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Catalogue

Tow Law St. Philip Parish

Reference: EP/TL Catalogue Title: Tow Law St. Philip Parish Area: Catalogue Category: Ecclesiastical Parish Records Description: 

Covering Dates: 1839 - 1992.

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Catalogue Contents

Registration (Ref: EP/TL 1/1-11)

Register of baptisms, 30 June 1878 - 9 June 1886
(1 volume, vellum bound)


Register of baptisms, 9 June 1886 - 28 December 1893
(1 volume, vellum bound)


Register of baptisms, 18 January 1894 - 26 August 1902
(1 volume, vellum bound)


Register of baptisms, 26 August 1902 - 5 February 1914
(1 volume, calf bound)


Register of baptisms, 5 February 1914 - 8 January 1931
(1 volume, vellum bound)


Register of baptisms, 15 January 1931 - 20 July 1969
(1 volume, cloth bound)


Register of marriages, 3 January 1876 - 27 August 1927
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Register of marriages, 31 August 1927 - 12 February 1938
(1 volume, cloth bound)


Register of marriages, 9 April 1938 - 14 June 1947
(1 volume, cloth bound)


Register of marriages, 21 June 1947 - 25 May 1957
(1 volume, cloth bound)


Register of burials, 29 June 1878 - 6 December 1934 [After 18 June 1889 there are 6 entries only: in 1890, 1894, 1897, 1900, 1903 and 1934 respectively]
(1 volume, vellum bound)

 (Ref: EP/TL 1/12-14)

Second Deposit

(Acc: 1226)


Register of banns of marriage, 19 December 1875 - 23 September 1933
(1 volume, calf bound)


Register of banns of marriage, 21 October 1934 - 23 December 1945
(1 volume, cloth bound)


Register of banns of marriage, 13 January 1946 - 4 March 1956
(1 volume, cloth bound)

 (Ref: EP/TL 1/15-16)

Eighth Deposit

(Acc: 3088)


Register of marriages, 20 June 1957 - 5 December 1970
(1 volume, cloth bound)


Register of marriages, 26 June 1971 - 27 May 1989
(1 volume, cloth bound)

Clergy (Ref: EP/TL 2/1-8)

Register of services, 16 June 1878 - 26 May 1892
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Register of services, 24 April 1892 - 28 December 1904
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Register of services, 1 January 1905 - 14 April 1914
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Register of services, 16 April 1914 - 30 July 1922
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Register of services, 3 August 1922 - 29 March 1932
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Register of services, 31 March 1932 - 4 July 1940
(1 volume, cloth bound)


Register of services, 7 July 1940 - 3 April 1949
(1 volume, cloth bound)


Register of services, 10 April 1949 - 29 March 1959
(1 volume, cloth bound)

 (Ref: EP/TL 2/9-23)

Second Deposit

(Acc: 1226)


Licence to publish banns and solemnize marriages in the chapel at Tow Law, 3 December 1875
(1 file, parchment)


Papers concerning consecration of church, 26 September 1868 - July 1869
(4 papers)


Letters from Ecclesiastical Commissioners to Rev. George P. Wilkinson, Harperley Park concerning proposed assignment of district of Tow Law and transfer of patronage to the Bishop of Chester, 28 April 1877 - 23 February 1878
(6 papers)


31 January 1878 (1) Rev. George Pearson Wilkinson, vicar of Thornley (2) Right Rev. William Bishop of Chester (3) Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England (4) Right Rev. Charles Bishop of Durham Agreement and instrument of surrender whereby (1) with consent of (3) and (4) transfers to (2) the right to nominate a minister to serve church of Tow Law
(1 file, parchment)


Order in Council transferring advowson of Tow Law and other parishes from Bishop of Chester to Bishop of Durham, 18 December 1974
(1 paper, printed)


The London Gazette, including Order in Council assigning consolidated chapelry to Tow Law church, 2 April 1878
(1 file, printed)


Order in Council altering parish boundaries, including draft and map, 29 October 1965
(4 papers)


Description of proposed new parish boundary, n .d.
(1 paper, typescript)


The London Gazette , including grant of stipend of £120 for an assistant curate, 25 February 1881
(1 file, Printed)


Licence to curacy, Thomas Bertram Weatherell, B.A., 12 December 1911
(1 paper, printed)


Licence to curacy, Thomas Brynmor Davies, B.A., including certificates of his having made declarations etc. and having read Thirty-Nine Articles in church, 22 June 1959
(3 papers, printed)


Statement of annual amounts payable by Ecclesiastical Commissioners, 1 April 1939
(1 paper, printed)


Register of services, 1 January 1936 - 11 May 1939
(1 volume, cloth bound)


Register of services, 29 March 1959 - 24 September 1964
(1 volume, cloth bound)


Register of services, 27 September 1964 - 9 May 1971
(1 volume, cloth bound)

 (Ref: EP/TL 2/24)

Third Deposit

(Acc: 1642)


Programme for the Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin Memorial Weekend (1858-1934): Vicar of this parish for 1888-1934: An appreciation of and thanksgiving for his life and ministry displayed in floral art, photographs and words, 14, 15, 16, September 1984 (1 booklet, duplicated) Second Deposit
(Acc: 1226)

