Stanhope, Durham Genealogy

= Parish History =

Stanhope is an ancient parish and the largest in County Durham. St Thomas the Apostle is a Norman church in origin with later alterations and additions include a chantry added in 1225. The following are the parishes referred to, as having formerly been comprised in the original parish of Stanhope - Eastgate, Frosterley, Heathery Cleugh, Rookhope, St. John's Weardale, and Westgate. Frosterley parish also comprises a portion of Wolsingham. These parishes grew from chapelries within the parish of Stanhope. Other places within the parish include Bishopley, Forest Quarter, Hollinhope Common, Newlandside, Park Quarter and Stanhope Quarter.

= Parish Records =

Durham University Library Archives and Special Collections DDR/EA/PBT/2/239 August 1762-1833 Parish Register transcripts are available to search free online at Record Search. These include some transcripts for June 1771-1812 for St John's Chapel -in-Weardale. There is also a seperate series of transcripts for St John's Chapel- in- Weardale.

The dates of the post-1760 transcripts have been noted in detail and sometimes only cover years. For most parishes in the collection there are gaps in the sequence of transcripts. It is advisable to consult the original parish registers for these years and events.

The Parish Registers for the period 1609-1974 are deposited at Durham County Record Office, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UL (EP/St).