsway to the main north-south line at Ferryhill Station.  West Cornforth railway station no longer functions as such, for owing to lack of support, passenger traffic on Ferryhill Station to Hartlepool line ceased in 1952.

The line was further economized in 1962 when the easterly direction line was pulled up, thus making it the present single track line.
The development of the parish has never been divorced from the development of Thrislington Colliery.  According to the Durham County Development Plan (Published 1951) Thrislington Colliery was classed as a long life colliery yet despite falling employment and falling output no one talked of closure, certainly not when in 1953 reconstruction of the colliery took place.  Closure was first mentioned in 1963 but was abandoned until uneconomic results forced the complete closure in February 1967.  This therefore has been the most important change in Cornforth since 1950 and its results will be seen in a later chapter.

It was suggested in 1955 by a group of VI form Spennymoor Grammar Technical School pupils that should ever the mine cease to yield coal, the future of the parish would also cease unless light industries could be brought in.  This has in fact come to reality in that there seems in 1970 no future for the parish despite the opening of a large limestone quarry in the south west, and an extension to the existing Cornforth Quarry.  Light industries taking the place of coal mining have not been brought to the village and so now the working population of Cornforth are more distributed regarding their places of work, and consequently it is these places, e.g.  Spennymoor, Bowburn, West Auckland, Newton Aycliffe where there are light industrial trading estates, that are developing at the expense of villages such as Cornforth.

In 1951, according to the Durham County Development Plan, Cornforth was classed as a Category ‘B’ village, that is, “largely dependent upon local employment in mining, in agriculture and both.  It is expected that local employment will continue in the future.” + This is certainly not the condition in 1970, local employment is not in mining, and therefore it will not continue, therefore it is difficult to imagine Cornforth retaining its ‘B’ classification in the 1970’s.

+ County Durham Development Plan 1951
 

CHAPTER 2 – LAND UTILIZATION AND FARM STUDY.

Comparing the two maps 2/1 and 2/2 showing the land utilization within Cornforth Parish in 1950 an 1970 it is evident that the general pattern of agriculture has changed little, and that where changes have occurred, they have been incurred as a result of either housing development or industry, these, in fact do stand out in the comparison of the maps.

Those most significant features occur in the south-west part of the parish where since 1955 Steetley Quarries have been established, and in fact has continued to grow annually since that date.  Most of the land so taken by quarrying operations has affected Thrislington Hall Farm, with the result that this farm in 1970 is half of its 1950 size, and as will be noted later, has had to concentrate more on arable farming.  As can be seen from the map 2/3 further land is available for quarrying, and in fact according to Durham County Development Plan this land will be protected from development.  Therefore at some future date there can be expectation that the land at present given over to quarrying will be increased.  Furthermore quarrying operations have increased by Cornforth quarry, though at present extension eastwards is somewhat restricted by the construction of the motorway.

Besides quarrying operations, the development of housing estates have taken a proportion of agricultural land, but here only Stobb Cross Farm has been affected and then only by Garmondsway Estate.  Other developments it will be noticed have either taken place on derelict land or land that was issued for allotment purposes, for example, land to west of playing field and west of church respectively.

The motorway has also taken its toll of agricultural land, and consequentially shows a distinct line through the parish.

In reference is made to the map 2/4 regarding situations of old quarry workings, it will be noticed that since 1950 many of these have been in filled for various purposes, - mainly serving the community as open spaces, for recreation and/or areas for garage development.  The site of a former sand/gravel quarry by Brandon House Farm like that of a small area attached to Cornforth quarry have recently been in filled and it is hoped, that in future years they will be used for cropping purposes.

Apart from the above changes, the land utilization of the parish has changed little since 1950.  The soil classification, map 2/5 (1950) according to the farmers is still very much the same at present.  The good quality – Category I soils are still the better drained, light textured, arable soils, whilst Medium Quality Soils (Category A) are still slightly defective by reason of adverse operation of one or more factors of site and soil.  Site factors here are either too great elevation, steepness of slope, and unfavorable aspect.  Soil is deficient by reason of its shallowness, inadequate depth for cultivation or imperfect drainage, the latter being due to mining subsidence.  Category IIb soil still tends to be rather coarse sand loams.  The poor quality soils show no different utilization than 1950, they are still mainly on steep slopes (western boundary of Parish) or liable to flooding as in the area, in the north of the parish by Metal Bridge Road ends.

The results of a simple soil survey, analyzing for PH value of the soil on Thrislington Hall Farm can be seen on map 2/6, and according to Mr.  Rickenson’s (farmer on Thrislington Hall Farm) recollection this shows little difference from earlier records.
 

