| Blacken, a legendary hero in battle: always remembered, never forgotten. This has been his story. |
| Blackham Hill Eighton Banks The burial site of Blaec an Anglo-Saxon Warrior A Chance Discovery by Audrey Fletcher Copyright 2011 |
| Blackim Hill lies to the north of Shadens Hill at Eighton Banks. The Ship Inn is the white building at the far right. Photo by my brother Alan Hall 2005 |
Blackim Hill, alternatively known as Blackham Hill, is the lesser known cousin of Shadens Hill. It rises
just north of Shadens Hill behind The Ship Inn at Eighton Banks. In fact the Ship Inn lies at the foot of
Blackim Hill, on its perimeter.
just north of Shadens Hill behind The Ship Inn at Eighton Banks. In fact the Ship Inn lies at the foot of
Blackim Hill, on its perimeter.
Blackim Hill, rising to 500 feet, is the highest point of The Mount, the high ground up behind Mount
Lane. However my parents and grandparents used to refer to the high ground behind much of Eighton
Banks as "The Mount". Consequently we have The Mount Chapel (also known as The Wesleyan
Chapel) which lies between The Waggon at the top of Sandy Lane and Blackim Hill.
Lane. However my parents and grandparents used to refer to the high ground behind much of Eighton
Banks as "The Mount". Consequently we have The Mount Chapel (also known as The Wesleyan
Chapel) which lies between The Waggon at the top of Sandy Lane and Blackim Hill.
| The Mount at Eighton Banks Photo by Audrey Fletcher 2011 |
| This 1865 map shows the area around Blackim Hill |
The following map shows the area around Blackim Hill as it was in 1865. Top left is The Wagon Public
House, and between it and Blackim Hill is the Weslyan Methodist Chapel, locally known as The Mount
Chapel. Today it is a comminity centre. Blackim Hill is indicated as the highest point at 500 feet above
sea level. The Mount, Mount Lane and Mount House take their names from the geography of the area.
At the top right is Usworth Common, now Springwell.
House, and between it and Blackim Hill is the Weslyan Methodist Chapel, locally known as The Mount
Chapel. Today it is a comminity centre. Blackim Hill is indicated as the highest point at 500 feet above
sea level. The Mount, Mount Lane and Mount House take their names from the geography of the area.
At the top right is Usworth Common, now Springwell.
The Stone Age microlithic industry at Shadens Hill was fairly typical of its kind. Not only was it situated
on the plateau of a sandstone hill affording flat living space, drainage and strategic commanding views
on three sides, but also it was protected by Blackim Hill (500ft above sea level) and The Mount to the
north. Until 1068 and the Battle of Shadens Hill this strategic position offered a strong defence against
enemies.
on the plateau of a sandstone hill affording flat living space, drainage and strategic commanding views
on three sides, but also it was protected by Blackim Hill (500ft above sea level) and The Mount to the
north. Until 1068 and the Battle of Shadens Hill this strategic position offered a strong defence against
enemies.
| Shadens Hill viewed from Blackim Hill. Note the classic Iron Age Fort profile. Blackim Hill afforded Shadens Hill protection from marauders to the north. Photo by Audrey Fletcher 2011 |
Today Blackim Hill is known as Blackham Hill, but it had been a name in flux for many years. I
would suggest that the final name change was made when would be cartographers thought that we
Northerners could neither spell nor talk proper. (Similarly Penscher Hill was changed to Penshaw Hill.)
The name change is fairly recent and nowadays is used in connection with Blackham Hill Bowes
Railway, a scheduled ancient monument ... the railway, not the hill. The railway site is important
because it is the junction of the rope worked inclines of the Pontop and Jarrow railways.
The Blackham Hill Railway Junction lies just up the incline to the left of Blackim Hill and to the right of
PenPoll. My Uncle Ian and Auntie Laura lived in #1 Pen Poll, the house next to the railway line.
would suggest that the final name change was made when would be cartographers thought that we
Northerners could neither spell nor talk proper. (Similarly Penscher Hill was changed to Penshaw Hill.)
The name change is fairly recent and nowadays is used in connection with Blackham Hill Bowes
Railway, a scheduled ancient monument ... the railway, not the hill. The railway site is important
because it is the junction of the rope worked inclines of the Pontop and Jarrow railways.
The Blackham Hill Railway Junction lies just up the incline to the left of Blackim Hill and to the right of
PenPoll. My Uncle Ian and Auntie Laura lived in #1 Pen Poll, the house next to the railway line.
| Blackham Hill Railway Junction is now a scheduled ancient monument Photo by Audrey Fletcher 2011 |
| The Blackim Hill railway crossing at the beginning of Rockcliffe Way Postcard view from Shadens Hill, early 1900s |
My paternal grandparents, my Granda and Grandma Hall, lived in a very old sandstone dwelling on
Blackim Hill in the 1930s. My mam and dad lived next door after their marriage in 1937. The pair of
cottages were said to have been originally built as a Wesleyan Chapel following John Wesley’s
circuit of the area in the mid 1700s. It would seem though that the chapel was not a going concern,
* possibly due to its isolation, and it was replaced in the 1770s by The Mount Chapel, about half a
mile along the road heading from Blackim Hill towards the Waggon Public House. (See above
map.)
