The Brancepeth Archive and History Group was created in 2006 with the aim of gathering, recording and sharing the history of the ancient Parish of Brancepeth. Over the past 15 years, the collection has grown and grown with many items now recorded digitally and a catalogue of some 27,000 items but dependent upon members to house the records. The Group had always dreamed of finding a home for the Archive that would be more accessible to anyone interested in local history. Then, in late 2019, the Trustees of Brancepeth Castle offered the use of a splendid room in the Castle – the Billiard Room in Lord Boyne’s day – an offer the Group could not refuse!
A significant part of the work undertaken to get the room ready to receive the Awas the refurbishment of a number of bookcases that had originally been in Lord Boyne’s library. A government Covid Recovery Grant enabled a commission from Mike Davies for the new stained glass in the two windows to be incorporated. The preparatory work was knocked well off course by Covid. However we are now ready to open our doors. To a very large part this is due to the generosity of many charities, trusts and individuals – including the Mid Durham Area Action Partnership, the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust, the Lady Neville Charity (a wonderful charity for small groups promoting local heritage). We welcome visits and enquiries.
The Archive Room contains a large collection of documents, maps, pictures, photographs, books and artefacts all relating to the history of the ancient parish of Brancepeth. Together they tell the story of the people who have lived and worked in the parish, the buildings they occupied and the organisations they belonged to. The Brancepeth Archive Trustees welcome queries from anyone wanting to know more about either their own family history or taking a more general interest in the history of Brancepeth. Equally welcome would be contact with anyone who may wish to add to the Archive.
The Archive Room is open to visitors on the first Saturday of every month (between10 am and 1 pm). Arrangements can be made to visit the room at other times. Anyone wishing to make an appointment or wanting further information should make contact via email at brancepeth.archive@outlook.com
A significant part of the work undertaken to get the room ready to receive the Awas the refurbishment of a number of bookcases that had originally been in Lord Boyne’s library. A government Covid Recovery Grant enabled a commission from Mike Davies for the new stained glass in the two windows to be incorporated. The preparatory work was knocked well off course by Covid. However we are now ready to open our doors. To a very large part this is due to the generosity of many charities, trusts and individuals – including the Mid Durham Area Action Partnership, the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust, the Lady Neville Charity (a wonderful charity for small groups promoting local heritage). We welcome visits and enquiries.
The Archive Room contains a large collection of documents, maps, pictures, photographs, books and artefacts all relating to the history of the ancient parish of Brancepeth. Together they tell the story of the people who have lived and worked in the parish, the buildings they occupied and the organisations they belonged to. The Brancepeth Archive Trustees welcome queries from anyone wanting to know more about either their own family history or taking a more general interest in the history of Brancepeth. Equally welcome would be contact with anyone who may wish to add to the Archive.
The Archive Room is open to visitors on the first Saturday of every month (between10 am and 1 pm). Arrangements can be made to visit the room at other times. Anyone wishing to make an appointment or wanting further information should make contact via email at brancepeth.archive@outlook.com