 (Ref: EP/TL 2/25)

Sixth Deposit

(Acc: 2590)


Register of services, 11 May 1971 - 29 December 1986 (1 volume, cloth bound) Sixth Deposit
(Acc: 2590)

 (Ref: EP/TL 2/26-36)

Eighth Deposit

(Acc: 3088)


Order-of-service for the admission of the Reverend Garland Bevan Lloyd to the perpetual curacy of Tow Law, 30 May 1950
(1 booklet)


Order-of-service for the admission of the Reverend Thomas Brynmoor Davies to the perpetual curacy of St. Philip and St. James, Tow Law, 22 June 1959
(1 booklet)


Order-of-service for the admission of the Reverend Philip Wright to the perpetual curacy of St. Philip and St. James, Tow Law, 12 May 1964
(1 booklet)


'A form of humble prayer to Almighty God to be used on Sunday, the third of January, 1915, being the day appointed for intercession on behalf of the Nation and Empire in this time of war', January 1915
(1 booklet)


Programme for the Service of Thanksgiving for the Ten Years of the Beneficent work of the British Legion, 5 July 1931
(1 paper)


'A form of Divine Service commended by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York for general use on Sunday, 9 May 1937 being the Sunday preceding the Coronation of their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth', May 1937
(2 papers)


Order-of-service for the dedication of two stained glass windows in memory of the men of Tow Law who died in the war of 1914 - 1918 and the war of 1935 - 1945, 21 October 1950
(1 booklet)


Special Forms of Service in Commemoration of His Late Majesty King George VI of Blessed and Glorious Memory', 1952
(1 paper)


Programme for the dedication of a stained glass window of St. Cuthbert in memory of Anthony and Elizabeth Gill by the Bishop of Jarrow, 23 May 1965
(1 paper)


Order-of-service for the centenary festival service, 24 July 1969
(1 booklet)


Typescript order of service for a centenary service, 20 July 1969
(2 papers)

 (Ref: EP/TL 2/37-40)

Ninth Deposit

(Acc: 3483)


Head and shoulders portrait of Rev. Michael Henry Simpson, vicar of Tow Law, 1878 - 1888, and photograph of the east window of the church, given by Rev. M.H. Simpson in 1882 Both photographs were given to the vicar and churchwardens by Mrs. [Pease-Ella], daughter of Rev. M.H. Simpson, 1940
(2 photographs, 18 cm. x 25 cm., black and white, mounted on 1 board)


'Map showing the alteration of the boundaries of the parishes of St. Philip and St. James, Tow Law, and Thornley', 29 April 1965 Scale: 9 inches to 1 mile [1:7040]
(1 plan, 37.5 cm. x 45.5 cm., colour wash, duplicated)


Order in council establishing a scheme to transfer the ownership, from the Bishop of Chester to the Bishop of Durham, of the advowson of the benefices of Frosterley, St. Michael; Long Newton; Norton; Tow Law, St. Philip and St. James; Winlaton; and Wolsingham and Thornley, 18 December 1974
(1 paper, printed)


Register of services, 1 January 1987 - 27 April 2002
(1 volume, plastic bound)

Churchwardens (Ref: EP/TL 4/1-32)

Licence to bury in the additional burial ground at Thornley prior to consecration, 9 March 1848
(1 paper)


Order in Council discontinuing burials in church, churchyard and Dan's Castle burial ground, 19 July 1883
(1 file, printed)


Order in Council discontinuing burials in church, churchyard and Dan's Castle burial ground, 6 November 1883
(1 file, printed)


Order in Council postponing discontinuance of burials in Dan's Castle burial ground, 30 December 1884
(1 paper, printed)


Letters to Rev. G.P. Wilkinson, Harperley Park concerning subscriptions towards building church, including transcripts, 8 January 1867 - 2 June 1869
(30 papers)


Invoices, receipts, estimates and correspondence concerning building and furnishing church, 4 February 1867 - 14 December 1872
(40 papers)


Invoices for work on church, 1 January 1879 -June 1898
(24 papers)


Letters from Bishop of Durham to Rev. G.P. Wilkinson concerning church site, 5 March - 14 August 1867
(2 papers)


Letters from Charles Attwood, Wolsingham, to Rev. G.P. Wilkinson, Harperley Park, concerning church site, 7 March - 6 September 1867
(2 papers)


Letters from William Smith, Tow Law, to Rev. G.P. Wilkinson concerning church site, 9 August 1867 - 15 June 1869
(2 papers)


Letter from Lady Boyne, Burwarton, Bridgnorth, to Rev. G.P. Wilkinson granting permission to build church on Thornley Common, 27 September 1867
(1 paper)


Letters from A. Storey, Durham, to Rev. G.P. Wilkinson concerning conveyance of church site, 29 July - 8 December 1868
(3 papers)


Letter from Ecclesiastical Commissioners to Rev. George P. Wilkinson, Harperley Park concerning conveyance of church site, 9 December 1868
(1 paper)


28 May 1869 (1) The North Eastern Railway Company (2) George Pearson Wilkinson of Harperley Park, clerk Agreement that (1) will sell to (2) 530 sq. yds. of land at Tow Law (plan annexed)
(1 paper)


