Historic County Durham-Yorkshire boundary marked with signs

The new markers have been installed along the River Tees, which has formed the border between County Durham and Yorkshire’s North Riding for more than a thousand years, but been unrecognised for five decades.

Representatives of Durham County Council, the Historic Counties Trust, and the Yorkshire Ridings Society attended a ceremonial unveiling at County Bridge in Barnard Castle on Monday, June 15.

Nigel Wilkin of the Yorkshire Ridings Society said: “The River Tees has marked the border between County Durham and the North Riding of Yorkshire for over a thousand years.

“Despite the indelible place of our two great counties in our history and our hearts, this border has not been properly marked for over 50 years.

“We are overjoyed to see this omission rectified.”

Councillor Robbie Rodiss, chairman of Durham County Council, formally unveiled the signs during the ceremony.

Durham County Council has erected six pairs of signs at bridges crossing the River Tees, including Winston Bridge, Worlton Suspension Bridge, Egglestone Abbey Bridge, County Bridge, Eggleston Bridge, and Middleton Bridge.

Additional signs marking the boundary with historic Westmorland have also been installed at Ley Seat Edge.

Peter Boyce of the Historic Counties Trust said: “We are very grateful to Durham County Council for marking the ancient border between them and to Councillor Rodiss for unveiling the new signs at County Bridge.”

All signs were funded by the Historic Counties Trust, with support from funds raised by Councillor Ross Patterson during his term as Stockton Council’s ceremonial mayor.