Quarter Sessions
Reference: Q/R/HD detail Catalogue Title: Quarter Sessions Area: Catalogue Category: Public Records Description: Highway Diversions
Catalogue Index
Use 
and 
to reveal/hide the structure of the catalogue index (requires Javascript to be enabled in your internet browser options). Click to jump directly to information at a specific level of the catalogue.
- Quarter Sessions
Catalogue Description
HIGHWAY DIVERSIONSINQUISITIONS AD QUOD DAMNUM, c.1697 - 1773
An ancient highway or common way could not, under common law, be altered or stopped, except by a royal licence. Before this was granted a writ of ad guod damnuin was issued requiring the sheriff to summon a jury to inquire whether the alteration would be prejudicial either to the king or members of the public. Under an act of 1697 (8 and 9 Will. III c.16), however, an appeal could be made to quarter sessions and the sheriff's inquisition and return had to be recorded by the clerk of the peace. If there was no appeal the jury's decision was binding. In 1773 a simpler process of highway diversion was instituted.
Some inquisitions were enrolled and filed on the indictment files, but very few survive as most of the indictments for the eighteenth century are missing. Two have been noted for 1719 and 1721. Other later ones were enrolled separately.
That for 1719 records an inquisition held at Birtley on 5 January 1719 and includes the precept to the sheriff and the inquisition, in the standard form (Q/S/1/59 m. 3):
George by the grace of God, of Great Britain ... to the Sheriff of Durham, greeting, know that we command you that, through the oath of honest and lawful men of your county through whom the truth can be better known, you shall diligently inquire whether it is to the damage or prejudice of us or our heirs or our successors or others if we allow Henry Liddel, bart., to enclose a certain common way for horsemen or foot passengers [or if a highway 'a certain King's way in ... and to other towns and places in your county aforesaid ... for all our lieges freely and at their liberty to go, pass and repass with all their draught beasts, carts, waggons and carriage'] called Eighton Lane, otherwise Eighton Low Way, in the parish of Chester-le-Street, leading on the west from the King's highway leading to Gateshead, across certain lands or moors and the estate of the said Henry, within his Manor called Lamesley with its members, the parcel so enclosed to be held by the said Henry and his heirs, on condition that the aforesaid Henry makes a certain otber way on his estate, within his manor, as convenient and sufficient as the said Eighton Lane was when it was open. And if it is to the damage or prejudice of us or others then to what damage or to what prejudice, to whom and in what way, and how much of the road will be enclosed - to be counted in paces or feet in length and in width. Send the inquisition thence justly and openly to our Chancery in Durham under your seal and its seals without delay.
Inquisition taken at Birtley in the aforesaid county on Friday, 9th day of January in the fifth year of the reign ... before me Marc Shaftoe esquire, Sheriff of the aforesaid county, by virtue of a writ from the said Lord King directed to me and annexed to this inquisition, by the sworn testimony of Charles Jordan [and 19 other names] honest and loyal men of my county who, being sworn and charged, upon their oath aforesaid say that it will not be to the damage or prejudice of the said Lord King, his heirs, successors or others if the said Lord King allows Henry Liddell baronet to enclose (as in writ above, the alternative way to be) thus to the south end the common King1s highway called Birtley Lane towards Eighton Quarry Hill from the east part of the way aforesaid leading to Gateshead and from thence leading across the said way to the west side of the said way to Fenton called Hammerwell, on and over the estate of the same Henry called Eighton, otherwise Chowdean, otherwise Longacre Moor, within the said Manor, which road is as convenient and sufficient for travelling as the way called Eighton Lane ... which way to be enclosed contains 444 paces in length and 15 feet in width. In testimony of which I, the said sheriff ...
The 1721 inquisition also has a record of its enrolment: 'This inquisition and return and the writ of ad quod damnum hereunto annexed were entered and recorded at the said general Quarter Sessions of the peace, being the next after the said Inquisition was taken and no appeal was made to the justices'.
