"Durham Map 1840" Showing Wolsingham, Spennymoor (Nr Tudhoe)and Quarrinton

During the Middle Ages the Spennymoor area was the property of the Earls of Northumberland and later possessed by the Nevilles who, in 1569, forfeited their land to the Crown because of the failure of the Rising of the North. By 1862 the Borough had become the property of the Church and was controlled by Bishop Van Mildert of Durham. The moor was the common centre which linked Kirk Merrington, Whitworth, Old Park, Binchester, Byers Green and Tudhoe, and provided free grazing for all cattle in the Borough.

Spennymoor suffered under Norman Rule when the Conqueror laid waste the whole of the North of England. Wild animals roamed about the moor and outlaws terrorised the inhabitants. In the 13th century, Merrington Priory acquired all the grazing rights from the surrounding villages. The Charter of 1279 mentions Tudhoe and Spennymoor. At this time, the Scots were constantly attacking and robbing the inhabitants.

In 1346, Merrington Church and Village, and Croxdale (Butcher’s Race), were closely associated with the Battle of Neville’s Cross.

1616 marked the commencement of coal mining and this was the beginning of a new outlook and later prosperity in Spennymoor. During the 1800’s, Spennymoor continued to prosper. New collieries opened at Whitworth and an Iron Foundry at Tudhoe. Housing was speedily improved but 1879 saw the end of industrial progress and a terrible colliery disaster at Tudhoe added to the problems.

During 1892 the Ironworks at Spennymoor grew to become the largest in Europe and prosperity returned to the town.

The National Coal Strike in 1926 dealt a devastating blow to Spennymoor and the Borough. Many collieries were closed down and the Borough became known as a depressed area. The years prior to World War Two did much to re-establish Spennymoor when the Government built a Royal Ordnance Factory and a group of modern factories.

Later the Government decided the town should become an important centre for new industrial and manufacturing complexes. Industrial Estates at Merrington Lane and Green Lane were established and have been highly successful.