As a result of the Blackim Hill Wesleyan Chapel being abandoned it was converted into a pair of
cottages. The original central entrance into the chapel is clearly visible on the photo below. My
mam described the cottages as having
“a living room, a front room, and a scullery at the end. There were two big bedrooms upstairs.
There was a little window and a dark brown front door with a latch. The toilet was outside, up the
back garden. There were big gardens back and front. The cottages were behind The Ship and
facing Shadens Hill.”
Blackim Hill in the 1930s. My mam and dad lived next door after their marriage in 1937. The pair of
cottages were said to have been originally built as a Wesleyan Chapel following John Wesley’s
circuit of the area in the mid 1700s. It would seem though that the chapel was not a going concern,
* possibly due to its isolation, and it was replaced in the 1770s by The Mount Chapel, about half a
mile along the road heading from Blackim Hill towards the Waggon Public House. (See above
map.)
As a result of the Blackim Hill Wesleyan Chapel being abandoned it was converted into a pair of
cottages. The original central entrance into the chapel is clearly visible on the photo below. My
mam described the cottages as having
“a living room, a front room, and a scullery at the end. There were two big bedrooms upstairs.
There was a little window and a dark brown front door with a latch. The toilet was outside, up the
back garden. There were big gardens back and front. The cottages were behind The Ship and
facing Shadens Hill.”
| Left: One of a pair of very old sandstone cottages at Blackim Hill. My grandparents lived in one and my parents in the other. Photographer unknown Courtesy of http://isee.gateshead.gov.uk/ |
| My older brother John D Hall in the back yard of 2 Blackims Hill 1938 Photo by my dad, Joseph W Hall |
As a child I would get confused over Blackims Hill, Blackens Hill and The Blacking (pronounced The
Blacken) which was a group of four or five cottages behind Sandy Lane.
My mam and dad had moved from Blackims Hill to The Blacking (about half a mile or so along Rockcliffe
Way) when they had three children. Aggie Johnston lived next door. The cottages had originally been
built to house the families of workers at the Blacking Factory. In the War years the German aircraft on
bombing raids would fly right over my parents' house at The Blacking, heading for the Royal Ordinance
Factory across the valley in Birtley. The anti-aircraft guns, the ack-ack, would try to shoot them down,
lighting up the night sky.
Blacken) which was a group of four or five cottages behind Sandy Lane.
My mam and dad had moved from Blackims Hill to The Blacking (about half a mile or so along Rockcliffe
Way) when they had three children. Aggie Johnston lived next door. The cottages had originally been
built to house the families of workers at the Blacking Factory. In the War years the German aircraft on
bombing raids would fly right over my parents' house at The Blacking, heading for the Royal Ordinance
Factory across the valley in Birtley. The anti-aircraft guns, the ack-ack, would try to shoot them down,
lighting up the night sky.
My Mam always referred to Blackim Hill as either Blackims Hill, Blackams Hill or more frequently as
Blackens Hill. Never as Blackim Hill. It was as though it was an acknowledgement that the Hill had been
named after somebody. Blackims Hill and Blackams Hill have the same pronunciation. However it was
clearly a name in flux not only as late as 2007 (I can hear my Mam now recollecting the past) but also
when my brother John was a toddler. The following two birthday cards of 1939 and 1940 show the
different spelling ... same pronunciation, different spelling.
Blackens Hill. Never as Blackim Hill. It was as though it was an acknowledgement that the Hill had been
named after somebody. Blackims Hill and Blackams Hill have the same pronunciation. However it was
clearly a name in flux not only as late as 2007 (I can hear my Mam now recollecting the past) but also
when my brother John was a toddler. The following two birthday cards of 1939 and 1940 show the
different spelling ... same pronunciation, different spelling.
| These birthday cards of 1939 and 1940 illustrate the different spellings of Blackams Hill and Blackims Hill Birthday cards are courtesy of my brother John D Hall |
Blackens Hill seems to have been an earlier, local name for Blackims Hill. It was used colloquially by
my parents but not on mapping. Today I would hazard that the reference to Blackens Hill has died out
with the older generations.
(I remember years ago phoning up The Ship and The Wagon pubs at Eighton Banks to see if I could
find out some extra local history about Shadens Hill. The people I spoke to hadn't even heard of
Shadens Hill. I rest my case.)
my parents but not on mapping. Today I would hazard that the reference to Blackens Hill has died out
with the older generations.
