Westgate Village history evenings
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, DL13 1RX
As part of the village histories project, we’ll be exploring and recording the natural and cultural heritage of Westgate and its surrounding area. There are sessions every month on a Wednesday, 6pm to 8pm, starting 25 February in the village hall at Westgate.
This exciting project aims to bring together local knowledge, memories, and research to create a lasting record for future generations, and there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved.
The group is aimed at residents of Westgate, those who live nearby, or simply have an interest in the history of the village.
Free refreshments will be available throughout the session.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Image (c) – Tom Baldwin

Part of the Land of Lead and Silver project led by the North Pennines National Landscape team and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.

Westgate Village histories archive visit
2026-07-17 12:00 - 17:00
The Westgate Village Histories archive visit, on Friday 17 July, 1pm to 4pm, will explore the Weardale Chest Collection, held at Palace Green Library, Durham.
The manuscript material found in the chest dates from 1579 to 1660 and includes first hand witness testimonies from Westgate residents. It tells the fascinating story of a commonwealth era legal battle between Weardale tenants and their new Parliementarian landlord, Sir Arthur Hesilrige.
The workshop will include a palaeography training session using original documents, led by archivist Andrew Gray. As well as the rare opportunity to view the sixteenth century oak chest, situated in the historic Bamburgh Library.
Transport will be provided to and from Westgate Village. The minibus will leave Westgate Village Hall at 12 noon and return for around 5pm.
• Please note: The Barker Research Library, where the workshop takes place, is wheelchair accessible. However, the original chest is stored upstairs in a historic library. Unfortunately, this means that wheelchair users will be unable to view the chest in person.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Image (c) – Durham University Library

Part of the Land of Lead and Silver project led by the North Pennines National Landscape team and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.