Letters from the North Eastern Railway Company to Rev. G.P. Wilkinson, Harperley Park concerning conveyance of land for church, 31 May - 21 July 1869
(4 papers)


22 July 1884 (1) The North Eastern Railway Company (2) The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England Conveyance of 1a.33p. land in Tow Law (boundaries specified and plan attached) with wayleave Consideration: £200
(1 file)


Letter from William Stobart, Etherley Lodge, Darlington, to Rev. G.P. Wilkinson concerning sale of additional land near church, 3 December n.y.
(1 paper)


Letters from Ecclesiastical Commissioners to Rev. G.P. Wilkinson, Harperley Park, concerning provision of parsonage house, 19 June - 19 August 1878
(5 papers)


The London Gazette , including grant of £1500 towards providing parsonage, 23 August 1878
(1 file, printed)


16 July 1885 (1) The North Eastern Railway Company (2) Rev. Michael Henry Simpson of the Vicarage, Tow Law Agreement that (1) will lay a sanitary pipe to the vicarage and that (2) will lay another pipe to drain surface water (plan attached)
(1 paper and 1 plan, 44.5 cm. x 32 cm., waxed linen)


Letter from John Dooth, Diocesan Registry, to Chancellor Espin concerning working of coal under parsonage, 16 October 1890
(1 paper)


Letter from Ecclesiastical Commissioners to Rev. Chancellor Espin, D.D., Wolsingham Rectory, concerning proposed working by Weardale Iron and Coal Company of coal under church and parsonage, 28 November 1890
(1 paper)


Balance sheet, Easter 1881
(1 paper)


Account book of church, 11 May 1939 - 30 December 1945
(1 volume, card bound)


Account book of church, 6 January 1946 - 31 December 1956
(1 volume, card bound)


Notice of dedication festival and opening of new organ, 27 April 1885
(1 paper, printed)


Terrier, n.d. [c.1901]
(1 paper)


Terrier, 1915
(1 paper)


Terrier, 1926
(1 paper)


Inventory, June 1938
(3 papers, typescript)


Plan of proposed new boiler at church, 31 July 1935 Scale: 1 inch : 8 feet [1:96]
(1 plan, 50 cm. x 34.5 cm., coloured)


Site plan of church, church hall and vicarage, showing water pipes and drains, n.d. Scale: 66 feet to 1 inch [1:792] (1 plan, 30.5 cm. x 19 cm., coloured) Second Deposit
(Acc: 1226)

 (Ref: EP/TL 4/33-59)

Eighth Deposit

(Acc: 3088)


Architect's report no. 4, made under the Inspection of Churches Measure 1955 , by Hayton and Lee, Owengate House, Durham, September 1972
(1 file)


Architect's report no. 5, made under the Inspection of Churches Measure 1955 , written by A. O. Lee, Diocesan Architect, Owengate House, Durham, April 1977
(1 file)


Correspondence between Rev. Andrew Scott, The Vicarage, Tow Law and Hayton, Lee and Braddock, architects, Owengate House, Durham, concerning the quinquennial inspection of the church, 30 April 1974 - 12 April 1977
(3 papers)


Archdeacon's certificate for carrying out repairs to the church, 18 September 1974
(1 paper)


Archdeacon's certificate for carrying out repairs to the church, 2 February 1979
(1 paper)


File concerning the maintenance of the churchyard, 14 November 1884 - 24 September 1980 Includes: a list of tombstones in Tow Law churchyard, giving name, date of death and age, n.d., 20th c.
(40 papers)


Plan of the first floor of Tow Law vicarage, showing the existing and proposed plumbing and central heating systems, 16 March 1935 Scale: 1 inch to 8 feet [1:96]
(1 plan, 40cm. x 36.6cm.)


Plan of the attic and roof of Tow Law vicarage showing the existing and proposed plumbing systems and central heating, 16 March 1935 Scale: 1 inch to 8 feet [1:96]
(1 plan, 40cm. x 36.6cm.)


Plan of the basement of the vicarage showing the existing and proposed plumbing and central heating systems, 16 March 1935 Scale: 1 inch to 8 feet [1:96]
(1 plan, 40cm. x 36.6cm.)


Plan of the ground floor of the vicarage showing the existing and proposed plumbing and central heating systems, 16 March 1935 Scale: 1 inch to 8 feet [1:96]
(1 plan, 40cm. x 36.6cm.)


Estimate, with covering letter, to Rev. P. W. Slater, Tow Law Vicarage, from Henry Walker & Son Ltd., Central Domestic Engineering Works, 113 New Bridge Street, Newcastle, concerning the installation of a new boiler, 31 July 1935
(4 papers)


Correspondence between Rev. Andrew Scott, The Vicarage, Tow Law, and Eric Whitfield (Durham) Ltd., 12 Front Street, Broompark, concerning the church central heating system, 4 May 1972 - 14 September 1981
(8 papers)


Correspondence between the Rev. Andrew Scott, The Vicarage, Tow Law, and Harrison and Harrison Ltd., organ builders, Durham, concerning repairs to the church organ, 12 December 1961 - 21 December 1979
(6 papers)


