25/10/2026
🕰️ Barnard Castle in 1870. What was happening around these streets?
This photograph was taken in 1893, but let's wind the clock back another 23 years.
In 1870, the Bowes Museum was just beginning to rise, St Mary's Church was undergoing a major restoration (the tower would be rebuilt a few years later), and yes, Amen Corner was still standing!
Dr James Munro was raising concerns about the town's water supply, while the Rev. William Darwent was running West Grove School in Galgate.
Joshua Burn was advertising groceries and paraffin oil, and R. W. Atkinson was selling books and writing inks.
These were real people going about their everyday lives in the Barnard Castle we still know today.
We've been working through the old newspapers, month by month, uncovering the people, businesses and everyday stories of Barnard Castle in 1870.
A big thank you to the Teesdale Mercury Archive for making these wonderful old newspapers available. They've been invaluable in helping us bring the town's history back to life.
Read the full story through the link in the comments.