(I remember years ago phoning up The Ship and The Wagon pubs at Eighton Banks to see if I could
find out some extra local history about Shadens Hill. The people I spoke to hadn't even heard of
Shadens Hill. I rest my case.)
| The Blacking, pronounced The Blacken, was up behind Sandy Lane The cottages were pulled down in the early 1960s Photo by Audrey Fletcher 2011 |
Who was Blacken? He was a warrior of great stature, valour and courage who led his army into battle.
As such he would have been of the nobility, possibly a king, a king's son or a Thegn. Most certainly he
was a leader, a man of authority, who was revered by his people.
What did Blacken look like? What was his background? In Old English Blacken's Hill would have
been written as Blaecenshlaew. Blacken's name "Blaecen" suggests that he was an Anglo-Saxon. (Our
English word "black" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "blaec".) There is no suggestion of a
Roman or Norman derivation in the name. Generally the Anglo-Saxons were considered to be a fair
race of people. However Blacken's name suggests that he was of dark complexion, and had dark, if not
black, hair. This lends itself to the strong possibilty that he had Roman ancestry, though the union was
not blessed by marriage. Had the Roman union been blessed by marriage then his ancestors would
have returned to Rome in 410AD and Blacken would not be living in Engle Land at the time of his death.
As such he would have been of the nobility, possibly a king, a king's son or a Thegn. Most certainly he
was a leader, a man of authority, who was revered by his people.
What did Blacken look like? What was his background? In Old English Blacken's Hill would have
been written as Blaecenshlaew. Blacken's name "Blaecen" suggests that he was an Anglo-Saxon. (Our
English word "black" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "blaec".) There is no suggestion of a
Roman or Norman derivation in the name. Generally the Anglo-Saxons were considered to be a fair
race of people. However Blacken's name suggests that he was of dark complexion, and had dark, if not
black, hair. This lends itself to the strong possibilty that he had Roman ancestry, though the union was
not blessed by marriage. Had the Roman union been blessed by marriage then his ancestors would
have returned to Rome in 410AD and Blacken would not be living in Engle Land at the time of his death.
Blacken the Warrior ... a chance discovery
I stumbled across a reference to Blacken quite by chance in an old set of books I have called
"North-Country Lore and Legend". I was reading them with relish and became immediately excited by an
article which was a partial reprint of the original 1858 version thirty years earlier. The article concerns
burials of people of note before the Norman Invasion and recalls "the traditionary prowess of one
Blacken, at Blackens Hill near Birtley Fell".
From the context of the article it can be ascertained that Blacken was a hero, a giant of a man who had
fought in battle with great valour and courage. He is said to have lived before the Norman Conquest of
1066. His prowess in battle was commemorated down through the centuries, becoming legendary, and
his name lived on.
Blacken's burial place is up on the highest point to the north of Shadens Hill and overlooking the valley.
The hill became known as "Blacken's Hill" ... the name still being used more than a thousand years
later by my mam and dad, and passed on by them to me.
Blacken, a legendary hero in battle: always remembered, never forgotten.
(According to the same source there is another pre-conquest legendary hero buried on Penscher Hill.)
I stumbled across a reference to Blacken quite by chance in an old set of books I have called
"North-Country Lore and Legend". I was reading them with relish and became immediately excited by an
article which was a partial reprint of the original 1858 version thirty years earlier. The article concerns
burials of people of note before the Norman Invasion and recalls "the traditionary prowess of one
Blacken, at Blackens Hill near Birtley Fell".
From the context of the article it can be ascertained that Blacken was a hero, a giant of a man who had
fought in battle with great valour and courage. He is said to have lived before the Norman Conquest of
1066. His prowess in battle was commemorated down through the centuries, becoming legendary, and
his name lived on.
Blacken's burial place is up on the highest point to the north of Shadens Hill and overlooking the valley.
The hill became known as "Blacken's Hill" ... the name still being used more than a thousand years
later by my mam and dad, and passed on by them to me.
Blacken, a legendary hero in battle: always remembered, never forgotten.
(According to the same source there is another pre-conquest legendary hero buried on Penscher Hill.)
| Blacken, a legendary warrior who lived and died before the Norman Conquest was buried at "Blaecen Hlaew" ... now called Blackham Hill. The hill was named for Blaecen the Warrior, marking his final resting place. Photo by my brother Alan Hall 2005 |
| Black Fell, south of Blackim Hill was also named in commemoration of Blaec, the fallen warrior. Map 1865 |
How and when did Blacken die? It is recorded that Blacken died in battle and was buried at
Blacken's Hill, Eighton Banks. This infers that the battle took place in the vicinity of Shadens Hill.
Precisely when Blacken died will not be known until his grave is excavated, but there is the possibility
that he died in battle against the Vikings when they sailed up the Rivers Tyne and Wear in 783AD.
How was Blaec the Warrior buried? The burial may have been either of cremation remains in an urn
or it could have been an inhumation. If it was the former, Blaec would have been cremated together with
his shield and weaponry, and the funeral pyre would have been visible for miles around, befitting a
warrior of high status who was greatly esteemed by his followers. If Blaec was buried he would have
been laid out on his back, in the supine position dressed in his finery and holding his shield and
weaponry. Whether his cremated remains or his body was buried in the grave, his other treasured
possessions would lie nearby. Food may have been stored in jars for his journey into the next world.
