Welcome to Howden-le-Wear Local History Society

Howden-le-Wear

The place name was most probably derived from Anglo-Saxon terms, as recorded in a 1267 'Book of Definitives' held in safekeeping by the Bishop of Durham at the Bishop's Palace, Bishop Auckland.
'HAUGH - LEAH - WIOR'
and can be translated as:
Haugh - piece of land beside a river or stream
Leah - open place in wood or forest
Wior - water
so, Howden-le-Wear was an open piece of land in the beech woods ( possibly 'birch' woods ) beside the waters of the Beech Burn and Howden Beck.
The surrounding area became generally known as 'Beechburn',(Bitchborne in early times). The name attached to clusters of settlement, former collieries, industries and latterly industrial and housing estates.
People have lived here for many years, probably in the Eels Nook and Hargill areas, adjacent to the streams of water
A popular definition for the name is often quoted as 'Howe's Den' after a gang of rogues who supposedly had their 'den' here - maybe rather too obvious to be true.

PRODDY MAT BANNER MADE BY SOCIETY LADIES IN 2001 The Local History Group has researched various aspects of village history and oral, photographic and written records are compiled by an enthusiastic group,who,already have an archive of over 400 Historical Photographs depicting the development of the village. Impressive exhibitions of the group's work have been displayed on many occasions and a book 'Beechburn for Howden-le-Wear' is available from the Society. Regular meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, in The History Room at Howden Community Centre, Hargill Road when members and guests enjoy a comprehensive and varied programme of activities, invited speakers and visits. New members and guests are always welcomed at our enthusiastic and sociable gatherings - you don't have to be a historian to join with us.

Members

History Society members enjoying a Summer Evening Visit to Whitworth Estate, Spennymoor.

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