Sockburn Hall, Darlington. An archaeological investigation of the medieval and post-medieval manors and the setting of the pre-Conquest church
Author(s): David Went, Marcus Jecock
In early 2007 English Heritage undertook field investigations and commissioned a geophysical survey across the parkland of the 19th-century hall at Sockburn, within a peninsula bounded by the River Tees to the south of Darlington. The archaeological remains (most of which are visible as earthworks) define a post-medieval mansion and garden, formerly the seat of one of the most powerful baronial families in the County Palatine of Durham, and perhaps an earlier medieval hall. Still earlier occupation of the peninsula is evident from the ruined nave of All Saints’ Church located within the park, and an extensive collection of late 9th- and 10th-century crosses and grave covers gathered together in the adjoining restored chapel. These pre-Conquest aspects have been reviewed in the light of documentary evidence and recent scholarship, drawing on an improved understanding of the local topography and the subsequent evolution of the landscape. On this basis it has been possible to chart the probable history of a key central place from its origins as an Anglian minster and through its successively re-inventions as a Viking settlement and church, medieval manor, post-medieval mansion and 19th century hall – each development reflecting the advantages and special enclosed qualities of the peninsula.
- Report Number:
- 82/2007
- Series:
- Research Department Reports
- Pages:
- 88
- Keywords:
- Early Medieval Earth Resistance Gardens, Parks and Urban Spaces Geophysical Survey Magnetometer Medieval Modern Post Medieval Formal Garden / Landscape Park
