Ushaw Moor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ushaw Moor |
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 Ushaw Moor
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| Population | 3,941 (2011 census) |
| OS grid reference | NZ22894261 |
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Durham |
| Postcode district | DH7 |
| Dialling code | 0191 |
| Police | Durham |
| Fire | County Durham and Darlington |
| Ambulance | North East |
| EU Parliament | North East England |
| UK Parliament |
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Ushaw Moor is a village in County Durham, England. It is located west of Durham city. The village sits on the north side of the River Deerness. It used to be a "pit village," which means it grew because of a coal mine. Today, Ushaw Moor is a busy community. It is part of the City of Durham area. Its MP since 2019 has been Mary Foy. An MP is a person elected to represent the area in the UK Parliament.
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What's in a Name?
The name 'Ushaw' likely comes from an old Scandinavian word. This word means 'wolves' wood'. So, 'Ushaw Moor' means 'the moor near the wood of wolves'. It's a cool name, isn't it?
A Look Back in Time
People have lived in Ushaw Moor for a long time. Records show the village existed in the 1500s. For many years, it was mostly a farming area. There was a windmill there until the 1800s.
In 1804, a special college was built in Ushaw Moor. It was called St. Cuthbert's College. Later, it became known as Ushaw College. It opened in 1808. A chapel was added in 1847. Then, a library and an exhibition hall were built. Ushaw College was a place where people studied to become priests. It closed as a seminary in 2011. In 2014, it reopened as a visitor attraction. Now, it is called Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens.
In 1858, a drift mine was started in Ushaw Moor. This mine dug for coal. It was called Ushaw Moor Colliery. In 1879, a man named Henry Chaytor bought the mine. During his time, there was a big strike in 1881. This happened after a union leader was fired. The strike ended when police came to the village. They helped to move the striking workers and their families out of their homes. This kind of action was sometimes used back then.
Mr. Chaytor sold the mine in 1883. The new owners, Pease & Partners, were better to the workers. Life became easier for the community. However, Ushaw Moor Colliery closed in 1960. This was part of a larger shutdown of coal mines in the Durham area.
In recent years, Ushaw Moor has grown a lot. It has become a busy center for the Deerness Valley. Many "pit villages" struggled after the mines closed. But Ushaw Moor has done well. It has good connections to Durham and Newcastle. There are also good local schools and shops. This makes it a popular place for people buying their first homes.
Where is Ushaw Moor?
Ushaw Moor is about 2 miles west of Durham city. It is also about 20 miles south of Newcastle upon Tyne.
The Deerness Valley Railway Path runs through Ushaw Moor. This path is eight miles long. It used to be a railway track. Now, it is a beautiful path through woodlands. It's a great place for walking and cycling.
Schools and Learning
Ushaw Moor has two primary schools:
- Silver Tree Primary School
- St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School
Durham Academy is the main secondary school for the village.
Ushaw College was a Roman Catholic seminary. It was also part of the University of Durham. It closed in 2011. Now, Durham University Business School uses parts of the college. This is while their own campus is being updated. Ushaw College also hosts the yearly Ushaw Jazz Festival.
Places of Worship
Ushaw Moor has three churches:
- Ushaw Moor Baptist Church
- St. Luke's Church
- St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Sports and Fun
Ushaw Moor Cricket Club was started in 1881. It has two teams for adults. It also has four teams for younger players.