Thrislington Hall Farm.

As has been noted the most significant visual change within Cornforth Parish since 1950 is undoubtedly the opening of Steetley Dolomite Quarry.  This has not been without regret in some quarters, especially to Mr.  P.  Rickenson, - tenant farmer of Thrislington Hall Farm, who because of this has seen his farm reduced in size by over 50% since the opening of the quarries in the late 1950’s.  Despite the fact that other farms within the parish have had to relinquish land for building and motorway construction, it is Thrislington Hall Farm, that has suffered most, and consequently policy changes on the farm have become essential in order that the farm should survive as a paying proposition.

Prior to the commencement of quarrying the size of the farm was 360 acres and was farmed roughly in the ratio of 2:1 arable – grass, the latter feeding cattle and sheep.  At the present time the 130 acres still maintain a mixed farming policy, with the expectation that cattle are no longer reared on the farm.  The reason being, that the land was originally grazing land has been taken by the quarry company and consequently there has been no room for cattle in the present farm economy.  Originally the whole of the 360 acres was owned by the Coalmining Company of Henry Stobart & Co Ltd, prior to nationalization of the coalmining, at which time it passed into the hands of the National Coal Board, despite the fact that Mr.  Rickenson had paid a deposit.  Since the untimely end of mining within the parish the land has been sold to Steetley Quarry Co.  and naturally as the quarry increases in size, the farmland decreases.  It is mainly land on this farm that has been set aside as an area of considerable importance, according to Durham County Development Plan (1951) in that the underlying limestone is of such a pure nature that it will be protected from any further development which would sterilize the deposits of Magnesian Limestone.  Any proposals for development will have to be carefully considered in light of these factors, and therefore it seems that farming will continue until such time that it is quarried by Steetley Quarry, - apart from 70.75 acres which are considered too near the village for quarrying purposes.

The series of maps number 2/7 a,b,c, illustrate this point of decreasing farm land, showing 360 acres 1950, 161 acres 1958, and 130 acres 1969.

The farm itself is situated in the south western part of the parish overlooking a southward flowing tributary of the River Skerne.  The farm house is about 100 yards from the C69 (Ferryhill Station – Cornforth) and is linked to this by a limestone laid track.  Before quarrying operations were commenced in 1957 this road divided the farm, but now as virtually all the land to the west has been taken for quarrying most of the farm land, apart from 14 acres now lies to the east of the road.  These 14 acres are used mainly for grazing, (but only through the generosity of Steetley Dolomite Company) although sheep can be removed at a minutes notice, and therefore grazing rights can only be considered temporary.
Furthermore, one field is of considerable historical importance in that it was the position of the old hamlet of Thrislington, and possibly excavations could commence at some near future date.

Despite this take over by industry the farm still maintains its mixed bias even though cattle have been completely lost and the number of sheep greatly reduced.  This can be best illustrated by the statistics below, and also shown diagrammatically on diagram 2/7.

 

During and up to the late 1940’s the farm had its own dairy herd of around 20 cows, supplying about 70 gallons per day, this being retailed locally.  However due to low price of milk the dairying herd was sold, and for a short time afterwards there was an increase in the beef herd, but as has been noted with a gradual decrease in grassland there are no cattle on the farm at present.

In order to supplement this loss of grassland leading to the consequent loss of cattle and reduction in sheep, pigs have been introduced and at present there are on the farm 15 sows.  Litters are bred from these and about 50% are sold at 10 weeks old whilst the remainder are kept for fattening and later sold for the pork market.

Thrislington Hall Farm – Crop Acreages.
 

As can be seen from the acreage figures above, and with reference to diagram 2/9, the acreage devoted to wheat has changed little over the years, principally because wheat proves a poor crop on the farm and is used for covering the potato pits between lifting the potato crop in October and selling it in January/February.  Naturally with the decrease in livestock and the fact that turnip feeding to sheep was dieing out the root crop acreage has been greatly reduced.

Barley has always played an important part in farm economy and as can be seen the acreage, remains fairly stable despite the fact that the percentage devoted to barley has increased.  Prior to 1950 there was a good market for barley, and it was used for animal feeding purposes.  Since that date however 10 acres have been devoted for pedigree seed each year which is sold for seed the following year, the remainder is sold to a Scottish merchant and used for distilling purposes.

As can be seen from the cropping table the potato acreage quota has been greatly reduced over the years, and now stands at 7 acres, where prior to 1950, 26 acres were devoted to potatoes.  The acreage quota could be increased at present but unfortunately the yield would not justify this.  There has been a decrease in turnip acreage, due to the fact that up to about 1950 it was common practice for cattle and sheep to be entirely fed on turnips, but this practice has been reduced since then, and this along with decrease in livestock has led to only 2 acres being grown – this being found sufficient for winter feeding of present stocks.