Catalogue Contents
INQUISITIONS AD QUOD DAMNUM
Q/S/I/59 Lamesley: January 1719
Eighton Lane (see above)
(1 parchment membrane, filed with the sessions indictments)
Q/S/I/60 Houghton-le-Spring: 18 April 1921
Road leading from Framwellgate to West Rainton, diverted round closes called Clappers and Duckets or Dovecots, property of Ralph Carr; part to be enclosed 240 feet long, 40 feet wide.
(1 parchment membrane, filed with the sessions indictments)
Q/R/HD/Q/1 Enrolment of inquisitions, 1731 - 1765
File of enrolled copies of writs and inquisitions. The first (1731) is in Latin, others in English.
(1) Thomas Allan, esq., to enclose a common way in Chester-le-Street leading to Picktree. Inquisition held at Chester-le-Street, 1 October 1731.
(2) John Hylton, of Hylton Castle, to enclose two King's highways in Hylton, one between Hylton and Hylton Ferry via the Leazes and East Haining Plain, the other in the road from Newcastle to Hylton Ferry from where four lanes meet and a guide post is erected, southward to West Husband Close, instead to make a paved common way 20 feet wide from Butchers Close. Inquisition at Monkwearmouth (names and occupations of jury given), 11 July 1743. Enrolled at quarter sessions 13 July 1743.
(3) Prince Scroop, Duke of Bridgewater, to enclose and divert the King's highway in Winston from Staindrop to Tees side, from West Holm Beck to the lane leading from Darlington to Barnard Castle, way made. Inquisition at Winston, 20 May 1743, (enrolled 13 July).
(4) Morton Davison of Beamish, esq., to divert an ancient common horse and footway in Tanfield leading from Hill Head Farm House to Beckley and the Wolsingham Newcastle Road via Dunns Close. Inquisition at Beamish 29 December 1746, enrolled at quarter sessions, 14 January 1747.
(5) Spencer Cowper, Dean, and the Chapter of Durham, to enclose a common highway in Pittington leading from Durham to Moorsley through Letch Close, otherwise the Folly in Pittington Cross Lane; also a horse and footway from Durham to Moorsley at Pittington Wicket Cross Lane, substituting a common way for horses, carts and foot passengers by the west side of the said close. Inquisition at Pittington, 26 June 1749. Enrolled at quarter sessions, 12 July 1749.
(6) Ralph Carr, of Dunston Hill, to enclose part of a carriage way for copyholders of the Manor of Whickham (according to the deed of diversion) and a common horse and footway from Whickham village to Dunston lying between the south west corner of the garden wall of R. Carr and the gate to the barn or cottage of Dr. William Williamson, substituting alternative way. Inquisition held at Dunston Hill, 12 July 1753. Enrolled at quarter sessions, 3 October 1753.
(7) Sir Thomas Clavering, bart., to enclose part of the common highway in Ryton from Winlaton to Swalwell, part of Newcastle road, from the west side of Mallabars Close southwards to Batehouse. Inquisition held at Batehouse, on 4 July 1758. Enrolled at quarter sessions, 12 July 1758.
(8) Henry, Earl of Darlington, to enclose a common highway in Staindrop called the turnpike road from Staindrop East Bridge to the north east end of Dixons Garth in Raby; also a lane from Staindrop to West Bridge; substituting a road from East Bridge through Millers Field, Raby town street to the turnpike road. Inquisition held at Staindrop, 4 January 1759. Enrolled at quarter sessions, 10 January 1759.
(9) Francis Blake to enclose the King's highway in the parish of Norham called the Coal Road leading from Twizell Boat South Landing to the turnpike from Twizell Bridge on River Till to Berwick upon Tweed, through Calf Close, Twizell to Felkington, substituting a way through North Gardens and Mrs. Brown's Meadow. Inquisition held at Tilmouth, 27 November 1764. Enrolled at quarter sessions, 16 January 1765.
(file, 9 parchment membranes)
Q/R/HD/Q/2 Inquisition: Horncliffe, 1770
William Alder, esq., to enclose and divert the King's highway called the Coal and Church Road, leading from Norham Ford at Horncliffe Back Hill eastwards to the turnpike road from Velvet Hall Bridge to Horncliffe. Inquisition at Horncliffe. (Writ and indented record of inquisition), 30 April 1770.