Correspondence between J. Gill, Windyridge, Tow Law; H. Cecil Ferens, Diocesan Registry, The College, Durham; and the Rev. P. Wright, The Vicarage, Tow Law, concerning the design of a new stained glass window dedicated to St. Cuthbert, 3 September 1964 - 30 October 1964 Includes: a copy of a drawing of the proposed window, c.1964
(5 papers)


Correspondence between the Rev. P. Wright, The Vicarage, Church Lane, Tow Law; the National Coal Board, Green Lane, Spennymoor; and Cordingley and McIntyre, architects, Owengate House, Durham; concerning coalmining subsidence in the church, 20 January 1965 - 14 February 1972
(16 papers)


Correspondence between Rev. Andrew Scott, The Vicarage, Tow Law and H. J. Banks and Company, Inkerman Colliery, Tow Law, concerning dirt and drainage problems next to the church caused by opencast mining at the Thornley Pithouse site, 24 November 1971 - 21 December 1979
(16 papers)


Correspondence between the Rev. P[hilip] Wright, The Vicarage, Tow Law, and the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, 32 and 34 Whitechapel Road, London, concerning the church bells, 6 September 1966 - 31 October 1967
(4 papers)


Correspondence between Rev. Philip Wright, The Vicarage, Tow Law, and the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, The Vicarage, South Hylton, concerning the church font canopy, 27 June 1967 - 19 July 1967
(5 papers)


Copy letter from the Rev. P[hilip] Wright, The Vicarage, Tow Law, to S.P.C.K., Newcastle, concerning the design for a Mothers' Union banner case, 10 December 1968
(1 paper)


File concerning the maintenance and running of the church hall, October 1970 - 31 December 1980
(28 papers)


Correspondence between Rev. Andrew Scott, [no address given], and L. W. Stowell, Senior Conservation Officer, Furniture Conservation Department, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, concerning the possible restoration of the church choir screen which is covered in fir cones, pine cones, acorns, hazelnuts and conkers, 10 September - 10 October 1973
(3 papers)


Correspondence between Rev. Andrew Scott, The Vicarage, Tow Law and the Rev. John Ruscoe, Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, The Vicarage, South Hylton, Sunderland, concerning the disposal of litany desks, 25 - 29 October 1973
(2 papers)


Correspondence between Rev. Andrew Scott, The Vicarage, Tow Law, and Fred Warren (Electrical) Ltd., concerning the re-wiring of the church, 23 November 1974 - 24 September 1979
(6 papers)


Correspondence between Rev. A. Scott, The Rectory, Tow Law, and A. Lax and Sons, Steel's House Yard, West Road, Crook, concerning the repair of the church roof, 10 March 1976 - 18 June 1979
(7 papers)


Letters to Rev. Andrew Scott, The Vicarage, Tow Law, from Harrison Brothers (Steeplejacks) Ltd. concerning the church lighting conductor, 9 November - 7 December 1977
(2 papers)


Correspondence between Rev. Andrew Scott, The Vicarage, Tow Law; P. L. Smith and Co. (Durham) Ltd., Elvet Waterside, Durham; the Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, The Vicarage, South Hylton, Sunderland; British and Foreign Bible Society, 146 Queen Victoria Street, London; and Mrs. Melrose, 5 Teesdale Road, Startforth, concerning her proposed donation to the church of a board listing the names of the vicars of the parish, and a lectern bible, 8 January 1979 - 16 September 1981
(16 papers)


Petition for a faculty to fix a glass-fronted oak case to a wall on the north side of the nave, to hold the Sunday School banner; and for the erection of a board recording the names of vicars and curates of the parish of Tow Law, on the south west corner of the nave, near the font, 21 January 1979
(6 papers)

 (Ref: EP/TL 4/59A-78)

Ninth Deposit

(Acc: 3483)


Faculty authorising the erection of oak panelling along the north wall of the sanctuary and so much of the south wall not occupied by the sedilia, and along the south wall of the chancel; the insertion, into the panels, of brass plates commemorating the dead of the First World War; William Atkinson, churchwarden; and Mary Potts, district visitor, 15 March 1921
(1 paper, printed form)


Faculty authorising changes to the communion rails, 12 June 1931
(1 paper, printed form)


Faculty authorising the replacement of the gas lighting with electric lighting, 13 February 1941
(1 paper, printed form)


Faculty authorising the erection of a brass tablet on an oak mount near the east window, and an oak panel in the sanctuary, inscribed in memory of Rev. Michael Henry Simpson, to commemorate the gift, by Rev. M.H. Simpson, of the east window, 20 July 1939
(1 paper, printed form)


Faculty authorising the erection in the north wall of the chancel of an oak tablet inscribed in memory of Robert Milburn Wheatley, 21 May 1947
(1 paper)


Faculty authorising the installation of a wash bowl and water supply in the vestry, the re-pointing of the walls, and the strengthening of the roof beams, 8 May 1953
(1 paper, typescript)


Faculty authorising the installation of a new boiler, oil-firing unit and storage tank, 7 August 1958
(1 paper, typescript)


Faculty authorising the installation of a stained-glass window, depicting St. Cuthbert, in the north wall of the church, inscribed in memory of Anthony and Elizabeth Gill, 21 December 1964
(1 paper, printed form)


Faculty authorising the reservation of a triangular plot of ground at the west end of the closed consecrated churchyard for the interment of cremated remains, 22 April 1975
(1 paper, printed form)