With the change in farming policy has come a change in markets, in that the more convenient local markets, Darlington and Bishop Auckland are used more at present.  In the past, distant markets e.g.  C.  Fermanagh and Co.  Claire (Ireland) were used for the buying of cattle, and to a certain extent Hexham Market.

One very significant change that has occurred since the opening of the nearby quarry is that the soil has become increasingly dirtier as a result of the limestone dust, and consequently continuous cereal growing (up to 3 years) has had to be discontinued, this has meant that a percentage of the land each year has been left fallow.

The change in farming policy can be compared to the general change in the geography of the parish in that it reached its peak around 1950 and since then has declined.  Prior to this date 6 men were employed on Thrislington Hall Farm, all housed in cottages near the farm.  These cottages have since been demolished, the residents finding accommodation in the village or moving away, and now only one man and a youth are employed on the farm.

Despite the fact that further farm land is to be taken over the economy of the farm, according to the farmer still tends to be stable, with very little likelihood of any major alterations in policy.  Perhaps this can be compared again with the geography of the parish, in that its economy due to mine closures is one of stability with very little likelihood of industries to take the place of coal.  Schemes for Thrislington Hall Farm have been considered in light of the enforced encroachment for quarrying e.g.  poultry unit and the introduction of rape seed (oil) and beans as an alternative to the conventional corn crops.  However they have been dismissed by the farmer for the following respective reasons:- poultry farming is too much of a specialist unit and the fact that alternative crops to corn need a much deeper soil than at present on Thrislington Hall Farm.
 

CHAPTER 3 – ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CHANGES.

At the beginning of the nineteenth century Cornforth, a primarily agricultural village, situated around a small green had a population of approximately 324, and this remained fairly stable until about 1841, at which date it had grown to 700, this further increased to over 1000 by 1851.  This was without doubt due to the opening of the colliery in 1838, and by 1950 the agricultural village was taking on a changed form, exhilarated by further successful borings and establishments of shafts by 1844 and 1867.

The development of housing was not so much associated with the ‘Green’ but more with an off shoot known as West Cornforth – about half a mile to the west, but gradually spreading.  This development can be seen most clearly in its housing pattern which can be divided into four main groups:-

(a) Pre-Industrial Village
(b) Early Industrial or pre 1914 Group
(c) Inter War Period (1919-39) Group
(d) Post 1950 Group
 

(a) Pre-Industrial Village

Remains of these houses can be seen around the Green, although many have been destroyed and some modern development has taken place.  Post 1950 developments along with original buildings can be seen both on map 3/2 and photographs.  A row of houses (Railway Terrace) attributed to Early Industrial Period was built on north-side but since 1950 has been completely demolished – refer to photographs overleaf).  The earlier houses were probably built with local stone but the modern ones, built of red brick bring a modern touch to the solitude of the village green.  Many of the 1950 inhabitants (in the 30-40 age group) especially those with families have been accommodated in the new housing estates, and it seems that the inhabitants of The Green tend to be those who have had no desire to move, or those looking for quiet surroundings.
 

(b) Early Industrial or pre 1914 Group

This was the period that saw the real birth of West Cornforth, and the bulk of the building in this period took place on what was known as “The Low Side” – between the railway and the High Street.  (Reference has already been made to Railway Terrace built on north side of the Green)
The streets of this group were typical colliery village streets running mainly north – south direction between the railway and the High Street, but some running parallel to the High Street.

As ca be seen from map 3/3 and photographs on the following page the eastern part of the area since 1950 has been demolished and most of its inhabitants have either been accommodated in the nearby post 1950 development area or on the Garmondsway Estate.

Prior to its demolition in late 1950’s and early 1960’s it probably was the most depressed area of West Cornforth, the streets were mainly back to back types, connected by long tunnels and in most cases roads were still only mud tracks.  Some demolition has taken part in the western area, but not on such a scale as The Low Side; however in some places unpaved streets still remain.
 

(c) Inter War Period (1919-39) Group

There was little expansion between 1914 and the late 1920’s but by 1926 the council’s housing scheme was well underway, and this led to this group being split into two factors, the first retaining the industrial imprint, but the more recent being semi-detached.  The earlier houses, although still in typical colliery formation showed an improvement on the houses of the earlier period, and were established on the north side of what is now the High Street.  As can be seen from maps ¾ only half of this original area remains, in that the eastern part was an area of redevelopment in the early 1950’s, and now instead of long rows of houses there are more modern and pleasant surroundings.

