Allensford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allensford |
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 Allensford
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| OS grid reference | NZ 07708 50201 |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Police | Durham |
| Fire | County Durham and Darlington |
| Ambulance | North East |
| EU Parliament | North East England |
Allensford is a small, peaceful place in County Durham, England. It's a lovely country park and a tiny village (called a hamlet) located right by the River Derwent. You can find it about 2 miles southwest of Consett and 1 mile north of Castleside. It's a great spot for enjoying nature and learning about history!
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Exploring Allensford
Allensford is known for its beautiful scenery. It's a popular spot for people who love the outdoors. You can enjoy walks along the river and explore the nearby woodlands.
A Glimpse into the Past
The name Allensford has been around for a long time. It was first written down as Aleynforth around the year 1382. Sometimes, you might even see it spelled Allansford. It's always been a place where people could cross the river.
The Story of Allensford Bridge
For many years, people crossed the River Derwent at Allensford using a shallow part of the river called a ford. We don't know exactly when a bridge was built to replace the ford. However, we know there was a bridge by the late 1600s. Records from that time show the bridge was in very bad condition.
The Old Mill Farmhouse
The building now known as Allensford Mill farmhouse has an interesting past. It was once an inn called the Belsay Castle Inn. This inn was named after the family who owned Belsay Castle. Part of the inn was built in the late 1600s. It might have even been a special strong house called a bastle. More parts were added in the 1700s and 1800s. The inn stopped serving guests in 1869. Later, an upper room in one of its outbuildings was used as a church.
Steel Industry Pioneers
Allensford also played a part in the history of making steel. A man named Denis Hayford, who was born around 1635, was a pioneer in the steel industry. In 1692, he took over the lease for the Allensford furnace and forge. This was a place where metal was heated and shaped. His business was located upstream from his other steel works in Shotley Bridge. It seems his lease for Allensford ended in 1713. You can still see where the old furnace was on maps today.
Nature and Outdoor Fun
Today, Allensford is a fantastic place for outdoor activities. It has a special campsite where you can stay. The woods next to Allensford are also very important. They are called the Allensford Woods Local Nature Reserve. This reserve covers about 17.5 hectares (which is about 43 acres) and is a protected area for wildlife and plants. It's a great place to explore nature!