Whether buried or cremated, Blaec's funeral would have been conducted with great pomp and
ceremony. For a warrior of such importance and stature the grave would have been large, giving
accordance to his rank, and Blaec would possibly have been laid to rest in an east west position. A
burial mound, a barrow, would have covered the grave site on the highest point of Blaecen Hleaw. In
fact the hill itself could have been considered as the burial mound, reflecting the position and
importance of Blaec the Warrior, and his high status within the community. Having had a Hill, a Fell and
a vast Territory named after him, there is no doubt that Blaec would have been buried with full honour
and ritual. There is also no doubt that the victory in battle was Blaec's otherwise he would not have
been buried at Blaecen Hlaew and had Blacken's Hill and Black Fell named in his honour. Names which
have lasted well over a thousand years.
Blacken's Hill, Eighton Banks. This infers that the battle took place in the vicinity of Shadens Hill.
Precisely when Blacken died will not be known until his grave is excavated, but there is the possibility
that he died in battle against the Vikings when they sailed up the Rivers Tyne and Wear in 783AD.
How was Blaec the Warrior buried? The burial may have been either of cremation remains in an urn
or it could have been an inhumation. If it was the former, Blaec would have been cremated together with
his shield and weaponry, and the funeral pyre would have been visible for miles around, befitting a
warrior of high status who was greatly esteemed by his followers. If Blaec was buried he would have
been laid out on his back, in the supine position dressed in his finery and holding his shield and
weaponry. Whether his cremated remains or his body was buried in the grave, his other treasured
possessions would lie nearby. Food may have been stored in jars for his journey into the next world.
Whether buried or cremated, Blaec's funeral would have been conducted with great pomp and
ceremony. For a warrior of such importance and stature the grave would have been large, giving
accordance to his rank, and Blaec would possibly have been laid to rest in an east west position. A
burial mound, a barrow, would have covered the grave site on the highest point of Blaecen Hleaw. In
fact the hill itself could have been considered as the burial mound, reflecting the position and
importance of Blaec the Warrior, and his high status within the community. Having had a Hill, a Fell and
a vast Territory named after him, there is no doubt that Blaec would have been buried with full honour
and ritual. There is also no doubt that the victory in battle was Blaec's otherwise he would not have
been buried at Blaecen Hlaew and had Blacken's Hill and Black Fell named in his honour. Names which
have lasted well over a thousand years.
| Blaecen Hlaew ... today named Blackham Hill ... indicating the possible burial place of Blaec the Warrior at the cenre point of the Chapel. Aerial photo courtesy of Bing |
Where was Blaecen the Warrior buried? The clue to the burial site of Blaecen the Warrior lies in
the siting or positioning of the two cottages on Blackim Hill. The cottages were not originally built as
cottages, they were converted from a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel built in the mid 1700s. The chapel
was abandoned not long after it had been built, presumably because of low attendance. The Mount
Chapel was built further to the west, along Galloping Green, near to The Waggon public house and it
was a going concern. (See 1865 Map above.) This situation begs the question, "Why was the Chapel
built on Blackim Hill in the first place when there were so few parishioners to attend services?"
The answer lies in the fact that in the 1700s people knew about the Blacken the Warrior and that he
was buried on Blacken's Hill, also known as Blackim Hill. What better place to build a Chapel than on
top of the burial place of such a renowned and legendary local figure? A sacred building erected on
top of a sacred site. What better place to build a chapel?
The logical site of Blaec's grave would be at the central point of the Chapel floor, in line with the front
entrance. On the aerial photo below this appears as a light area between two dark patches. The
Chapel, later converted into cottages, was pulled down around the mid 1940s.
the siting or positioning of the two cottages on Blackim Hill. The cottages were not originally built as
cottages, they were converted from a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel built in the mid 1700s. The chapel
was abandoned not long after it had been built, presumably because of low attendance. The Mount
Chapel was built further to the west, along Galloping Green, near to The Waggon public house and it
was a going concern. (See 1865 Map above.) This situation begs the question, "Why was the Chapel
built on Blackim Hill in the first place when there were so few parishioners to attend services?"
The answer lies in the fact that in the 1700s people knew about the Blacken the Warrior and that he
was buried on Blacken's Hill, also known as Blackim Hill. What better place to build a Chapel than on
top of the burial place of such a renowned and legendary local figure? A sacred building erected on
top of a sacred site. What better place to build a chapel?
