A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T U W
Gainford (County Durham)
Gainford is a small town between Barnard Castle and Darlington on the River Tees. It was once the centre of a huge parish running for nearly 18 miles along the northern bank of the Tees between Piercebridge in the south-east and High Shipley in the north-west….
Glanton (Northumberland)
The small parish of Glanton lies in north Northumberland overlooking the valleys of the rivers Aln and Breamish. At its centre is a tall conical hill, called Glanton Hill, with the village nestled under the eastern slopes. It is not certain what the name Glanton means but ‘Look-out Hill’ and ‘Hawk’s clearing or hill’ have been suggested. Archaeological remains in the parish date from the prehistoric period through to more recent times…
Great Lumley (County Durham)
The village of Great Lumley stands close to the A1 just to the south-east of Chester-le-Street. The village is dominated by Lumley Castle, which stands on a hill to the north. This magnificent building was probably built in the 14th century by the local ruling family, the Lumleys, after whom the village was named. Sir Ralph Lumley who built the castle was heavily involved in the many battles between England and Scotland at this period. He was celebrated for his involvement in defending Berwick-on-Tweed, and fought in the Battle of Otterburn in 1388. Despite these successes he meddled once too often politics, and he and his son were executed for treason in 1400…
Great Stainton (County Durham)
The village of Great Stainton lies in south-east Durham between Newton Aycliffe and Stockton-on-Tees. Although there are prehistoric remains in the surrounding area, there is little surviving evidence from Great Stainton itself. In fact the earliest direct evidence for the area is of Roman date. At least two Roman coins have been found. A coin of the emperor Vespasian (AD9-79AD), which must come from the earliest days of Roman rule, was found in the churchyard….
Greencroft (County Durham)
The small parish of Greencroft lies just to the north of the village of Lanchester, of which it was once part. There are few early remains here, and it is only in the medieval period that Greencroft first comes to notice, although the important Roman road Dere Street runs just to the west of the area…
Greenhead (Northumberland)
Greenhead lies in south-west Northumberland, close to the border with Cumbria, and is partly in the National Park. The parish stretches from the edges of Thirlwall Common in the north, across the valley of the Tipalt Burn, and south to Blenkinsopp Common. The name Greenhead means the high ground at the watershed between the River Irthing and Tipalt Burn. Archaeological remains date from the prehistoric period to more recent times, but Hadrian’s Wall is by far the most famous archaeological site in the parish…