Houghton-le-Spring, The Lake

HER Number:
7851

District:
Sunderland

Site Name:
Houghton-le-Spring, The Lake

Place:
Houghton-le-Spring

Map Sheet:
NZ34NW

Class:
Gardens Parks and Urban Spaces

Site Type: Broad:

Site Type: Specific:
Lake

General Period:
Modern

Specific Period:
C20

Form of Evidence:
Documentary Evidence

Description:
The Houghton Burn passes through the centre of Houghton. A Mr Coulson had an area of the burn excavated to create a lake. The lake is shown on the Ordnance Survey third edition map of 1919. It was a popular leisure resort for boating. The diversion of the burn affected the running of the flint mill (HER 3164) and so the owners protested for the stream to be restored to its former course. Eventually two brothers, Robinson, Darlington showmen, infilled the lake and made it into a showground where Houghton Feast (established to mark the anniversary of the dedication of St. Michael's Church) fairground was held. Also used as a football ground.

Easting:
3431

Northing:
4993

Grid Reference:
NZ34314993

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
Frank H. Rushford, c1950, Houghton le Spring: A History, pp 32-33; Paul Lanagan, 2012, The ebb and flow of history guided The Lake's fortunes, Seaham and Houghton Star Wednesday 25 July 2012