The logical site of Blaec's grave would be at the central point of the Chapel floor, in line with the front
entrance. On the aerial photo below this appears as a light area between two dark patches. The
Chapel, later converted into cottages, was pulled down around the mid 1940s.
| This aerial photo of Blackim Hill indicates the position of the two cottages, which is confirmed on the above 1865 Map. Photo courtesy of Bing |
| Blackim Hill from the footpath. The initial view, revealing an unexpected additional small hill, was inviting. The more savage vegetation was reached as we climbed higher. Photo by Audrey Fletcher 2011 |
| Standing on the summit of Blackham Hill, among the chest high unfriendly vegetation, looking south towards Shadens Hill. Photo by Audrey Fletcher 2011 |
| A representation of an Anglo-Saxon chief Sculpture by Gianni La Rocca. Click the link to visit the web site www.romeomodels.com |
What further information can be learned about Blacken's name? Blacken the warrior, and his
legendary prowess, was well known when it was recorded in the mid 1800s. So too was his burial place
at Blackens Hill near Birtley Fell. Blacken was the name used in the article, and Blacken was the name
used by my parents.
However in Old English, Blacken or Blaecen was not a person's name. Rather it was the possessive
of a person's name. What this means is that the Anglo-Saxon "Blaecen" translates into modern
English as "Black's" i.e. "belonging to Black".
Down through the centuries, as our English language has changed and evolved, "Blaecen Hlaew"
translating literally as "Black's Hill" became known as "Blacken's Hill". The Anglo-Saxon "en" was
forgotten, or unknown to be a possessive ending for the name "Blaec" following the Norman Conquest
of 1066, and as the possessive "apostrophe ess" was introduced into the English language, "Blaecen
Hlaew" became known as "Blaecan's Hlaew" and finally as "Blacken's Hill".
This solves the mystery of why Black Fell, just south of Blacken's Hill and incorporating Shadens Hill, is
not called "Blacken Fell". Black Fell has maintained Blaec's original name. Black Fell was named in
commemoration of Blaec, the fallen warrior.
The name "Blackim Hill" as used on maps in the 1800s harks back to the Anglo-Saxon, with no modern
possessive apostrophe ess. However the "im" ending is a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon "en".
I find it truly amazing that the name and legend of an Anglo-Saxon hero named Blaec withstood the
onslaught of the Norman Invasion and the Scots, and its aftermath of bloody annihilation of the people
of the North.
legendary prowess, was well known when it was recorded in the mid 1800s. So too was his burial place
at Blackens Hill near Birtley Fell. Blacken was the name used in the article, and Blacken was the name
used by my parents.
However in Old English, Blacken or Blaecen was not a person's name. Rather it was the possessive
of a person's name. What this means is that the Anglo-Saxon "Blaecen" translates into modern
English as "Black's" i.e. "belonging to Black".
Down through the centuries, as our English language has changed and evolved, "Blaecen Hlaew"
translating literally as "Black's Hill" became known as "Blacken's Hill". The Anglo-Saxon "en" was
forgotten, or unknown to be a possessive ending for the name "Blaec" following the Norman Conquest
of 1066, and as the possessive "apostrophe ess" was introduced into the English language, "Blaecen
Hlaew" became known as "Blaecan's Hlaew" and finally as "Blacken's Hill".
This solves the mystery of why Black Fell, just south of Blacken's Hill and incorporating Shadens Hill, is
not called "Blacken Fell". Black Fell has maintained Blaec's original name. Black Fell was named in
commemoration of Blaec, the fallen warrior.
The name "Blackim Hill" as used on maps in the 1800s harks back to the Anglo-Saxon, with no modern
possessive apostrophe ess. However the "im" ending is a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon "en".
I find it truly amazing that the name and legend of an Anglo-Saxon hero named Blaec withstood the
onslaught of the Norman Invasion and the Scots, and its aftermath of bloody annihilation of the people
of the North.
| A representation of an Anglo-Saxon chief Sculpture by Gianni La Rocca. Click the link to visit the web site www.romeomodels.com |
Blackim Hill in 2011
As seen in the above photo, the summit of Blackim Hill is well defined and separated from the adjoining
areas. On approaching from what was the old railway crossing on Rockcliffe Way the three small tiers
which met us gave an impression of a small Iron Age Fort, the shape being not unlike that of Shadens
Hill.
As seen in the above photo, the summit of Blackim Hill is well defined and separated from the adjoining
areas. On approaching from what was the old railway crossing on Rockcliffe Way the three small tiers
which met us gave an impression of a small Iron Age Fort, the shape being not unlike that of Shadens
Hill.
| On approaching the summit of Blackim Hill the three tiers give the impression of a small Iron Age Fort. Left: Photo courtesy of Alan Hall Right: Aerial photo courtesy of Bing |
Climbing over the summit was no easy going. The initial view of the summit from the footpath, before we
started our final climb, was inviting, with the foxgloves growing up among the stones. Unexpectedly there
was an additional small hill on top of Blackim Hill as shown on the photo below. Was this a mound left by
the cottages when they were pulled down, or was this possibly the grave site of Blaec, the Anglo-Saxon
Warrior? Perhaps it goes even further back into the mists of History.
