County Durham

This page on the Stephens family website contains some information and photographs of scenes around County Durham, England.  I made two trips to Durham, one in winter of 1993 and the other in the spring of 2000.  Durham is the ancestral home of my maternal grandfather, Robert Hepburn.  Grandpa Hepburn was born in Leasingthorne, England, a small coal mining village in the district of Bishop Auckland. 

Leasingthorne Village Sign

In my efforts to find the birthplace of my grandfather, I noticed in his obituary it indicated he was born in Leasingthorne.  I searched every map, Gazetteer and index looking for Leasingthorne, but no village existed.  His birth record indicated he was born at 15 Leasingthorne.  I became convinced that Leasingthorne probably was a street in Bishop Auckland.  During my 2000 visit, stopped in the Miner's Union Hall and spoke with Dave, the Miners Union President.  He introduced me to Dave Temple who spent the day showing me the environs of Tommy Hepburn, my great great grand uncle.

Birthplace of Robert Hepburn

As Dave drove about the county we visited many collieries and one in particular was Leasingthorne.  I could not believe my eyes.  There it was Number 15 Leasingthorne, my grandfathers birth record was correct.  I was finally able to locate the home where Robert Hepburn was born.  The building in the above photo has since been refurbished but Robert was born in the unit on the far right of the building.

Dave Temple is an avid union supporter and keenly interested in the history of the Miner's Union.  Dave is particularly fond of Tommy Hepburn, founder of the Miner's Union and is compiling a history of Tommy Hepburn.  During my visit in 1993, I tried to find the gravesite of Tommy Hepburn, but was unable to locate it.  This time Dave knew exactly where it was.  He drove me there straightaway and I was able to get some photos of this important individual's final resting place at Heworth Cemetery.

Tommy Hepburn's Headstone and the Church at Heworth

Every year, the Miners Union has a celebration honoring Tommy Hepburn. The services include a parade, a procession to Tommy Hepburn's grave, as well as speaches and hymns praising his work as a union organizer.

One of the colliery's that Tommy Hepburn first organized was the Hetton Lyons Colliery. 

The Hetton Lyons Colliery opened in 1822. 

Durham city is rich in history and culture.  Many buildings date back to the 10th century and some to the Norman Conquests.  It is known as the "Land of the Prince Bishops."  

Durham City Square           Prince Bishops Church

Durham City Square

The town is very hilly and a challenge to walk.  Most of the streets are very steeps and paved in cobblestone bricks. 

The Miner's Union Hall is located on the North side of Durham city.  Since the pits were closed, the union is mostly involved in processing claims that miner's have for worker's compensation.

Durham Coal Miner Hall 

During my visit, I also met a 5th cousin, Gill Jones.  Gill had discovered the Stephens family web site and realized we were related Hepburn family members.  We exchanged email many times, sharing data and finally when I got Durham we met up.  

(front) Matthew, Andrew and Philip (back) Gill & Bryan

Gill has a lovely family and Matthew, Andrew & Philip enjoyed wearing their newly acquired San Francisco Giants sweatshirts.

The photograph of Gill and her family was taken on the main staircase at Hallgrath Manor in Pittington, England. This is a very old hotel with creeky floors and stairs. It is located next to the Pittington Church where my great grandfather, Joseph William Hepburn, Sr. was married. The church was originally constructed in the 10th century with many of the original church walls still standing.