Westgate, County Durham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Westgate |
|
|---|---|
 The preserved mine (wheel pit) north of Westgate on the Slitt vein |
|
| Population | 298 (2011 census) |
| Civil parish | |
| Unitary authority |
|
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| EU Parliament | North East England |
Westgate is a small village located in County Durham, England. It is part of the larger area called Stanhope. You can find Westgate in a beautiful valley known as Weardale. It sits between two other villages, St John's Chapel and Eastgate.
According to a count in 2001, about 298 people lived in Westgate. The village is also the entry point to Slitt Wood, which has an old, unused lead mine. Westgate has fun places like a caravan site and a court for playing football and basketball.
Contents
Westgate Castle: A Look Back in Time
Westgate was once home to a building called Westgate Castle. This building was likely built in the 1300s. It was a type of strong tower called a peel tower. These towers were used for protection and as hunting lodges. The castle was the western entrance to the Stanhope Deer Park. This park belonged to the Bishop of Durham, who was an important church leader.
What Was the Castle Used For?
In 1442, the castle was given to a person named Lord Lumley. It was used for special meetings about the forest and for managing the area. Later, people lived in the castle.
The Castle Today
By 1647, the 'castle' was falling apart. It was mostly torn down. However, even in 1791, people still talked about the "crumbling walls of an old castle at Westgate." Today, you can't see much of it.
Places of Worship
Westgate has a historic church and a chapel. These buildings show the village's past.
The Methodist Chapel
There is a Primitive Methodist chapel in Westgate. It was built in 1871. This chapel includes parts of an even older chapel that was built in 1824.
St Andrew's Church
The Anglican church in the village is called St Andrew's. It was built in 1864. A person named Robert Jewell Withers designed this church.
The Weardale Railway
Westgate once had its own railway station. This station was part of the Weardale Railway. The railway line went all the way up the valley to Wearhead.
The Railway Line Today
The railway line has been saved and is now used for special trips. It runs between Bishop Auckland and nearby Eastgate-In-Weardale. The old Westgate station is no longer used for trains. It is now used for something else.