As the housing schemes of this era progressed the houses were arranged to break away from street formation and now became semi-detached with gardens and wide roads, these can be found mainly between Stobb Cross and the colliery in Laburnum Road, Ash Terrace and Oak Terrace area, and also in the Elm Road, Beech Parade areas.  These were the first houses in the parish to have a bathroom and a hot water system.
 

(d) Post 1950 Period

Since the turn of the century three distinct housing estates have been developed within the parish, and these can be seen from map 3/1 illustrating the evolution of Cornforth.

The first signs of improvement came in 1949 when some prefabricated houses were constructed on land to the east of the colliery, but by 1953 the area had been further developed by the demolition of some of the older houses.  Since this dissertation was commenced the ‘prefabs’ are being demolished (see photographs) to make way for bungalows.  (Reference to this area has previously been made)

By 1950 undertakings were in hand to build a new housing estate tin the triangle formed by Linden Road and Garmondsway Road.  The houses here were modern in design and entirely departed from street formation, these not only provided accommodation for the families who emigrated from the ‘Low Side’ but also from the small community of Metal Bridge – just North West of the parish.  This area was built on fairly productive farmland whilst the other two areas previously mentioned, although modern in design were built either on demolished sites or sites which once provided allotment gardens for the Low Side area.

Any further developments have mainly been individual private houses scattered at various points about the village.
Since 1950 therefore, Cornforth has taken on a much more refined appearance, terraced unpaved streets have given way to much more pleasant surroundings, though it seems very doubtful whether further large scale developments will be necessary.

As was mentioned earlier the expansion of Cornforth has never been far divorced from the fortunes of Thrislington Colliery and as this is no longer in production, it is very unlikely that further developments will take place.  The land between Thrislington Hall and Stobb Cross has been purchased by Steetley Quarries for mining purposes and therefore a once talked of scheme to build on the west side of Stobb Cross Road will certainly not be a reality.

It is in industry perhaps that the visible changes since 1950 are evident.  Prior to 1950 mining (apart from quarrying at Cornforth Quarry Co.) was by far the major industry in the parish, and in fact as has been stated earlier the condition of Thrislington Colliery influenced the growth of the community.  However, not only was there Thrislington Colliery (sunk 1867) but also Garmondsway Shaft (sunk 1930) situated a mile and a half east of the colliery and Coxhoe Drift (established 1938) a surface drift, a mile to the East North-East of the colliery.  (Position of these can be seen on Map 3/5) Furthermore associated with the parent colliery there was an adjoining battery of 55 coke ovens and a chemical plant, producing crude tar, crude benzol and the sulphate of ammonia.

However since 1950 there has been a gradual decline in mining in the parish.  Due to the extensive flooding Coxhoe Drift was closed in 1950, this followed by Garmondsway Shaft in 1953.  In November of the same year a ruinous fire destroyed the Chemical Works and the charred remains were dismantled.  The coking plant continued to work until 1954 when it was declared redundant and dismantled, its work been taken over by the newly built plant at Fishburn.

Despite these set backs in the mining industry, there was one encouraging flame, in that in 1953, Thrislington Colliery was reconstructed with the installation of new ventilating fans, winding engines, and the erection of new workshops, offices, pitched baths, and a canteen.  It seemed that this was at least prosperous (with little hint of redundancies to come) despite a drop in employment and output, and in fact Durham County Development Plan (1951) estimated that Thrislington Colliery was a “long life” colliery.

Up to 1953 the output of the colliery was approximately 1100 saleable tonnes per day and about 1050 men and boys were employed.  After the reconstruction mentioned earlier, the output was maintained at approximately 1000 saleable tonnes per day with approximately 960 men employed.  This continued until poor working conditions caused low productivity and heavy financial losses in 1959/60.  To correct this position, in 1961 the colliery was reduced to single shift working, employing 420 men and producing 475 saleable tonnes per day.  This continued until February 1967, when economic results forced the complete closure of the colliery.  When the colliery closed, the miners at Thrislington were redeployed to other collieries in South Durham as follows:-

 

In addition to the above approximately 40 men were retained at the colliery to carry out salvage operations.  (Surface buildings are still used, especially the washery, but here coal is brought from Dawdon to be washed and then returned.  This operation is due to finish in April 1970.) Other surface buildings such as workshops and offices are now used by the Golightly Group of Companies for maintenance of their transport vehicles and machinery.

Thus by 1960 the mining industry was certainly on the decline but a new quarry, opening about half a mile southwest of the colliery, promised hope to a dieing economy.