(1 parchment document)
HIGHWAY DIVERSION ORDERS, 1774 - 1971
In 1773 it was enacted (13 Geo. III c.78) that diversions of highways might be authorised by the order of two justices of the peace, if on viewing it they considered that the diversion appeared shorter or more convenient and if the owner of the land agreed. The order was then confirmed by the full court of quarter sessions provided there was no appeal against it. The old road was not actually closed until the two justices certified that the new one was complete.
The procedure was confirmed and clarified by the Highways Consolidation Act of 1835 (5 and 6 Will. IV c.50). This explained that if the inhabitants, at a vestry meeting, deemed it expedient for any highway to be stopped or diverted the parish surveyor could apply to two justices of the peace to view the roads. A private owner had first to give notice to the churchwardens to assemble the inhabitants to consider the proposal. If the justices approved and the owner of the land consented, notice of the proposed diversion was to be inserted in a local newspaper for four successive weeks and another notice fixed to the church door. After the four weeks, when the justices had been provided with proofs and a plan they certified (usually at a special petty sessions) that they had viewed the highway and found the proposed new route more commodious, explaining the reasons. This certificate was lodged with the clerk of the peace and a further four weeks allowed for it to be inspected and appeals to be made. Then the clerk of the peace read the certificate in open court at quarter sessions. An appeal against the diversion could be made to a jury at quarter sessions but if there was no appeal the diversion was allowed. The certificates and plans, etc. were then enrolled amongst the records of quarter sessions. The old road could not, however, be stopped until two justices had viewed the new one and certified that it was complete and made in a proper manner.
Roads found to be unnecessary could be stopped and closed by the same procedure.
The same procedure continues under the Highways Act, 1959 (7 and 8 Eliz. II c.25) except for trunk roads and special roads, and footpaths and bridleways, which have to be confirmed by the government minister responsible. The planning authority had to give its consent and then orders were made at a magistrate's court. The orders, with plans annexed, signed by the chairman of the court, together with written consents and other documents were sent to the clerk of the peace to be enrolled.
Since 31 December 1971, following the Courts Act abolishing quarter sessions, highway diversion orders are sent to the clerk of the council, instead of the clerk of the peace, and filed in the usual way.
The main document is the Order, which describes the road or footpath and the proposed diversion in detail. For a long road or several roads this may be a lengthy document and until the late nineteenth century was on parchment:
We the undersigned A.B. and C.D. two justices of the peace for the county of Durham, acting within the division of Chester Ward, at the request of the inhabitants of the township of Esh, viewed a certain highway, being a public cart or carriageway, from the lane from Witton Gilbert Station to Esh near a cottage occupied by ... Johnson ... and extending in a south westerley direction for 264 yards to the public highway from Hill Top to Esh Village ... proposed to be stopped up and diverted. And in lieu thereof should be substituted a portion of new road, commencing in the said road and extending in a westerley direction for a distance of 418 yards ... the highway board have agreed to maintain the new road ... the owners, X.Y. of ... have signified their consent in writing and we, the said justices directed the inhabitants to affix a proper notice by the highway and in a newspaper, circulating in the district for four successive weeks, and we certify that we have together viewed the said highway and that ... the new road will be a more convenient access for the public.
The plans are usually on a large scale and vary in scope according to the extent of the diversion. They can be useful for showing development, land ownership and usage and also, sometimes, the position of mills and other industrial sites to which public access was needed. A Monkwearmouth plan of 1826, for example, shows the river with ballast cranes, Lambton's and Londonderry's 'drops', Darnel and Co.'s brewery, a vignette of the church and the position of chapels, the workhouse, etc. (Q/R/HD/2/42).
Other documents include copies of a local newspaper of four successive weeks, containing the notice of the proposed diversion. This was usually the Durham County Advertiser. For the most modern highway diversions, the London Gazette was often used instead, but copies were not necessarily deposited. There would also be copies of the public notice, owners' declarations of consent, a declaration of the highway board that they will maintain the road, if applicable, possibly depositions of surveyors, and a certificate signed by two justices that the new road has been completed in a satisfactory manner.