started our final climb, was inviting, with the foxgloves growing up among the stones. Unexpectedly there
was an additional small hill on top of Blackim Hill as shown on the photo below. Was this a mound left by
the cottages when they were pulled down, or was this possibly the grave site of Blaec, the Anglo-Saxon
Warrior? Perhaps it goes even further back into the mists of History.
| The more welcoming vegetation of grass and heather beyond the cottages, in what was the site of the back gardens. Photo by Audrey Fletcher 2011 |
The more savage vegetation was reached as we climbed higher. The surface was erratic. It was as
though much of the masonry of the cottages had been left lying and over the years had become
overgrown with aggressive, chest high vegetation. However, beyond the site of the cottages, where the
back gardens had been, the land was relatively flat and the vegetation gentle. The grass was soft and
the heather most welcoming. Unfortunately it looked like the brambles were in the early stages of taking
a foothold.
though much of the masonry of the cottages had been left lying and over the years had become
overgrown with aggressive, chest high vegetation. However, beyond the site of the cottages, where the
back gardens had been, the land was relatively flat and the vegetation gentle. The grass was soft and
the heather most welcoming. Unfortunately it looked like the brambles were in the early stages of taking
a foothold.
Blackim Hill was formed was formed as the result of glacial moraine, during the last Ice Age.
Evidence of Stone Age Occupation of nearby Shadens Hill was discovered by George Coupland in
1925, but there was no such investigation at Blackim Hill.
Today Blackim Hill, its connections with the ancient past forgotten, is known as Blackham Hill, and is
recognised in association with Blackham Hill Bowes Railway, a scheduled ancient monument.
A Wesleyan Chapel was built on Blackim Hill around the late 1760s, following John Wesley’s circuit
of the area. It would seem though that the chapel was not a going concern, possibly due to its
isolation, and it was replaced in the 1770s by The Mount Chapel, about half a mile along the road
heading from Blackim Hill towards the Waggon Public House. As a result of the Blackim Hill
Wesleyan Chapel being abandoned it was converted into a pair of cottages. My grandparents lived
in one of them and my parents in the other.
In conversation my parents used to refer to Blackim Hill as Blackens Hill. I thought little about it until
I came across this part sentence by chance in an old set of books I have: "North-Country Lore and
Legend". The article is a partial reprint of the original 1858 version thirty years earlier, which
concerns burials of people of note before the Norman Invasion. The article recalls "the traditionary
prowess of one Blacken, at Blackens Hill near Birtley Fell".
From the context of the article it can be ascertained that Blacken was a hero, a giant of a man who
had fought in battle with great valour and courage. He is said to have lived before the Norman
Conquest of 1066. His prowess in battle was commemorated down through the centuries, becoming
legendary, and his name lived on. Blacken the Warrior (Blaec) was an immortalized Anglo-Saxon
Warrior Chief of great prominence and renown well beyond Eighton Banks. Blaec's name was
etched into the cartography of North East England in 1259 as Blachamoz (Blackham) a vast
territory stretching from the River Tyne almost down to the River Humber.
Blacken's burial place is up on the highest point to the north of Shadens Hill and overlooking the
valley. The hill became known as "Blacken's Hill" ... the name still being used more than a
thousand years later by my mam and dad, and passed on by them to me.
Evidence of Stone Age Occupation of nearby Shadens Hill was discovered by George Coupland in
1925, but there was no such investigation at Blackim Hill.
Today Blackim Hill, its connections with the ancient past forgotten, is known as Blackham Hill, and is
recognised in association with Blackham Hill Bowes Railway, a scheduled ancient monument.
A Wesleyan Chapel was built on Blackim Hill around the late 1760s, following John Wesley’s circuit
of the area. It would seem though that the chapel was not a going concern, possibly due to its
isolation, and it was replaced in the 1770s by The Mount Chapel, about half a mile along the road
heading from Blackim Hill towards the Waggon Public House. As a result of the Blackim Hill
Wesleyan Chapel being abandoned it was converted into a pair of cottages. My grandparents lived
in one of them and my parents in the other.
In conversation my parents used to refer to Blackim Hill as Blackens Hill. I thought little about it until
I came across this part sentence by chance in an old set of books I have: "North-Country Lore and
Legend". The article is a partial reprint of the original 1858 version thirty years earlier, which
concerns burials of people of note before the Norman Invasion. The article recalls "the traditionary
prowess of one Blacken, at Blackens Hill near Birtley Fell".
From the context of the article it can be ascertained that Blacken was a hero, a giant of a man who
had fought in battle with great valour and courage. He is said to have lived before the Norman
Conquest of 1066. His prowess in battle was commemorated down through the centuries, becoming
legendary, and his name lived on. Blacken the Warrior (Blaec) was an immortalized Anglo-Saxon
Warrior Chief of great prominence and renown well beyond Eighton Banks. Blaec's name was
etched into the cartography of North East England in 1259 as Blachamoz (Blackham) a vast
territory stretching from the River Tyne almost down to the River Humber.
