And it’s one that’s being honoured and preserved for future generations by the work of the Southwick Village Green Preservation Society. One of their many projects has been to create a blue plaque heritage trail which weaves its way around the community. Here’s where to find them all.
9. Ancient village green, Heron Foods
The name Southwick, the southern farmstead, indicates an Anglo-Saxon origin. The village was laid out from east to west on each side of a rectangular green. In the 17th century, humble farm cottages stood near to the Manor House of the Grey family who were the major land owners. And with the arrival of industry prosperous industrialists erected mansions in the late 18th century that dominated the north side of the village. Photo: national world
10. 1072 AD - south facing wall of The Green Bean Cafe
Shortly after the Norman Conquest, there were turbulent times for the North of England and Wearside did not escape the troubles. Saxon rebellions were put down by ruthless Norman armies and there was a Scottish invasion. The Normans eventually took control of Durham and their meticulous documents tell us of a little about Southwick in the years 1072 and 1083. Photo: national world
11. MICC Chapel of Light, St Columba's Church
St Columba's Church was opened in 1890 at Cornhill. The grand Grade II-listed building was reopened as MICC Chapel of Light in 2012, turning it into a social enterprise which runs a host of activities for the community. Photo: national world
12. St Hilda's, Beaumont Street
St Hilda's is another of Southwick's historic buildings. St Hilda's School Chapel was blessed by the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle in 1905 when St Hilda's became a separate parish from St Benet's. Photo: national world