Willington: a study of the industrialization of a Durham mining village 1840-1914

Abstract

This dissertation is a case study of the impact industrialization had on Willington, a pit village, in County Durham. The economy, which Brancepeth Colliery dominated, is analyzed. Willington’s social conditions, housing and sanitation were all heavily affected by the village's rapid industrialization. The social forces of the village - Straker and Love (the colliery owners), religious groups, class groups and ethnic groups each tried to mould Willington into a certain shape. The question as to how these conflicting groups acted and reacted to one another is examined. The extent to which Willington was a company town is also raised.