Quarrying, had not been a new venture to the parish, as the map 2/4 illustrates.  However there old quarries have been in filled since 1950 and their uses are illustrated by photographs.  Steetley’s Thrislington Quarry commenced production in 1956 and was established to supply dolomite demands which couldn’t be met entirely from the companies quarry at Coxhoe.

This quarry was to be developed in two areas, one on either side of the C69 (Ferryhill Station – West Cornforth) Road.
The smaller western area was developed first but within a year the eastern area was developed and a tunnel, beneath the road was constructed.  At present the quarrying of the dolomite is confined to the eastern part whilst the original western area is concerned with the preparation of the stone.  Originally the stone was to be transported to Coxhoe for processing, but this idea was dropped and the plant was installed at Thrislington (completed 1958).  This was perhaps influenced by the fact that output from Coxhoe had slowly been declining and demand for higher grade materials made the stone unsuitable on account of high impurities.  Eventually the new quarry began to take over the role of its parent plant in Coxhoe, until in June 1967, the company reluctantly decided that they had no alternative than to stop operations at the quarry, doloma shaft kilns and ground limestone plant at Coxhoe.  Of the 100 men facing redundancy only 12 men were taken on at Thrislington.  At present at Thrislington 124 men are employed in the quarry and production of dolomite and any further employment depends on future development.

Production figures on diagram 3/8 for this plant are certainly encouraging in that, in eleven years since operations commenced, production has risen tremendously and even since 1966 production has virtually doubled.

This is not the only limestone quarry in the parish; a much older quarry (Cornforth Limestone Quarry established about 1919) is still in production.  Associated with this quarry, and on the quarry site are a battery of four cupolas (owned by FW Dobson) known as the “Basic Works.” By 1950 this quarry was well established as a producer of dolomite for use as a fluxing agent in the Steelworks of Dorman Longs and South Durham (Hartlepool) and a manufacturer of calcine – a refractory product for steel furnace (open hearth) lining.  Since 1950 there has been little change in the character of this quarry, employment wise, there are 50 men employed (only 10 less than in 1950) and in fact there is very little hope of numbers increasing, if anything they will decrease due to further mechanization.

Production figures were unavailable but according to the management the increase in stone production balanced out the decrease in calcine production.  Road transport at present is more important than rail (roughly 70% - 30%) though up to the closing of the Ferryhill – Hartlepool railway, rail was used exclusively.

The future of quarrying in the parish seems rather mixed.  Although both quarries could expand (refer to map 2/3 with effect of land required for mineral workings other than coal) there is some doubt from both management whether they will be able to employ more people.  They certainly have not made the impact on the village that coalmining had and obviously will never take the place as a source of local employment.
One small industry has established itself in the parish – that of D Parnaby & Co Ltd – who specializes in the reclaiming of coal from waste heaps by washing processes.

This was a small private concern started in 1962 (lately taken over by the Golightly Group – industrial extractors and demolishers) and only employs 20 men.  This is really only a temporary industry in that its source demands suitable material which can be found almost at any waste coal tip, and consequently its future is rather uncertain; despite the fact that huge waste tips still dominate part of the village landscape.  At present material is brought from Tursdale (one mile away) to was, but as this waste is virtually extinct, washing at this plant will cease and it is expected that future washeries will be established elsewhere.  Since the opening of this plant in 1962 there has been some change in the distribution of the washed waste.  Up to approximately 1967 the North Tees Power Station bought the bulk of the product with the remainder approximately 20% going to Bakelite (Aycliffe) for industrial use.  At present however the bulk of the material is transported to the Randolph Coke Works at Evenwood (South West Durham) for eventual use as smokeless fuel.

So far in this chapter the emphasis has been on signs of visible change within the parish, but along with this change have been others which are not so evident.

Reference has first to be made to the population graph diagram 1/3 and employment graph of Thrislington Colliery, diagram 3/7 and the evident fact is that out of a population of 4174, in 1951, 1100 were employed at Thrislington Colliery, although this number included a number of workers from outside the parish.  This however was balanced out to a certain extent by the fact that some Cornforth men traveled to work at nearby collieries.  By 1961 the employment had dropped to 420 thus by this date signs of change, were evident.  People were looking for an alternative employment to coalmining and this necessitated traveling to their place of work.  It will be seen later, how, by 1969 this changed employment structure has virtually turned full circle, in that, instead of the majority working in the village in the coalmining industry, the majority now have to travel to places of work, with a very wide variety of jobs.