Blacken's burial place is up on the highest point to the north of Shadens Hill and overlooking the
valley. The hill became known as "Blacken's Hill" ... the name still being used more than a
thousand years later by my mam and dad, and passed on by them to me.
Was Blacken's legendary prowess local to the Eighton Banks area? The simple answer is "No".
Additional information about Blaec the Warrior can be culled from the following map dated 1259. It is
immediately noticeable that the land between the two rivers Tyne and Wear, and east of the line of the
ridge which separates the Gateshead , Birtley and Black Fells from the high ground, is named BLAC,
suggesting that Blacken the Warrior (Blaec) was an immortalized Anglo-Saxon Warrior Chief of great
prominence and renown well beyond Eighton Banks.
Moreover, upon closer inspection, the area between the rivers Tyne, Wear, Tees and down towards the
Humber was known as Blachamoz. In modern translation this would read as "Blackham" which means
"the settlement of the people of Black". However, as such a large area is covered by this name,
not just a settlement in terms of a town for example, I would suggest the broader translation of "the
territory or kingdom of Black". His territory, Blackham, was vast and Blaec was most certainly of high
status, but he is not oficially listed among the Kings of Northumbria.
Nevertheless Blaec's name was immortalized into the cartography of North East England in 1259, and
his legendary prowess was still remembered and written about in the 1850s ... and now by me today.
The modern name of Blackham Hill for Blackim Hill would seem to be purely coincidental, and based
upon phonics.
Additional information about Blaec the Warrior can be culled from the following map dated 1259. It is
immediately noticeable that the land between the two rivers Tyne and Wear, and east of the line of the
ridge which separates the Gateshead , Birtley and Black Fells from the high ground, is named BLAC,
suggesting that Blacken the Warrior (Blaec) was an immortalized Anglo-Saxon Warrior Chief of great
prominence and renown well beyond Eighton Banks.
Moreover, upon closer inspection, the area between the rivers Tyne, Wear, Tees and down towards the
Humber was known as Blachamoz. In modern translation this would read as "Blackham" which means
"the settlement of the people of Black". However, as such a large area is covered by this name,
not just a settlement in terms of a town for example, I would suggest the broader translation of "the
territory or kingdom of Black". His territory, Blackham, was vast and Blaec was most certainly of high
status, but he is not oficially listed among the Kings of Northumbria.
Nevertheless Blaec's name was immortalized into the cartography of North East England in 1259, and
his legendary prowess was still remembered and written about in the 1850s ... and now by me today.
The modern name of Blackham Hill for Blackim Hill would seem to be purely coincidental, and based
upon phonics.
| Blaec's name was immortalized into the cartography of North East England Map dated 1259, courtesy of The British Library Board |
| Copyright Audrey Fletcher 2011 Updated 2017 |
* Date: Thursday, 19 Apr 2012
The original chapel (which was converted into two houses) was not closed because of a lack of
attendance. Far from it in fact as the early Methodists in that area were a growing Society. It was the
Bishop of Durham who demanded that the chapel was closed immediately. There are many theories
about why and I am not yet in a position to say which theory is the correct one however, as you know,
they (the Methodist Society) were eventually able to build the Mount Wesleyan Chapel, sold to the
United Methodist Free Church in 1882 following the Society Members' move to the new chapel at
Springwell.
Hope to read more of your articles soon.
Kind regards
Richard
Richard Jennings
Bede Methodist Circuit Archivist
The original chapel (which was converted into two houses) was not closed because of a lack of
attendance. Far from it in fact as the early Methodists in that area were a growing Society. It was the
Bishop of Durham who demanded that the chapel was closed immediately. There are many theories
about why and I am not yet in a position to say which theory is the correct one however, as you know,
they (the Methodist Society) were eventually able to build the Mount Wesleyan Chapel, sold to the
United Methodist Free Church in 1882 following the Society Members' move to the new chapel at
Springwell.
Hope to read more of your articles soon.
Kind regards
Richard
Richard Jennings
Bede Methodist Circuit Archivist
* Date: Sun, 20 May 2012
Hi, I have just read with great interest your article about the two cottages up on the hill. My grandmother
Francis Taylor lived in that cottage also with her 3 children John, Ella and Joyce Morris. What sticks in
my mind was the old oil lamps that my grandmother had and how dark it was in the bedrooms if I had to
stay the night.
They were re-housed to Springwell and the cottages condemned and pulled down. I can still remember
her taking me along to Mrs Hall’s house many times for a cuppa and a chat even though I was only
about three or four at the time.
I recently walked up the hill top and the area is a real mess compared to the fond memories that I had
as a child,but that was long ago. But the view was still magnificent.
Best
Regards,
Geoff Ashcroft.
