Sedgefield Town Council
About Sedgefield ....
Sedgefield, is an ancient village known to exist in Norman times but probably much older. It can be traced back as far as the Roman era when there was a settlement here, straddling a Roman road. Traces of this settlement have been found on the outskirts of the town where a Roman kiln was found by the Channel 4 Time Team.
The name 'Sedgefield', or 'Ceddesfeld' as it was known in the 10th century, comes either from the word meaning 'field of sedge' which fits in with the marshy nature of the area, or from a Saxon Warrior called 'Cedd' or 'Secg' who was possibly granted the land.
The name 'Sedgefield', or 'Ceddesfeld' as it was known in the 10th century, comes either from the word meaning 'field of sedge' which fits in with the marshy nature of the area, or from a Saxon Warrior called 'Cedd' or 'Secg' who was possibly granted the land.
The Church is the main feature of the village green. Built in the 13th century it contains some fine woodwork by Robert Barker and has been featured on television. The tower dates from 1492. From the top of the tower, on a clear day, you can see the whole of the town laid out before you and many miles across across County Durham to the Moors, Dales, and Coast. Sedgefield was granted a Market Charter in 1312 and has flourished since then.
Even in the early 19th century Sedgefield was a very important coaching centre with the 'Expedition' running daily to Leeds. 18th century records show that it was important for manufacturing agricultural requirements including saddlery; for straw hats, flour making and shoemaking. Today it is very much a commuter town with residents working in the surrounding areas of Darlington, Durham, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Newcastle. Yet it still has a strong community spirit with a wide range of active community groups. Sedgefield, although a small market town, still retains its feel as a small village with many of the residents rebuffing the idea that Sedgefield is a Town and not a Village such is the charm and ambience of the area. Local Historian Surtees once described Sedgefield as... 'A small neat market town with the appearance rather of a handsome village.......' Many of the buildings in Sedgefield can be dated back to the 17th century and have been sympathetically restored over the years. The centre of Sedgefield is a conservation area.
Sedgefield can also boast that it has the only Racecourse in County Durham, which is used for National Hunt racing with a large programme of Meets during the year. It is also steeped in tradition with the 'Shrove Tuesday' Ball game played in the village for over 1000 years. Originally it was a football match between the Farmers and Tradesman but now everyone, young and old, join in, with anyone presenting the ball in the village pubs can expect a free drink.
Even in the early 19th century Sedgefield was a very important coaching centre with the 'Expedition' running daily to Leeds. 18th century records show that it was important for manufacturing agricultural requirements including saddlery; for straw hats, flour making and shoemaking. Today it is very much a commuter town with residents working in the surrounding areas of Darlington, Durham, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Newcastle. Yet it still has a strong community spirit with a wide range of active community groups. Sedgefield, although a small market town, still retains its feel as a small village with many of the residents rebuffing the idea that Sedgefield is a Town and not a Village such is the charm and ambience of the area. Local Historian Surtees once described Sedgefield as... 'A small neat market town with the appearance rather of a handsome village.......' Many of the buildings in Sedgefield can be dated back to the 17th century and have been sympathetically restored over the years. The centre of Sedgefield is a conservation area.
Sedgefield can also boast that it has the only Racecourse in County Durham, which is used for National Hunt racing with a large programme of Meets during the year. It is also steeped in tradition with the 'Shrove Tuesday' Ball game played in the village for over 1000 years. Originally it was a football match between the Farmers and Tradesman but now everyone, young and old, join in, with anyone presenting the ball in the village pubs can expect a free drink.
The former Rectory is an interesting building and is now known as Ceddesfeld Hall. It was built, after fire destroyed an earlier Rectory, by Sir Samuel Barrington and Bishop Shute Barrington in 1792. Samuel was an Admiral of the Fleet and Shute was the Bishop of Durham. The rector at the time happened to be their nephew! The views from the windows look down on terraced lawns and an attractive mediaeval lake and fishpond.
Local sporting facilities include a Sports College, Cricket Field, Golf Course and of course the Racecourse. All have a wide range of sporting events during the year which are well supported by the community and visitors.
Sedgefield was thrust into the public view in 1997 when Labour won the General Election and the local MP, the Right Honourable Tony Blair became Prime Minister. As a result the town is often seen on national and international television and has received important visitors including President George Bush and the French Prime Minister.
Sedgefield was thrust into the public view in 1997 when Labour won the General Election and the local MP, the Right Honourable Tony Blair became Prime Minister. As a result the town is often seen on national and international television and has received important visitors including President George Bush and the French Prime Minister.
HARDWICK HALL
There has been a house here since mediaeval times when the Manor of 'Herdwyck' first occupied this site. Hardwick Hall was built by John Burden in 1748. Over the years this has had many uses including a Maternity Hospital and during the War as a centre for the ' Bevin Boys'. A building has stood on these grounds since 1449 and the new build in 1748 by J Burden, a local gentleman who spent money on the grounds that contained several follies and artificial lakes under the direction of designer James Payne.
These designs for the house were never realised as John Burden's money ran out and in the middle of the 19th century the house was taken over by Viscount Boyne. His ownership ended when he was unable to maintain the property during the depression of the 1920's. The house has now been converted and extended to a 4 Star Hotel.
Hardwick Park was constructed in the 1750's by John Burden as his private pleasure ground. Now a public Country Park, it has survived, practically unaltered but had fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect until 2004 when a major restoration project was put in place.
Various decorative buildings were erected around a circuit walk at the centre of which was a 17 acre lake fed by a serpentine river. These buildings included a Bath House, Banqueting House, Temple of Minerva, Gothic Ruin, Tuscan Alcove and a Gothic Seat. The serpentine river was crossed by a Gothic Bridge which was restored in 1994.
Various decorative buildings were erected around a circuit walk at the centre of which was a 17 acre lake fed by a serpentine river. These buildings included a Bath House, Banqueting House, Temple of Minerva, Gothic Ruin, Tuscan Alcove and a Gothic Seat. The serpentine river was crossed by a Gothic Bridge which was restored in 1994.
For more information on the Hardwick Restoration Project click here.
A small number of pictures of old Sedgefield are known to be in existence.
Some are shown on this page - links to further historical information and pictures are given below.
Some are shown on this page - links to further historical information and pictures are given below.
Looking down the High Street
At the bottom of Rectory Row
The Square
The High Street and Green, showing the old school and jail
East End and Eastwell Farm
You can find more historical information and pictures of Sedgefield in these sites.
Old pictures of Sedgefield - David Hillerby and Peter Cardno
Old photographs of Sedgefield on Sedgefieldweb
Old photographs of Sedgefield on Sedgefieldweb
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