Shotley Bridge: Difference between revisions
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'''Shotley Bridge''' is a village in the [[Derwent]] Valley, adjoining the town of [[Consett]] in [[County Durham]], [[England]]. Shotley Bridge was once the heart of Britain's swordmaking industry. |
'''Shotley Bridge''' is a village in the [[Derwent]] Valley, adjoining the town of [[Consett]] in [[County Durham]], [[England]]. Shotley Bridge was once the heart of Britain's swordmaking industry. |
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The origins of swordmaking here dated from 1691. A group of Lutheran swordmakers from [[Solingen]] in [[Germany]] settled in Shotley Bridge, allegedly in order to escape religious persecution, though in practice their departure was prompted by their breaking of guild oaths{{Fact|date=August 2008}}. Shotley Bridge was probably chosen because of the rich iron deposits in the area and because of the fast flowing waters of the River Derwent, which were ideal for tempering swords. Another factor may have been the remoteness of the area, as the swordmakers were keen to preserve their trade secrets, those that they had illegally taken with them from Germany. The swordmakers were able to employ the services of the famous local engraver [[Thomas Bewick]]. Swords are no longer made in the Shotley Bridge district. Before the last remaining cottages occupied by the swordmakers were torn down, there was an inscription over the door of one reading "Das Herren segen machet reich ohn alle Sorg wenn Du zugleich in deinem Stand treu und fleissig bist und tuest alle vas die befolen ist". Today, the village is best known for the local [[hospital]], which was a major centre for medical care in [[North East England]] until the opening of the [[University Hospital of North Durham]] in 2001, when its size and services were scaled back. |
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Here in Shotley we have an array of people that we love and cherish. Here are a few of them. |
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Parts of the hospital are now disused and are in the process of being demolished. The village has grown in recent years to accommodate a growing population, with new housing estates by the river [[River Derwent, North East England|Derwent]], around the old hospital site and on Queen's Road under construction. Old mill buildings by the river are being converted into housing. |
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[[Angela Greaves]] - A local woman that is often sighted roaming around the streets walking her dog. She is known to talk to anyone and everyone, as she literally has no one else to talk to other than the dog that she owns and lets face it she probably shags it so hard it's too tired to talk. Claiming to receive gifts of gold necklaces every day, it is under the knowledge of the people of the 'The Bridge' that she is a bare faced liar. |
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Notable buildings include the [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] town hall, St Cuthbert's Church,<ref>[http://www.communigate.co.uk/ne/saintcuthberts]</ref> designed by [[John Dobson (architect)|John Dobson]], and many pretty sandstone cottages. The village is set in very attractive countryside, surrounded by woodland. Shotley is believed to be a corruption of Scotley and is thought to mean the ley, or woodland clearing of a Scotsman<ref>[http://www.thenortheast.fsnet.co.uk/Place%20Name%20Meanings%20P%20to%20S.htm.]</ref> or clearing where pigeons are to be found. The name Derwent comes from Brythonic/Old Welsh and means "oak river". |
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[[Barry Cook]] - Also known as 'Bazza' is a resident that works up at the local school. Known for his charisma towards sport, Bazza is one of the leading swimmers in the area and if lucky you can often catch a glimpse of him in tight, skimpy speedo's swimming in the near by river in the woods, incidentally near the play park, where he is often spotted. It is said he has the voice of an angel. |
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[[Farrell]] - Cave man |
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[[English cricket team|England]] [[Test cricket]]er [[Paul Collingwood]] played for Shotley Bridge Cricket Club in his youth where he learned his trade under the tutelage of the great CG Stephenson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/double-ton-has-family-rejoicing-133-after-a-nap/2006/12/02/1164777847898.html | title=Double ton has family rejoicing ... after a nap | date=2006-12-03 | last=Brown | first=Alex | accessdate=2006-12-02 | publisher=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] online edition}}</ref> Professional footballer [[Ben Clark (footballer)|Ben Clark]] was also born in Shotley Bridge as was England Rugby Union international [[Mathew Tait]]. |
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== References == |
== References == |
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Revision as of 21:25, 16 February 2012
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2010) |
| Shotley Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Population | 27,394 (2001) [3] |
| OS grid reference | NZ108511 |
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CONSETT |
| Postcode district | DH8 |
| Dialling code | 01207 |
| Police | Durham |
| Fire | County Durham and Darlington |
| Ambulance | North East |
| UK Parliament | |
Shotley Bridge is a village in the Derwent Valley, adjoining the town of Consett in County Durham, England. Shotley Bridge was once the heart of Britain's swordmaking industry.
The origins of swordmaking here dated from 1691. A group of Lutheran swordmakers from Solingen in Germany settled in Shotley Bridge, allegedly in order to escape religious persecution, though in practice their departure was prompted by their breaking of guild oaths[citation needed]. Shotley Bridge was probably chosen because of the rich iron deposits in the area and because of the fast flowing waters of the River Derwent, which were ideal for tempering swords. Another factor may have been the remoteness of the area, as the swordmakers were keen to preserve their trade secrets, those that they had illegally taken with them from Germany. The swordmakers were able to employ the services of the famous local engraver Thomas Bewick. Swords are no longer made in the Shotley Bridge district. Before the last remaining cottages occupied by the swordmakers were torn down, there was an inscription over the door of one reading "Das Herren segen machet reich ohn alle Sorg wenn Du zugleich in deinem Stand treu und fleissig bist und tuest alle vas die befolen ist". Today, the village is best known for the local hospital, which was a major centre for medical care in North East England until the opening of the University Hospital of North Durham in 2001, when its size and services were scaled back.
Parts of the hospital are now disused and are in the process of being demolished. The village has grown in recent years to accommodate a growing population, with new housing estates by the river Derwent, around the old hospital site and on Queen's Road under construction. Old mill buildings by the river are being converted into housing.
Notable buildings include the Gothic town hall, St Cuthbert's Church,[1] designed by John Dobson, and many pretty sandstone cottages. The village is set in very attractive countryside, surrounded by woodland. Shotley is believed to be a corruption of Scotley and is thought to mean the ley, or woodland clearing of a Scotsman[2] or clearing where pigeons are to be found. The name Derwent comes from Brythonic/Old Welsh and means "oak river".
England Test cricketer Paul Collingwood played for Shotley Bridge Cricket Club in his youth where he learned his trade under the tutelage of the great CG Stephenson.[3] Professional footballer Ben Clark was also born in Shotley Bridge as was England Rugby Union international Mathew Tait.
References
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
- ^ Brown, Alex (2006-12-03). "Double ton has family rejoicing ... after a nap". Sydney Morning Herald online edition. Retrieved 2006-12-02.
External links
Media related to Shotley Bridge at Wikimedia Commons