Ryhope: medieval to colliery village

A significant village on the outer fringes of Bishopwearmouth parish, the coastal settlement of Ryhope found a new lease of life when a pit village was established in the neighbourhood. These two elements of Ryhope stand somewhat apart, and the medieval features are clear to see.

Though physically close to its older neighbour, the colliery village at Ryhope was socially self-contained, with its own schools, chapel, and shops, including a large Co-operative store. The colliery was opened in 1859 by the Haswell Coal Co.