"Hetton Le Hole and Durham Area"

"Map of Monkwearmouth and Sunderland Area"

"This populous parish includes the townships of Houghton-le-Spring, and Warden-Law.  The ancient parish consisted of the townships of Hetton-le-Hole, Penshaw, East Rainton, West Rainton, Newbottle, East and Middle Herrington, West Herrington, Offerton, South Biddick, Burn Moors, Morton Grange, Cocken, Moor House, Moorsley, Eppleton, Little Eppleton, and Warden Law, and was bounded by Bishopwearmouth on the north-east, by the river Wear on the north, by Chester-le-Street on the west, by St. Giles parish on the south-west, Pittington and Easington on the south, and Dalton-le-Dale and Seaham on the east.   "Wardenlaw is a small township, two miles east of Houghton-le-Spring. Its area is 498 acres, and its ratable value is £3219, 10s."

"The town of Houghton-le-Spring is situated at the head of a beautiful vale, opening to the west, and sheltered from northern and eastern winds by the hills of Houghton and Wardenlaw.  Within the last half century, it has undergone great improvement, and is now a thriving and prosperous little town, containing many large and handsome houses.  The weekly market, established in 1825, is held every Saturday.  Petty sessions are held here every alternate Thursday.  The trade of this place depends mainly upon the numerous coal mines in the vicinity, the produce of which is sent by railway to different parts of the country.  Houghton Feast is held annually on Monday after Michaelmas day.  The festival is continued with great spirit for three or four days, during which period there are horse-races and various other amusements.   [From History, Topography and Directory of Durham, Whellan, London, 1894]

"Monkwearmouth Shore Township is chiefly held by Sir Hedworth Williamson, who is lord of the manor; it contains 287 acres, having a ratable value of £57,153.  This township lies on the bank of the Wear, and for this reason has increased in importance as the coal and shipping trades developed."  [From History, Topography and Directory of Durham, Whellan, London, 1894]

Comments:  This is a very small branch which highlights an interesting link with two women of the Hindmarch family - who may be related possibly as Aunt or niece or, unlikely, as mother and daughter - and the Stephenson family, father and son.   For Ellen Hindmarch to have been the Aunt of Sarah she (Ellen) would need to have married a Hindmarch and then re-married as a widow.  It seems more likely therefore that Sarah Hindmarch is a distant relative.   The researcher advises that she married a John Stephenson but no record can be found of this union and more details are required before progress can be made.  Finally, it is interesting to note that Ellen (possibly a contraction of Eleanor or Helen) is a name found in other branches from the Houghton Le Spring area (see below).

You may view the family tree for this Branch here. 

You may view the family tree for Branch 30G here. 

You may view the family tree for Branch 30J here. 

You may view the family tree for Branch 33 here.