A highway diversion order for Seaham Harbour, of 1860, for example, includes the recital of orders, describing the footpath from Tempest Place, Seaham Harbour, through Dawdon Dean and along a sunken path to Seaham Church, then westward by Seaham Hall and northwest to Hough Foot Plantation, which was to be diverted by public carriage road via Sebastopol Terrace, Dawdon, and along a new embankment. There are also ordnance survey plans showing the area and an enlarged plan of the proposed new road, notices and resolutions of meetings of inhabitants, copies of the Sunderland Times (4, 11, 18, 25 August 1860) and certificates of completion (Q/R/HD/37).
During the period 1774 until 1971 there were 950 orders authorising the diversion of highways in some 185 different townships or parishes throughout the county.
Method of registration or filing
(1) Between 1774 and 1817 copies of orders, usually including plans, were entered in full in the sessions order books (Q/S/OB/14-17) and the original documents not kept (except for one concerning roads in Hebburn, Jarrow and Monkton in 1777 (Q\R\HD 1 & 4), and one concerning roads in Bedlington in 1803 (Q/R/HD 3).
(2) Between 1817 and 1834 copies of orders were entered into a special register or 'enrolment book' although without plans (Q/R/HD/B/1). The original orders, on parchment with plans, between 1822 and 1834 were, however, kept filed together (Q/R/HD/2). Confirmations of some orders also continued to be entered in the sessions order books.
(3) Between 1835 and 1879 the original orders, plans and other documents were kept in separate numbered bundles (Q/R/HD/6-100).
(4) From 1880 until 1942, in addition to the original documents, complete copies including plans were bound into volumes. These registered copies have the same numbers as the bundles of original documents and are usually easier to consult (volumes: Q/R/HD/B/2-4, and original orders: Q/R/HD/101-489).
(5) From 1942 until 1971 the original orders, as returned by courts of petty sessions, were filed (Q/R/HD/450-889).
(6) Orders returned after 1971 to the clerk of the council continue to be filed in a similar way (Reference: CC/HD beginning with number 890).
Note: Copies of justices' certificates of the completion of the new roads, which had to be made before the old road could be stopped were also entered in the clerk's general registers or 'enrolment books' (Q/D/B/2, 3, 4).
LIST OF HIGHWAY DIVERSION ORDERS
A chronological list including all copies. (The reference or references are noted at left side of entry).
Part I
Highway Diversions, 1774 - 1817
Mainly orders or confirmation of orders entered in the sessions order books (Q/S/OB/14-19). Plans are only included where stated.
Cornhill, Norham, through grounds of William Hall, esq., (plan), July 1774
Q/S/OB/14, p.4
Greencroft, Lanchester, through grounds of George Clavering, esq., (plan), January 1777
Q/S/OB/14, p.252-254
Hebburn, roads from Jarrow and Monkton to Newcastle, (plan), January 1777
Q/S/OB/14, p.262-267; Q/R/HD/1 & 4
Winlaton, road from Newcastle, through grounds of Thomas Clavering, bart., at Axwell Park, (plan), October 1777
Q/S/OB/14, p.301
Staindrop, road between Raby and Cockfield, (plan), July 1778
Q/S/OB/14, p.342-344
Trimdon, road from Grindon Ridge to Grindon, (plan), July 1778
Q/S/OB/14, p.344-345
Grindon, Wynyard, highway in grounds of John Tempest, esq., (plan), July 1778
Q/S/OB/14, p.347-348
Winlaton, 1780
Q/S/OB/14, p.475-477
Thornley, Kelloe, road between Castle Eden and Durham, (plan), October 1782
Q/S/OB/14, p.502
Staindrop, 1782
Q/S/OB/14, p.563-564
Durham City, The Banks or Old Quarry, 1785
Q/S/OB/15, p.83-84
Bedlington, highway, 1803
Q/R/HD 3
Part II
Highway Diversions, 1817 - 1834
Orders entered in the enrolment book (Q/R/HD/B/1), some copies in the sessions order books (Q/S/OB/18-19) and file of original orders with plans, from 1822 to 1834 (Q/R/HD/C). Those dated between 1817 and 1822 do not include plans. The dates given are those of the orders at sessions of the peace. Final completion certificates and orders to stop the old roads were usually added at a later date.