Hi, I have just read with great interest your article about the two cottages up on the hill. My grandmother
Francis Taylor lived in that cottage also with her 3 children John, Ella and Joyce Morris. What sticks in
my mind was the old oil lamps that my grandmother had and how dark it was in the bedrooms if I had to
stay the night.
They were re-housed to Springwell and the cottages condemned and pulled down. I can still remember
her taking me along to Mrs Hall’s house many times for a cuppa and a chat even though I was only
about three or four at the time.
I recently walked up the hill top and the area is a real mess compared to the fond memories that I had
as a child,but that was long ago. But the view was still magnificent.
Best
Regards,
Geoff Ashcroft.
| Geoff Ashcroft and his Uncle, John Morris at Blackham Hill. Photo courtesy of Geoff Ashcroft |
* Date: Tue, 29 May 2012
I have enclosed a photo of me with uncle John at his pigeons which he kept with a friend up on the hill
top. It must have been the highest pigeon loft in the north east that one. I can't remember your
grandad's pigeons but I do remember going into the hens and collecting the eggs. I lived at the cottage
on Blackham Hill for about six months, while my mother was in hospital. My sister Pauline stayed with an
aunt across near St Thomas church during this time and she went to the old Eighton Banks school at
first, but later on we both went to Springwell school.
Best Regards,
Geoff Ashcroft.
I have enclosed a photo of me with uncle John at his pigeons which he kept with a friend up on the hill
top. It must have been the highest pigeon loft in the north east that one. I can't remember your
grandad's pigeons but I do remember going into the hens and collecting the eggs. I lived at the cottage
on Blackham Hill for about six months, while my mother was in hospital. My sister Pauline stayed with an
aunt across near St Thomas church during this time and she went to the old Eighton Banks school at
first, but later on we both went to Springwell school.
Best Regards,
Geoff Ashcroft.
| ***************************************************************** |
| Links to some of my other popular historical web pages Audrey Fletcher |
* Date: April 2017
Hi Audrey
I was very interested in your articles on Blackim’s Hill (as I remember it being pronounced) and
Shadens Hill. My Grandparents Hugh and Mary Smith also lived in a cottage on Blackim’s Hill in the
1930s. They later moved into Holmside on Rockliffe Way which was built for them by their four sons,
my uncles Rob, Hugh and Gordon, together with my father George. My Great Grandfather Hugh
Smith, with Jack Hemsley (great Grandfather of Alan, Barry and Jean), built the Mount Methodist
Chapel in the 1890s to replace a wooden structure originally built in the 1770s, reputedly on a site
that John Wesley was supposed to have preached (don’t know if this is true?). There used to be a
plaque in the vestry that commemorated the building of the 1890s structure by Hugh Smith and Jack
Hemsley.
Hi Audrey
I was very interested in your articles on Blackim’s Hill (as I remember it being pronounced) and
Shadens Hill. My Grandparents Hugh and Mary Smith also lived in a cottage on Blackim’s Hill in the
1930s. They later moved into Holmside on Rockliffe Way which was built for them by their four sons,
my uncles Rob, Hugh and Gordon, together with my father George. My Great Grandfather Hugh
Smith, with Jack Hemsley (great Grandfather of Alan, Barry and Jean), built the Mount Methodist
Chapel in the 1890s to replace a wooden structure originally built in the 1770s, reputedly on a site
that John Wesley was supposed to have preached (don’t know if this is true?). There used to be a
plaque in the vestry that commemorated the building of the 1890s structure by Hugh Smith and Jack
Hemsley.
| ***************************************************************** |
I also remember Geoff Ashcroft and his sister Pauline from Springwell School in the 1950s.
I can remember your Aunt Laura and Uncle ian living in Pen Pol together with Trevor and Dylis. I think
Trevor might have been a year younger than me (I was born in 1946) and I think Dylis might have been
around the same age as my sister Christine (born 1952). Your Aunt used to go to the same Young
Wives meetings in the chapel hut as my mother Lily. We lived in Hawthorn Terrace.
I also remember a chap called Matty McGuinness who rode the coal trucks on the railway between the
Mount and Springwell and who might have been the relative that Pauline Ashcroft stayed with beside St
Thomas’ Church.
I would love to hear from anybody who remembers me
ron_smith_uk@yahoo.co.uk
Best wishes,
Ron Smith
I can remember your Aunt Laura and Uncle ian living in Pen Pol together with Trevor and Dylis. I think
Trevor might have been a year younger than me (I was born in 1946) and I think Dylis might have been
around the same age as my sister Christine (born 1952). Your Aunt used to go to the same Young
Wives meetings in the chapel hut as my mother Lily. We lived in Hawthorn Terrace.
I also remember a chap called Matty McGuinness who rode the coal trucks on the railway between the
Mount and Springwell and who might have been the relative that Pauline Ashcroft stayed with beside St
Thomas’ Church.
I would love to hear from anybody who remembers me
ron_smith_uk@yahoo.co.uk
Best wishes,
Ron Smith
| ************* |