Faculty authorising the re-wiring of the church, the provision of a new power circuit and the introduction of new light fittings, 9 July 1976
(1 paper, printed form)


Faculty authorising the introduction into the church of a framed tapestry depicting the Last Supper, to hang on the south wall near the Espin memorial windows, 2 December 1985
(1 paper, printed form)


Faculty authorising the removal of 3 pews from both the north and south sides of the east end of the nave; the re-siting of book rests; the adaptation of pews on either side of the nave to allow wheelchair access; and the sale of the redundant pews, 26 February 1996
(1 paper, typescript)


Photograph of the altar, by T. Melrose, November 1964
(1 photograph, 34 cm. x 25 cm., black and white, mounted on board)


Inventory, [1961] - 17 September 1981
(1 booklet, printed form)


List of church property in addition to what is shown in the inventory, October 1980
(3 papers, typescript)


Quinquennial inspection report on the church, by Hayton, Lee and Braddock, architects, Owengate House, Durham, July 1982
(1 file, typescript)


Quinquennial inspection report on the church, by Niven & Niven Architects, The Old Hall, 57 Front Street, West Auckland, May 1992
(1 file, typescript)


Report on an earth test on the lightning conductor on the church spire, carried out by E.P. Services, 20 Beechburn Park, Crook, as part of the quinquennial inspection, 7 April 1992
(3 papers, typescript)


Quinquennial inspection report on the church, by Niven & Niven Architects, The Old Hall, 57 Front Street, West Auckland, June 1997
(1 file, typescript)


Notices from the Department of the Environment that the church of St. Philip and St. James, and the gate piers and gates to the west of the church, have been included in a list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, 30 November 1987
(5 papers, typescript)

Vestry (Ref: EP/TL 5/1-2)

Vestry meetings minute book, 11 July 1878 - 2 April 1940 At beginning: notes of details of the organisation of the beginning of the parish, 26 May - 2 July 1878 At end: graphs of annual totals of communicants and offertories, 1879-1933
(1 volume, calf bound)


Annual parochial meetings minute book, 1 February 1937 - 2 April 1984 (1 volume, card bound) Sixth Deposit
(Acc: 2590)

Parochial Church Council (Ref: EP/TL 6/1-4)

Parochial Church Council meetings minute book, 2 April 1936 - 27 February 1967
(1 volume, card bound)


Statements of accounts, 1985 - 1989
(5 papers)


Copy questionnaire addressed to the P.C.C. and designed to elicit a description of the parish to assist in the appointment of a suitable incumbent, and comments thereon by members of the P.C.C., December 1990
(15 papers)


Copy circular letter from Les Manchester, Vine House, Hedley Hope, Tow Law, addressed to members of the P.C.C. enclosing a draft description of the parish, January 1991
(5 papers)

 (Ref: EP/TL 6/5)

Seventh Deposit

(Acc: 2653)


Parochial Church Council minute book, 26 June 1967 - 7 September 1992
(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Schools (Ref: EP/TL 11/1-17/1-2)

28 June 1847 (1) Thomas Baring of Bishopsgate Street, London, Esq., and Right Rev. Edward Lord Bishop of Durham, Lord of the Manor of Wolsingham (2) The Ven. Charles Thorp Archdeacon of Durham and Rev. John Alexander Blackett, clerk, rector of Wolsingham Conveyance of 3696 sq. yds. of land at Tow Law (boundaries specified and plan attached) on trust that it be used as a school under principles of The National Society
(parchment, 1 membrane, pendant seal)


21 August 1923 (1) The Managers of Tow Law Church of England School (2) Margaret Annie Calland Memorandum of agreement appointing (2) as assistant teacher
(1 paper, printed)


21 August 1923 (1) The Managers of Tow Law Church of England School (2) Edna Mary Minto Memorandum of agreement appointing (2) as assistant teacher
(1 paper, printed)


4 November 1923 (1) The Managers of Tow Law Church of England Junior Mixed School (2) Elizabeth Westgarth Hutton Memorandum of agreement appointing (2) as assistant teacher
(1 paper, printed)


30 June 1924 (1) The Managers of Tow Law Church of England School (2) Edith Winifrid Woodhead Memorandum of agreement appointing (2) as assistant teacher
(1 paper, printed)


4 November 1929 (1) The Managers of Tow Law Church of England Junior Mixed School (2) Jennie Weatherell Memorandum of agreement appointing (2) as head teacher
(1 paper, printed)


4 November 1929 (1) The Managers of Tow Law Church of England Junior Mixed School (2) Isabella Atkinson Memorandum of agreement appointing (2) as assistant teacher
(1 paper, printed)


4 November 1929 (1) The Managers of Tow Law Church of England Junior Mixed School (2) Margaret Annie Calland Memorandum of agreement appointing (2) as assistant teacher
(1 paper, printed)


4 November 1929 (1) The Managers of Tow Law Church of England Junior Mixed School (2) Joseph Pattison Memorandum of agreement appointing (2) as assistant teacher
(1 paper, printed)


4 November 1929 (1) The Managers of Tow Law Church of England Junior Mixed School (2) John Richardson Memorandum of agreement appointing (2) as assistant teacher
(1 paper, printed)