Houghton-le-Spring, footpath to Morton, stopped, 1817
Q/R/HD/B/1, p.1
Whitburn, highway from the church towards Sunderland, diverted, 1817
Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.2, 3, 6; Q/S/OB/17, p.369
Darlington, Blackwell, highway from the Tees ford, diverted owing to encroachment of the river, 1817
Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.4, 5; Q/S/OB/17, p.85
Houghton-le-Spring, footpath from Houghtonle-Spring to East Rainton, diverted, 1817
Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.7-15, 16-19
Heworth, road between the old Sunderland Road and Durham turnpike road, stopped as unnecessary, 1817
Q/R/HD/B/1, p.15
Haughton-le-Skerne, footpath through churchyard from Darlington to Stockton turnpike road to the Durham road to the north of the church, diverted, 1817 - 1818
Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.19-20; Q/S/OB/18, p.315
South Shields, highway from South Shields to Jarrow, diverted between Church Row and Mill Dam, 1818
Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.22-23, 25; Q/S/OB/18, p.315
Lanchester, Fenhall to Greencroft footpath, diverted, 1818
Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.23-24; Q/S/OB/18, p.315
Norham, Chilton, highway between Merrington and Mainsforth, diverted, 1818 - 1819
Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.25-30; Q/S/OB/18, p.365
Middleton-in-Teesdale, footway to Middleton Moor, diverted, 1819
Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.30-31, 34-35; Q/S/OB/18, p.405
Whickham, highway to 'the Wagg', unnecessary, stopped, 1819
Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.32, 36; Q/S/OB/18, p.406
Heighington, footway across churchyard, unnecessary, stopped, 1818
Q/R/HD/B/1, p.33; Q/S/OB/18, p.405
Auckland, highway between St. Andrew Auckland and Etherley, diverted, 1820
Q/R/HD/B/1, p.38
Norham, road from Tweed from Upsettlington Ford to Loanhead road, 1036 yards, unnecessary, stopped. Plan, order, notice of intention to hold special sessions; enrolment, 14 June 1822
Q/R/HD/C/1, 7; Q/S/OB/19, p.685
Norham, highway from the Norham to Ancroft turnpike, to Shoreswood Village southwest to Felkington, 1044 yards, through grounds of Shafto Craster, esq., diverted. Order, rough plan, public notice, owner's declarations, January 1822
Q/R/HD/C/2-6; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.39-42; Q/S/OB/19, pp.626-627
East Boldon to Southwick footpath, diverted at Palmers Nook. Order (part torn away), consent of owner (William Peters of Field House and Mundles), plan (5 chains to 1 inch [1:3960], including path, turnpike - Tyne to Wearmouth etc.), 9 May 1823
Q/R/HD/C/8-10; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.43-46
Witton-le-Wear, bridleway from Witton New Road to Village, 1,000 yards, diverted and straightened. Order, plan (7 chains to 1 inch [1:5544]), consent of owner (William Chaytor of Witton Castle) and plan, 16 October 1823
Q/R/HD/C/11-14; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.47-50
Witton-le-Wear, footpath to West Auckland, diverted. Order, plan, owner's consent and plan, October 1823
Q/R/HD/C/15-16, 38-39
Barnard Castle, footway between Galgate and Crook Lane, 142 yards, diverted through Gip Gap on land belonging to George Ware, whitesmith. Order, owner's consent and plan (showing path beside New Street), September 1824
Q/R/HD/C/17-19; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.51-52
Bishopwearmouth, highway between Mill Lane, near the Mills, and South Church (Southwick) Ferry Landing, 280 yards, diverted through land of Arthur Aylmer of Walworth Castle. Order, owner's consent, plan, draft of public notice, notice of intention, certificate on view of two justices that new road is properly made and order for stopping old, copy plan, November 1824 - 1825
Q/R/HD/C/20-26; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.53-54
Grindon & Billingham, highway between Thorp and Wolviston, diverted through grounds of William Russell, Marquis of Londonderry, and Dean and Chapter. Plan, order, consent of Dean and Chapter (papered Chapter Seal), Londonderry and Russell, 13 January 1825
