The historic lost and abandoned villages of County Durham

In exploring lost and abandoned villages dating back to the 13th century, The Northern Echo has uncovered several places that no longer appear on modern maps but are recorded in historical documents and guides.

Lost and abandoned villages of Darlington and County Durham

Old Richmond

Located near Gainford in the civil parish of Barforth, Old Richmond is one such vanished settlement.

Barforth, situated in the Teesdale district of County Durham, had a population of just 77 at the time of the 2001 Census, remaining under 100 by 2011.

Due to its small size, details are now preserved within the nearby parish of Ovington.

Positioned along the northern banks of the River Tees, Barforth is home to the remains of Old Richmond.

Though the village itself has disappeared, several historic structures survive, including a dovecote, the ruins of St Lawrence’s Chapel and the still-inhabited Barforth Hall.

Ulnaby

Ulnaby is another deserted village with deep historical roots.

Recognised as an ancient monument, it lies within the grounds of Ulnaby Hall Farm near High Coniscliffe.

This former “toft” village was occupied from the late 13th century until the 16th century. Temporary buildings were later added during the 19th century.

Ulnaby Hall Farm, which dates from the late 16th century, is believed to have replaced an important medieval manorial enclosure connected to the original settlement.

The village once covered around 6.6 hectares, with visible ridge and furrow farming remains to the north and west.

An 1841 document refers to three named fields in the area: Back Field, Eastern Field and the Garths, along with New Acridge Carr to the south.

Whessoe

The medieval village of Whessoe once stood on the northern edge of what is now Faverdale, between High Faverdale and Whessoe Grange farms.

For centuries, earthworks and fragments of medieval buildings marked the site.

However, these remains were levelled in the 1950s.

Up until the mid-20th century, the surrounding area was largely rural, made up of properties including Faverdale House, Middle and High Faverdale farms, Cockerton Grange and Rise Carr.

Originally part of the Cockerton civil parish, the area was incorporated into Darlington in 1915.

Do you remember any of these villages? Let us know in the comments.