4 November 1929 (1) The Managers of Tow Law Church of England Junior Mixed School (2) Edith Winifred Woodhead Memorandum of agreement appointing (2) as assistant teacher
(1 paper, printed)


15 June 1938 (1) The Managers of Tow Law Church of England School (2) Mrs. A.E. Pickering of Tow Law Agreement for duties and salary of (2) as caretaker
(1 paper, typescript)


Invoices and receipts re work on school, 1938 - 1943 (30 papers)


26 January 1942 (1) Rev. Sidney William Golding of the Vicarage, Tow Law and the other managers of Tow Law Church of England School (2) Durham County Council Agreement that (2) will maintain school
(1 file, typescript)


Letter from J.K. Hope, clerk of the peace and the County Council, to Rev. T.B. Davies, The Vicarage, Tow Law, concerning damage by fire to Tow Law Dan's Castle County School and the L.E.A.'s proposal to cease to maintain school, 30 June 1960
(1 paper, typescript)


Letter from Rev. Graham Foley, Director of Religious Education, Durham to Rev. T. Davies, The Vicarage, Tow Law concerning purchase of village hall and the fire at Thornley School, 7 October 1960
(1 paper, typescript)


Letters from Trotter, Bruce & Loft, Bishop Auckland, solicitors, to Rev. P. Wright, The Vicarage, Tow Law, concerning sale of old church school, 17 November - 4 December 1964 (2 papers, typescript) Second Deposit
(Acc: 1226)

 (Ref: EP/TL 12/1-5)

Ninth Deposit

(Acc: 3483)
Charities


Form transferring funds of the Gill Trust to the Diocesan Board of Finance for investment, 29 November 1957
(1 paper, printed form)


Correspondence between Diocesan Board of Finance, Diocesan Office, Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland; and Mrs. E. Jackson, The Vicarage, Tow Law, concerning the management of the Bushby Trust, 6 February 1962 - 21 October 1974
(3 papers: 2 typescript, 1 printed form|)


Correspondence between R.R. Heslop, 46 High Street, Tow Law; Durham Diocesan Board of Finance, Diocesan Office, The College, Durham; Rev. P. Wright, The Vicarage, Tow Law; and Rev. A.C.G. Scott, The Vicarage, Tow Law, concerning the management of the Minnie Heslop Trust, 16 March 1962 - 16 August 1972
(7 papers: 6 typescript, 1 printed form)


Correspondence between Diocesan Office, The College, Durham; Rev. P. Wright, The Vicarage, Tow Law; and Stanley Baldwin, 13 Oakley Square, London, concerning the management of the Stuart Trust, 12 January 1965 - 9 June 1969
(5 papers: 4 typescript, 1 printed form)


Correspondence between Geo. W. Hodgson & Angus, solicitors, Stanhope; Rev. P. Wright, The Vicarage, Tow Law; and Diocesan Office, The College, Durham, concerning the management of the Rawes Trust, 20 November 1969 - 12 March 1970
(3 papers, typescript)

Church Societies (Ref: EP/TL 13/1-2)

Account book of Tow Law Church of England Youth Fellowship, 22 January 1948 - June 1952
(1 volume, card bound)


Minute book of Tow Law Church of England Youth Fellowship, 20 January 1949 - 25 October 1951 (1 volume, card bound) Second Deposit
(Acc: 1226)

 (Ref: EP/TL 13/3-5)

Sixth Deposit

(Acc: 2590)


Church of England Men' s Society meetings minute book, 13 September 1937 - 21 March 1972
(1 volume, card bound)


Account of the Church of England Men's Society' s annual social, 15 February 1969 Originally enclosed in EP/TL 13/3
(1 paper)


Description of the structure of the Junior Training Corps of the Church Lads' and Church Girls' Brigade c. 1985 and annual balance sheet for the year ending 31 December 1986
(4 papers)

 (Ref: EP/TL 13/6)

Eighth Deposit

(Acc: 3088)


Enrolment certificate for Church Lads' Brigade Company, 11 December 1935
(1 paper)

Miscellaneous (Ref: EP/TL 14/1)

Newspaper cutting re a girder cast at Weardale Iron and Coal Company's Tow Law Works, n.d.
(1 paper, printed)

 (Ref: EP/TL 14/2-37)

Rev. Thomas Henry Espinell Compton Espin M.A. and the Wolsingham Observatory

His father, Thomas Espin (1824 1912) was Chancellor of the dioceses of Chester and Durham, Proloctor of the lower house of York Convocation and Rector of Wolsingham, 1885-1912

After graduating from Oxford in 1881, Rev T.H.E.C. Espin served as curate at West Kirby, Cheshire (1882-5) and at Wolsingham with his father, 1885-8. In 1888 he became vicar of Tow Law (1888-1934). He studied astronomy for 61 years and was a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society from 1878, founder member of Liverpool Astronomical Society and President of Newcastle Astronomical Society. 2575 new stars were discovered and measured by him. He discovered a new star in the constellation of Lacerta on 30 December 1910.

He founded Wolsingham Observatory in 1885 and continued its work in a new observatory at Tow Law when he became vicar there. He had as his assistant and successor Mr. W. Milburn.