Q/R/HD/C/27-31; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.59-61
Ryton, highway from Almon Side and Chopwell Woods to village through grounds of James Hutchinson, diverted. Plan (Thomas Bell, 50 yards to 1 inch [1:1800]). Order, owner's consent, enrolment, 14 September 1825
Q/R/HD/C/32-34; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.55-58
Chester-le-Street, footway from Chester New Bridge, near Lambton Park Gates, east along north west of River Wear to Picktree through grounds of J.G. Lambton, diverted (partly following road). Certificate on view that road repaired, order, plan, enrolment, 4 May 1826
Q/R/HD/C/35-37; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.62-64, 83-84
Monkwearmouth, highway from Thomas Street and George Street to Church Street, Monkwearmouth Shore, diverted; two new streets (Dunstans Street) being built on land of Sir Hedworth Williamson of Whitburn. Plan (the plan, by H. Robson, covers Monkwearmouth and Monkwearmouth Shore, and shows the river, with ballast cranes, Lambton and Londonderry's 'drops', Darnel and Co. Brewery, Vignette of Church, position of chapels, workhouse, etc.), owner's consent, order, certificate of completion on view, enrolment, 11 August 1826
Q/R/HD/C/41-42, 46; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.67-69
Chester-le-Street, footway from Broomyholme House, belonging to J.G. Lambton and through his grounds, across Whitehall Lane and through land of George Liddell, 1300 yards, diverted to Blackhouse Lane. Plan (100 yards to 1 inch [1:3600]), order, certificate of completion on view, enrolment, May - December 1826
Q/R/HD/C/43-45, 47; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.65-66, 70
Ryton, footway, 294 yards through ground lately enclosed by Humble Lamb of Ryton, from south side of turnpike from Hexham to Gateshead near Crawcrook leading to Greenside, diverted to run beside turnpike. Order, plan, certificate of completion (October), enrolment, 3 September 1827
Q/R/HD/C/48-49, 54; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.71-73
Norton, footway 88 yards from southwest corner of village square, across two closes of John Peacock to the turnpike road from Norton to Sunderland, diverted. Order, plan (2 chains to 1 inch [1:1584], has drawing of three houses in Norton village square), enrolment, 1 December 1828
Q/R/HD/C/51-52; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.76-77
Benfieldside, highway between Allensford Bridge and Rowley Bridge, 732 yards, diverted. Plan, order and owner's consent on one large parchment, partly decayed at edges, certificate of completion, enrolment, 1827 - 1828
Q/R/HD/C/50, 53; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.74-75
Sedgefield, footways across churchyard, unnecessary, stopped. Order and rector's consent, plan, notice, enrolment, 18 March 1830
Q/R/HD/C/55-57; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.78-80
Durham City, Framwellgate, footway from Milburngate at Horse Hole through Tenter Hills to a lane leading from Framwellgate Street to Castle Chare, diverted by Clock Mill Stairs to New North Road (i.e. on plan shown at edge of the new North Road). Order, plan (no scale, shows new road, bridge, mill dam), enrolment, 11 September 1830
Q/R/HD/C/58-60; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.81-83
Chester-le-Street, highway from southwest end of bridge over Wear, Chester New Bridge, in a crooked direction 1389 feet towards Chester-le-Street, diverted through grounds of Lord Durham. Plan, certificate of completion, order, owner's consent and plan, 9 September 1830
Q/R/HD/C/61-66
Washington, North Biddick, highway known as Church Lane, diverted through lands of Rev. Henry Perceval, 380 yards. Plan, order, certificate of completion, owner's consent, enrolment, 6 November 1830
Q/R/HD/C/67-70; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.85-86
West Boldon, footway called Hedworth Lane running east across field called High Heald belonging to John Mathews, through the stack yard to the turnpike from Tyne Bridge to Wear Bridge, unnecessary, to be stopped. Sold by surveyors to Mathews, order, certificates, plan (10 yards to 1 inch [1: 360]), enrolment, 18 February 1831
