Evenwood: Settlement History and Industrial History

Evenwood is a medieval settlement with a history that ranges from its village green to traces of iron, coal, and coke production. If you are considering the village as a destination for a stay, local footpaths add a landscape dimension to this historical focus.

Village Green and Bridge

Evenwood’s medieval buildings were grouped around a village green. Evenwood Village Green is registered with Durham County Council under reference VG33. Evenwood Bridge also marks a point in history: it dates from the late 18th or early 19th century and is built of sandstone rubble with dressed stonework. The masonry consists of irregularly quarried sandstone; the dressed stone sections are more precisely finished.

There is evidence of historic ridge-and-furrow cultivation in the fields west of the village green. These traces add an agricultural dimension to the history of the village centre and draw attention from the green to the former use of the land to the west.

Iron, Coal, and Historic Transport Routes

In the 14th century, Evenwood was connected with the iron trade; an iron smelting furnace was operated there at that time. A smelting furnace extracted iron from ore. A later industrial phase is evident at Randolph Colliery, where construction of coke ovens began in 1895.

Randolph Colliery and Coke Works was served by the S & DR Haggerleases Branch Railway, later known as the NER Butterknowle Branch. Randolph Incline is another historic route: it was 1,260 yards long, and its northern section crossed the River Gaunless.

Local History and Community

Randolph Community Centre was formerly the National School, which opened in 1865. Evenwood, Ramshaw and District History Society is based at the Centre in Evenwood; confirm this location before visiting. The society organises exhibitions and presentations to share its findings. The society’s and Randolph Community Centre’s programmes may change.

The society’s aims include collecting documents, stories, photographs, pictures, and objects. Randolph Community Centre also aims to offer a wide variety of activities for everyone. St Paul’s Church hosts social events such as quiz nights and fairs. If you are planning to attend a particular event, check the latest dates, as events and schedules may change.

Footpaths and the Surrounding Landscape

Public Footpath No. 39 in Evenwood and Barony is part of an extensive local footpath network used mainly for recreation. The 2019 order was confirmed; check the final route details before setting out for a walk.

Nearby in Craggwood is the reclaimed former site of Evenwood Colliery. A spoil heap area, a collapsed drift mine, and a shaft are visible at the site. The visibility of these remains may vary by season.

Discover more destinations: Sacriston, Romaldkirk, High Etherley, Shincliffe, Durham, Consett, Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland

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