Wolsingham Observatory visitors' book (illustrated with photographs of the observatory and its work), 16 August 1919 ­ 27 July 1947 For enclosures see EP/TL 14/3­9
(1 volume)


Wolsingham Observatory report by Rev. T.E. Espin, vicar of Tow Law, Darlington, 1 February 1895
(2 papers, printed)


Recipes for rhubarb and celeriac, n.d.
(1 newspaper cutting, 6cm x 11cm)


"The Eccentric Man; or The World v Eccentricity", a verse following a quotation from Shelley, n.d.
(1 newspaper cutting, 11.5 cm x 6.5 cm)


'Till I Come' , a comic story about a woman and her husband' s gravestone, contributed to a newspaper by N. Thompson of Spennymoor, n.d.
(1 newspaper cutting, 7cm x 4 cm)


'Free Traders' Harvest Thanksgiving', an extract from an unidentified newspaper, n.d.
(1 newspaper cutting, 6cm x 4.5cm)


Newspaper report of the funeral of the Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin, [December] 1934
(1 newspaper cutting, 6cm x 16cm)


Photograph of two men [Mr. Richardson and ?] and a dog taken against the observatory wall at Tow Law, n.d. Also see: EP/TL 14/11 for another photograph probably taken at the same time
(1 photograph, black and white 8.5 cm. x 14 cm.)


Illustrated scrapbook of the Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin, 13 October 1877­8 December 1934 The scrapbook includes newspaper cuttings relating to the Rev. Mr. Espin' s father, Rev. Thomas Espin, (1824 ­ 1912); theological debates; his own astronomical work including his discovery of a new star in 1910; a certificate of thanks from the Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, for his help as a special constable in 1926; visits abroad and correspondence from foreign astronomical societies; early civilizations; contemporary cartoons; radium in Weardale, and a new chancel screen in Tow Law Church (29.9.34) For enclosures: see EP/TL/14/11­37
(1 volume, leather quarter bound)


Photograph of two men (Mr. Richardson and Rev. Slater) and a dog taken against the observatory wall at Tow Law, n.d. Also see: EP/TL 14/9 for another photograph taken at the same time
(1 photograph, black and white, 8.5 cm. x 14 cm.)


Four printed black and white photographs of West Kirby parish church, North Promenade, general view from Grange Hill and the lower light house, n.d. [late 1880 's]
(2 papers)


Photograph of telescope, n.d.
(1 photograph, black and white, 10.5 cm. x 15 cm.)


Photograph of two men walking away along a valley, n.d.
(1 photograph, black and white, 14 cm. x 9 cm.)


Report by The Times of a test case heard in the King' s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice between the Council of the County Palatine of Lancaster v Crowe on the issue of local education authorities and playgrounds, 24 November 1928
(1 newspaper cutting, 12 cm. x 62 cm.)


Three barometric readings, 28­9 October 1927 and 25 August 1934
(3 papers)


Two reports made to Tow Law Urban District Council by Dr. J.H. Naismith, Medical Officer of Health for the quarters ending 30 June and 30 September 1913, 7 July and 8 October 1913
(4 papers)


' The Very Nearly Happy Family', a Punch cartoon illustrating difficulties at the time of the Statute of Westminster, 17 August 1932
(1 paper)


Durham County News report of the popularity of Bradley Burn spa waters with tourists, following Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin 's discovery of their medicinal qualities, n.d.
(1 newspaper cutting, 6 cm. x 12 cm.)


A report from the Durham County News about the effect of Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin' s opinion that there was a possibility of radium in Weardale, 17 March 1932
(1 newspaper cutting, 6 cm. x 21.5 cm.)


Report from the Yorkshire Post (supplied by Woolgar and Roberts' press cutting agency, London, EC4) of the Rev., T.H.E.C. Espin' s new observatory at Tow Law, 24 September 1934
(1 newspaper cutting, 6 cm. x 21 cm.)


Report of the retirement from telescope observation work of Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin, n.d. [1932]
(1 newspaper cutting 5.5 cm. x 4.5 cm.)


Illustrated report from the Northern Echo (supplied by Woolgar and Roberts' press cutting agency, London EC4) of the new observatory at Tow Law, 22 September 1934
(1 newspaper cutting, 11.5 cm. x 28.5 cm.)


Report from Church of England Newspaper , London, (supplied by International Press-Cutting Bureau, London EC4) of the new observatory of Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin at Tow Law, 28 September 1934
(1 newspaper cutting, 6 cm. x 14.5 cm.)


Report from the Daily Mail of the building of the Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin' s new observatory at Tow Law, 26 September 1934
(1 newspaper cutting, 6.5 cm. x 5.5 cm.)


Report from the Durham County News of the building of the Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin' s new observatory at Tow Law, 27 September 1934
(1 newspaper cutting, 7 cm. x 14 cm.)


Illustrated report from the Northern Echo (supplied by Woolgar and Roberts Press Cutting Agency, London EC4) of the new chancel screen made by the Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin for the church of St. Philip and St. James, Tow Law, 29 September 1934
(1 newspaper cutting, 10.5 cm. x 39 cm.)


Report from the Sunday Times (supplied by Woolgar and Roberts' press cutting agency, London EC4) of the new chancel screen made by the Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin for the church of St. Philip and St. James, 7 October 1934
(1 newspaper cutting, 6.5 cm. x 16 cm.)