Q/R/HD/C/71-75; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.87-92
Middleton One Row, road from village across land belonging to Thomas Wrightson and William Harland, 1298 yards, to a public highway from Yarm (Yorks) to Neasham, diverted. Plan, order, owner's declarations with plans, enrolment, 9 September 1831
Q/R/HD/C/76-791; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.93-95
Norham, highway in Tilmouth between turnpike from Berwick to Cornhill, 1083 yards, to Crookham, diverted through grounds of Francis Blake. Plan, order, enrolment, 14 November 1831
Q/R/HD/C/80-82; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.96-98
Bedlington, highway through grounds of William Burden, diverted. Plan, order, notice, high constable's appointment of deputy at special sessions, notice of sessions, owner's consent (William Burden), 5 May 1832
Q/R/HD/C/83-88; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.99-101
Crayke, footpath from Great Hall Field to Church, 150 yards, diverted. Order, owner's consent, plan, enrolment, 27 February 1833
Q/R/HD/C/89-91; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.102-103
Chester-le-Street, footpath to White Hill Paper Mill, 2400 yards, diverted by Lodge Gates, Flint Mill and Tan Yard. Notices, plan, order, consent of owner, enrolment, 23 March 1833
Q/R/HD/C/92-96; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.104-105
Bishopwearmouth, highway between Sans Street and Nicholson Street, 182 yards, diverted through grounds of Earl of Durham. Plan shows layout of new streets and site of Smyrna Chapel (across site of old road). Order, plan, enrolment, 29 May 1833
Q/R/HD/C/97-98; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.106-107
St. Andrew's Auckland, footpath from Bishop Auckland, from south side of field called Church Pasture and through churchyard to village, diverted round churchyard to enlarge burial ground. Plan, order, owner's consent, plan and order for stopping old path, enrolment, 26 September 1833
Q/R/HD/C/99-104; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.108-114
Sherburn, Pittington Hall Garth, footway from Sherburn, south through Butcher Close, 422 yards, to Sherburn Mill, diverted. Plan, owner's consent, order, enrolment, 11 September 1834
Q/R/HD/C/105-107; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.119-120
Durham City, Crossgate, highway from South Street, diverted, 1834
Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.115-118
Bedlington, highway from the Morpeth to South Shields turnpike road to Bedlington, 1834
Q/R/HD/C/108; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp. 126-127
Darlington, footpath to High Coniscliffe from Darnton Field through Baydales Wood, Blackwell. Plan, owner's consent, order, 3 September 1834
Q/R/HD/C/109-111; Q/R/HD/B/1, pp.121-123
Part III
Highway Diversions, 1834 - 1879
Files or bundles of orders, plans and other documents (ref. Q/R/HD).
Part IV
Highway Diversions, 1880 - 1942
Orders and plans filed (or tied in bundles), (Q/R/HD/101-489), and register copies including plans entered in volumes (Q/R/HD/B/2-4). Both the bundles of original documents and the registered (or enrolled) copies have the same reference numbers, the volumes being distinguished by the addition of 'B' and the volume number to the prefix (e.g. Q/R/HD/B/2/101). A few copy plans which were too large for the volumes are in a separate portfolio (Q/R/HD/D). These are noted in the list. An order for 1884 found unnumbered has been allocated an unused reference number '33' (from the earlier series).
Part V
Highway Diversions and Stopping Up, 1942 - 1971
Diversion and stopping up orders (Q/R/HD 490-889), made at petty sessions, are returned to the Clerk of the Peace until 1971. They are entered in volume (Q/R/HD/B/5).
Part VI
N.B. These orders have been renumbered CC/HD 890-954
Highway Diversions and Stopping Up, 1972 - 1974
After the Courts Act, 1971, orders for diversions or stopping of highways, made at petty sessions, are returned to the Clerk of the Council instead of the Clerk of the Peace. These orders (Q/R/HD 890-954) are also entered in volume (Q/R/HD/B/5).