In order to evaluate this change in employment since 1950, 300 circular questionnaires were distributed throughout the village.  Of these 148 were returned and it is these that have provided the statistics for the sample survey whose results appear diagrammatically on diagram 3/9.
From these statistics 49 ex miners were contacted, these having worked at Thrislington Colliery some time between 1950 and its closure in 1967.  From the diagram 3/9 it will be noticed that there is a majority (38%) still employed in mining (mainly employed at surrounding collieries – though due to Mainsforth Colliery and Trimdon Colliery closing in 1969 since questionnaires were complete this number could be further reduced) Light Engineering has taken approximately 18%, and building 9%.  The remainder, quarrying, textiles and service industries account for 12% equally divided, whilst Public Services, Public Health and Food account for only 6%.

Perhaps what is most significant is the unemployment figure of approximately 12%.

The graph 3/9b represents the present distribution of male employment, taken on a sample survey of approximately 148 persons (including ex miners previously mentioned).  Again, despite the redundancy in the local coal industry the extractive industries are predominant, and in these, mining is to the fore although here the industry is being carried by those already concerned with mining, with no local opportunities for new employees.  As in the statistics for miners since 1950, there is a wide range of employment, with light engineering being important.
The industries of light engineering, chemical and textiles are those that have been established in the nearby Industrial estate.  Again unemployment within the male population (taken on the sample survey) is fairly high.

From both sets of statistics the wide range of employment is evident at the present time.  Whereas in 1950, the main source of employment was the mining industry, with any others being very subservient, in 1969 the condition is almost completely reversed.  There is no longer new interest in the mining industry and it is perhaps as well that new industries have been created, on nearby estates such as Spennymoor, Newton Aycliffe and more recently Bowburn (ex colliery site) all within reasonable traveling distance from Cornforth.

Further statistics shown diagrammatically on 3/9c and taken from the sample survey show the place of employment distribution of the males.  These show distinctively an employment emigration from Cornforth.  An earlier point regarding the importance of the nearby Industrial Estates seems further to be borne out by this diagram.

Further comparisons of the economic state of the village at present, as compared to 1970 can be seen on diagram 3/10 a & b showing the changing economy of Cornforth High Street.

From this chapter it is evident therefore, that great changes have taken place in Cornforth Parish, and it seems that these will no doubt become permanent e.g.  Quarrying, cessation in housing development and employment structures.  No future development is planned at all, yet despite the loss of the coalmine, West Cornforth will never loose its tag of a “mining village”.
 

CHAPTER 4 – COMMUNICATIONS.

As can be expected with regard to a village that has little to offer economically the already developed systems of communications has no need to develop further, and in some cases shows a decline.  This is certainly true in the case of Cornforth, which although served by no major roads, lies very near to the ‘old’ A1 (2 miles to the west) and the A177 (Durham – Stockton), which forms part of the eastern boundary of the parish.  The most important changes since 1950 within the communication system have been the construction, in the eastern half of the parish of the Durham Motorway (Bradbury – Bowburn Section) and the closing of the Ferryhill Station – Hartlepool branch line to passenger traffic.

Despite the fact that the Motorway is the major road serving North East England, it has had no major consequences on the communication system of the parish, the reason being that there are no junctions for Cornforth.  As can be seen from the map 4/2 showing the average number of vehicles per hour passing along the roads of Cornforth it will be noted that the great majority use the motorway, but those have no specific need to come into Cornforth.  Prior to the construction of the motorway, the traffic using it at present, used mainly the old A1 to the west, where in 1956 it was estimated by Automobile Association that 5000 – 6000 vehicles per day passed through Thinford.  The comparison of the number of vehicles using the motorway and other roads in the parish at present, can be illustrated by the following table, showing dates times of traffic census, and also diagram 4/2 showing traffic graphs for the roads.

Saturday March 7th   (11.00am -12.30pm)
Tuesday March 31st  (2.30pm – 4.00pm)
Friday April 10th         (4.30pm – 5.30pm)

In order to calculate the average, the total number of vehicles were divided by four (four hour census) and then multiplied by 16 to represent a 6am -10pm average, though it was known that at certain times the average would be exceeded, whilst other times would be below the average.  The average number of vehicles using the other roads of the village can be compared to those using the motorway by referring to the map 4/3 at corresponding times.

