Houghton-le-Spring

Houghton-le-Spring (pronounced 'Hoe-ton') is a former mining town in the North-East of England, and part of the City of Sunderland. It is situated between Newbottle, County Durham and Hetton-le-Hole and lies about 8 miles (13 km) to the south west of Sunderland.

The earliest mention of the town's name is in the Boldon Buke (Book) in 1183 as 'Hoctona'. An English transcription states:

"In Houghton are thirteen cottagers, whose tenures, works and payments are like those of Newbotill; and three other half cottagers, who also work like the three half cottagers of Newbotill. Henry the greeve, holds two oxgangs of 24 acres for his service. The smith - 12 acres for his service. The carpenter holds a toft and 4 acres for his service. The punder (one who impounds straying animals) has 20 acres and the thraves of Houghton, Wardon and Morton; he renders 60 hens and 300 eggs. The mills of Newbotill and Bidic, with half of Raynton Mill, pay XV marks. The demesne, consisting of four carucates, and the sheep pastures are in the hands of the lord".

An ancient document dated 1220 describes the town as 'Houghton Sprynges'.

The name Houghton comes from the Old English hoh meaning hill and tun meaning settlement. In 1311 the village was owned by Albreda, widow of Lord Henry Spring, hence the addition of 'le spring'.

The above explanation of the addition of ‘le Spring’ is debatable and there are alternatives. One opinion is that it is derived from the Le Spring family, Lords of Houghton in ancient times. Another explanation, which is backed up by a “Regester Booke belonginge to the Paryshe of Houghton in the Springe” from 1598, is based around the medicinal springs which flow from the surrounding limestone rocks.

The parish church of St Michael and All Angels dates back to Norman times and contains the tomb of Bernard Gilpin, known as 'the Prophet of the North'. Gilpin was Archdeacon of Durham and in 1557 became the rector at Houghton-le-Spring, which at that time was one of the largest parishes in England.

The A690 from Durham to Sunderland meets the A182 in Houghton at an unusual interchange. Heading northeast, slip roads leave the A690, heading up to a roundabout, while the A690 climbs and travels above a second roundabout, before the entry slip joins the A690 itself. Aerial photo

Houghton -Le- Spring's main shopping area is located in Newbottle Street which includes a supermarket, a library, the Post Office and various other retail outlets.