Show on map It seems that par for the course for getting housing development contracts these days is throwing in some public art.
These look alright now, but i’ll reserve final judgement for a few years to see if they still look good then.
Show on map This stone stands on the village green in Greatham.
I have found a reference in the 1856 book “History, topography, and directory of the county palatine of Durham” by William Whellan that states.
‘The Barrington School, situated in the centre of the village, was erected in 1831 ; it is efficiently conducted, and well attended. There is also an Infant School, which was erected by subscription in 1831’
Show on map This well preserved and relatively grafitti free pillbox is situtated right next to the football field in Greatham.
Strangely all the loop holes and firing positions have been covered with modern bars, but the door is wide open for you to walk inside, which doesn’t make much sense.
Show on map A series of date stones are preserved in the wall of the current community centre. The first marks the foundation of the Greatham Church School in 1834 with the inscription ‘Non Nobis Domine’ which translates as “Not to us, O Lord”
Next is a 1878 rebuild with the inscription ‘Non Nobis Sed, Nomini Tuo Da Glorium’ which translates as “not to us, but to your name give glory” both parts being from Psalm 115
The final stone simply marks a 1928 enlargement.
Show on map The Sheaf Thrower by Michael Disley was erected in 19th June 1995
It commemorates the tradition of Sheaf Throwing at the annual Greatham feast, which has been happening for 550 years.
Apparently a piece of the birds head fell off shortly after installation, but has since been repaired.
Show on map This chair in the woods features many of the buildings in the park
The Temple of Minerva and Statue of Neptune are depicted on the seat.
The Gothic Ruin is carved into the back rest.
Show on map The grotto is currently one of the unrestored buildings in Hardwick Park, it remains partially buried although it was only demolished as recently as 1972.
Show on map The original Neptune statue was placed in the Serpentine Lake in June 1758 by John Burdon, it was in position until around 1945 when it disappeared. Photos show it to be the same design as the 1729 Neptune in Durham Market Square which was sculpted by Andrew Carpenter.
This replacement sculpted by Keith Maddison was unveiled by John Grundy on 14th June 2007
Show on map The Bono Retiro dates from the 1750s like all the other buildings in the park, it has recently been consolidated to prevent further damage.
Much more existed relatively recently as this 1956 photo shows, a full model can be seen here.
Apparently the structure originally had a mirror in the entrance, which reflected the bottle pond and cascade behind you while entering.
Show on map The alcove was restored by Ramside Estates in 2007
The seat inside is a reconstruction of one known to exist there and was constructed by staff and students of Finchale College, presented by Mike Adamson in September 2009