Apart from the construction of the motorway the roads within the parish have changed little since 1950.  Where changes have occurred they have been the result of either motorway construction or industrial alteration.  In the former, reference is being made to the Bishop Middleham – West Cornforth Road which as the map 4/4 shows followed a more direct route, than at present, the present course can also be seen from the map.
The road affected by industrial alteration is the West Cornforth – Mainsforth (C69) road.  Changes in the course of this road can be seen in the sketches on the following page and map 4/5, also photographs.  Originally it can be seen that the road formed part of a severe crossroad and ran alongside colliery workshops on the one side, with a disused quarry, (in filled at present) colliery, offices and canteen on the other side.  (These buildings shown on the map are represented diagrammatically and not drawn to scale.) With the reconstruction of the colliery in 1953 the corner and a length of approximately 400 yards were re-constructed, (so that all colliery buildings at present are on the one side of the road) and are now approximately 50 yards north of the original crossroads.  Further alterations to this road were necessary in 1956 due to the opening of the Steetley Quarry at Thrislington, but in this case widening and strengthening were necessary to allow for the increase in lorry traffic associated with the quarry.  This increase is very evident from the following table which shows census returns as follows for vehicles passing Thrislington Hall Farm.

 

** Figures taken from letter from Durham County Surveyor to Steetley Quarry Company.
 

From the table it is evident that present figures far outnumber those of 1952.  Despite only a four hour census the number of cars remains almost similar, but if taken on an average for a 16 hour day they would outnumber 1952 figures.  Lorries have increased enormously and as it was noticed that they carried limestone the influence of the quarry was very much in evidence.  Since 1955 omnibus services along this road have been halved (further reference will be made to this point later in the chapter) therefore accounting for the reduction in omnibus numbers using the road.  The reduction in the use of motor cycles, cycles and horse drawn vehicles is evident, suggesting more mechanized forms of transport in 1970.

Further comparisons can be made in the number of vehicles passing under Cornforth Railway Bridge.  Again census returns for 1952 were supplied by Durham County Surveyor.

 

Calculations (i.e. 1970 total numbers divided by four, multiplied by 16 to suggest 6am – 10pm census) show again a great increase in vehicular traffic of cars and lorries, and a decrease in cycles and horse drawn vehicles.  Omnibus numbers have remained stable due to little variation in omnibus services between 1950 and 1970.

From the map 4/1 Cornforth’s position with regard to communications can be seen.  Although six miles from Durham and seven miles from Bishop Auckland, Cornforth is by no means as near to the larger towns of the area.  Hartlepool, twelve miles to the east, and Darlington twelve miles to the south are the nearest large towns.  However, there are easy connections to Darlington, Sunderland and Newcastle.  The following tables give the hourly weekday omnibus services passing through Cornforth High Street in 1950, and 1970 (see separate sheet).  The routes followed by these services can be seen by referring to map 4/6.

It will be noted that there has been little change in the omnibus services during the last twenty years (1950-70).  The only changes have been :-

(a) the rerouting in 1955 of the Trimdon Motor Services to travel via Bishop Middleham and Mainsforth to Ferryhill Station, instead of directly on the C69 to the latter.

(b) The part rerouting of the Scarlet Band Motor Services to serve the new Garmondsway Estate.  In 1950 this service turned immediately right at the colliery crossroads to Ferryhill Station, but in 1955, the service was extended as far as Stobb Cross Farm, then traveling via Linden Road, and Laburnum Road to continue to its destination.  (Both the above references can be seen on map 4/6)

(c) Retiming of the Durham District Service (incorporated with United Automobile Services) to Darlington and Sunderland.

The regulatory of bus services passing through Cornforth, can be noted from maps 4/7a & b, and overall show a very even picture of one bus per hour to various destinations, and in fact this has been so since 1950.

With regard to the railway system, it has already been noted in Chapter I that at present Cornforth is served by two mineral single track railways, as shown on communications map 4/1.  This has not always been so, for the most southerly of the two branches was in 1950, a double track passenger branch line running between Ferryhill Station and Hartlepool.  The present state of Cornforth Station can be seen from the photograph on the following page.) However this passenger line, with three trains per week day (seven on Saturday) in each direction proved to be uneconomic, and passenger traffic was discontinued on 9th June 1952.  The only time when the line was adequately used was between 6th June and 29th August, and then mainly at weekends, due to day trippers to the nearest coastal resort of Seaton Carew – This necessitated an extra Sunday, early afternoon train, but only between the dates specified.  The discontinuance of passenger traffic had little or no effect on the communication system within the parish.  Bus services, serving the same terminal (i.e.  Ferryhill Station and Hartlepool) were considered to be adequate and therefore there was no necessity for any increase in these services, to compensate for the withdrawal of railway passenger traffic.

As well as passenger traffic this line also served as a good line with the majority of traffic being westwards from the limestone quarries at Coxhoe.  However, further economics led to this line in 1962 becoming a single track line used exclusively for the transport of limestone from Raisby Hill quarries.  It was also used by Cornforth Quarry but since 1955 the management of the quarry have preferred road transport, with the result that at present very little rail transport is used by the quarry.  With further reference to quarrying it was intended that with the establishment of Thrislington Steetley Quarry that this line would be used for the transport of limestone to the Pallises Works at West Hartlepool, however, here again, road transport has had to be used as part of the track (Wingate Bank Foot – Trimdon Grange) was lifted in 1962, so breaking a through route to Hartlepool.

