Wolsingham from Redgate
BankWolsingham: An
Introduction
Situated
at the lower end of the Weardale, four miles to the west of the A68, Wolsingham
is a settlement of about 2500 people and 1100 households. Most of the population
lives in the town but there are many outlying farms. The civil parish also
includes the villages of Thornley, and Harperley and extends to the edge of Tow
Law.
Wolsingham from Redgate
Bank
Wolsingham is one of the original Weardale settlements –there is a detailed survey of it in the Boldon Book, a 12th century listing of Episcopal properties in the county. The church dates from Norman times and was rebuilt in the mid 19th century, by which time it had grown due to the development of the ironworks and the extension of the railway. During the 20th century, Wolsingham underwent contraction as the numbers employed in the Steelworks declined, local businesses closed and the number of retails outlets shrank.
Post-war housing developments, both public and private, mean that most available infill land has been utilised. Though the population has risen, the pattern of employment has changed; the population profile reflects an aging community, with many working people commuting outside for work – the main exception to this pattern being the secondary school which is the biggest service sector employer in Weardale. Manufacturing is taking second place to service sector activities, while agriculture continues as a significant area of employment. The small family business is the norm. The revival of the railway is providing focus for the development of the tourism sector.
Wolsingham is a settlement that was not built to meet the needs of the motor car age; the central cluster of streets reflects an older pattern. Social life in Wolsingham appears to thrive, if the number of different clubs and societies is a reliable indicator. Wolsingham has one of the oldest Agricultural Shows in the country – it is certainly the largest in the area.
At the beginning of the 21st century, Wolsingham needs to take stock and work out its future line of development. The main thrust of this lies with the Parish Plan process, as the community has been invited to contribute to deciding the guidelines for future planning.