Report from Durham County News of the cancellation of the Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin' s holiday owing to ill health, 12 July 1934
(1 newspaper cutting, 6 cm. x 7.5 cm.)


Report from the Manchester Guardian (supplied by the Temple Press Cutting Offices, London EC2) of the death of the Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin, 4 December 1934
(1 newscutting, 6.5 cm. x 7.5 cm.)


Illustrated report from the Daily Mail (supplied by the Temple Press Cutting Offices, London EC2) of the death of the Rev T.H.E.C. Espin, 4 December 1934
(1 newscutting, 6.5 cm. x 7.5 cm.)


Two reports of a bequest left by Mr. W.H.St.Quentin Gage, of Newquay, a Cornish astronomer, to the Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin [who had died five years previously unknown to Mr. Gage], 1939
(2 newspaper cuttings, 6.5 cm. x 13.5 cm. and 5.5 cm. x 5 cm.)


Photograph of Miss Saleha Mohemed Ali from Malaya, with members of Durham County Association of Girls ' Clubs and Youth Clubs at the International Youth week at Vine House Youth Hostel, Tow Law, 29 July 1947
(1 newspaper cutting, 13 cm. x 13.5 cm.)


Correspondence from the Northern Echo concerning the origins of Tow Law, from Mr. Arthur W. Emerson, 8 Station Road, Easington Colliery and H. Askew, 21 Whitworth Terrace, Spennymoor, 6 March 1935
(1 newspaper cutting, 11.5 cm. x 28 cm.)


Membership card of the Weardale and District Naturalists' Field Club including details of a talk on 'Stars' by Mr. W. Milburn on 19 October 1938, 1938 ­ 1939
(1 card, 19.5 cm. x 11.5 cm.)


Membership card of the Bishop Auckland Literary and Debating Society including details of a talk on 'Astronomy' given by Mr. W. Milburn on 24 March 1939, 1938 - 1939
(1 card 12 cm. x 19 cm.)


Centre page of the Daily Mirror , including an article about the pig­rearing activities of the vicar of Satley which mentions the Rev. William Milburn of Tow Law who combines the hobbies of pig­keeping and astronomy, 6 February 1941
(1 newspaper cutting, 60 cm. x 38 cm.)

 (Ref: EP/TL 14/38)

Fifth Deposit

(Acc: 2223)


Notebook of Mr. W. Milburn, Secretary to Rev. Mr. Espin, Tow Law, 1916 ­ 1930 [Contains poems and quotations copied from various publications]
(1 volume, card bound)

 (Ref: EP/TL 14/39-48)

Eighth Deposit

(Acc: 3088)


Photograph showing the interior of the church, n.d.
(1 photograph, 10.8cm. x 14.9cm., black and white, framed)


Photograph of the staircase in Tow Law vicarage showing a wall-painting of a man looking at a signpost of 'Tow Law', n.d., 20th c.
(1 photograph, 8.8cm. x 13.1cm., colour)


Photograph of the staircase in Tow Law vicarage showing a wall- painting of a goat and a wall-painting of a country scene with a building to one side, n.d., 20th c.
(1 photograph, 13.1cm. x 8.8cm., colour)


Photograph of the staircase in Tow Law vicarage showing a wall-painting of a country scene with tall thin trees in the foreground, n.d., 20th c.
(1 photograph, 13.1cm. x 8.8cm., colour)


Photograph of the staircase in Tow Law vicarage showing a wall-painting of a man holding an unidentified object, n.d., 20th c.
(1 photograph, 8.8cm. x 13.1cm., colour)


Photograph of the staircase in Tow Law vicarage showing a wall-painting of an old man, smoking a long clay pipe, standing outside a thatched cottage, n.d., 20th c.
(1 photograph, 8.8cm. x 13.1cm., colour)


Photograph of the staircase in Tow Law vicarage showing a wall-painting of the face of an unidentified male with a long grey beard, n.d., 20th c.
(1 photograph, 8.8cm. x 13.1cm., colour)


Photograph of the staircase in Tow Law vicarage showing a wall-painting of the face of an unidentified male with a long grey beard, n.d., 20th c.
(1 photograph, 8.8cm. x 13.1cm., colour)


Sketch plan of the church with notes on the scenes depicted in each stained glass window, location of the war memorial, Mothers' Union banner and the Hull and Longstaff memorials, n.d. No scale
(1 plan, 20.3cm. x 32.7cm.)


Map of Tow Law and the area to the north east, showing Hedleyhope Colliery, based on ordnance survey sheets Durham XXV.7, XXV.11 and XXV.15. Scale: 1:2500 This map is referred to in the Hedley Hope extension application (020625aB) n.d., 1960s
(1 plan, 97cm. x 84.5cm.)

 (Ref: EP/TL 14/49)

Ninth Deposit

(Acc: 3483)


Bible, reputedly once the property of Rev. T.H.E.C. Espin, inscribed 'Mary Anne Jessop, February 25th 1846' on flyleaf, published by British and Foreign Bible Society, printed by George E. Eyre and Andrew Spottiswoode, 1839
(1 volume, leather bound, printed)