The northerly track in 1950 carried limestone and served Steetley Quarry (Coxhoe) only.  With its limited use, it was known locally as “The Lazy Line”, and even today, this would be much more applicable as traffic on the line, due to the run down of Steetley Quarry (Coxhoe) is almost non existent.

Summarizing, therefore the change in communications since 1950, it is noticeable that apart from the construction of the Motorway, and the reduction of the railways there has been little significant change.  Bus services, since 1950 show no major alteration, but due to the increased number of road vehicles since 1950 the roads are more widely used.  It is significant that during traffic census times it was noted that virtually all lorries out of Cornforth carried limestone, whereas in 1950, the lesser number of lorries were concerned with the carrying of coal.  This probably signifying the change in the economy of the village during the twenty years from 1950 to the present time.
 

CHAPTER 5 – CONCLUSION.

These former chapters, it is hoped have shown the changing geography of Cornforth Parish since 1950.  Perhaps in conclusion it may be interesting to note the expectation of the Durham County Development Plan (1951) in its reference to Cornforth and to examine whether expectations of 1951 have been realized, and also to examine what the future holds for Cornforth.

In the 1951 Durham County Development Plan, Cornforth was placed in Category B by nature of the fact that the village was largely developed upon local employment in mining and this was expected to continue.  Furthermore it was believed that the population in 1951 would remain approximately at that level for many years to come, and consequently sufficient capital would possibly be invested to cater for that approximate population.

It was perhaps on this basis that the early years of the 1950’s suggested some enlightenment, especially with the building of new housing estates and the reconstruction of Thrislington Colliery.  It certainly seemed that Cornforth’s inclusion in Category B was justified.
However in 1964 Durham County published an Amended Plan and it was evident by this date the enlightenment of the early 1950’s had given place to certain despondency.  It was apparent that there would be a fairly quick decline due to imminent mining closure (1967) and therefore no extensive housing development would be needed.  This then is the present position of Cornforth, coalmining has ceased, and consequently with no attraction there has been no further housing development.

Was perhaps the present position foreseen in 1950 by the National Coal Board, who, according to the Durham County Development Plan of 1951, required no further land in Cornforth for tipping or surface development? (The 1953 reconstruction to Thrislington Colliery scheme took place on land already used by the National Coal Board).  If so, then the reconstruction was a waste of money, or was it an attempt to keep up the spirits of those in the village employed in mining, or perhaps it was a justification for classification into one of ‘long life’.  Just how long is “long life”?  The answer was very uncertain as no actual ages were suggested, but surely it would not be only sixteen years?

With decline imminent and a new employment structure necessary it was suggested that available land at Spennymoor and Aycliffe should be developed to deal with this problem.

This has in fact come to reality, and an early chapter bears out this, that redundant miners and other workers are making use of these developments, among which are the establishment of Courtaulds, and Black & Decker at Spennymoor.  However, it must be remembered that Cornforth is not the only village in the vicinity to have lost its coalmine, Mainsforth, Chilton Dean & Chapter (Ferryhill) and Bowburn have been so affected and thus competition for employment is very high.  It may be interesting to note that at the latter two collieries mentioned small industrial estates have been established and one wonders, whether in fact perhaps Thrislington Colliery could be thus utilised? Messrs.  Parnaby & Co (industrial coal washers) and Messrs.  Golightly & Co have already shown limited use of the colliery area, and it remains to be seen whether in fact further use is made, despite the fact that Durham County Development Plan Amended 1964 provided that in Cornforth Parish there would be no land available for industry.

Further proposals no doubt for the future of Cornforth will be submitted when a Town Map for Ferryhill is submitted.  This idea of a Town Map originated in the County Development Plan and it was hoped no doubt, to solve the problems of villages which were declining.  Some have been submitted, but at present there are still many that haven’t, amongst those, Ferryhill, whose area includes Cornforth Parish.

On the grounds, outlined in this conclusion, can Cornforth therefore still be included as a Category B village in 1970?  Certainly not, if one takes into consideration the original inclusion that it was categorized B by nature of its inhabitants being largely dependent upon employment in mining, but on the other hand population is remaining at approximately the same level, and to relegate it whole heartedly to Category C would be somewhat of an injustice, in that present trends do not warrant a great outward movement of population for the 148 people interviewed, only 4 families were known to have moved away from Cornforth between 1960 and 1970.