782. A synod was held at Great Aycliffe in the county of Durham, and another was held here in the year 789.

THE BLACK DEATH AT AYCLIFFE.

1597 July 4. The assizes were deferred on account of the plague then raging at Newcastle, and the following places in the county of Durham – Durham, Darlington, Gateshead, Whickham, Stainton, Burdon, Boldon, Houghton, Chester, Billingham, St Helen Auckland, Wolsingham, Aycliffe, and several other places. The poor inhabitants of the city of Durham were lodged in huts erected upon the moor of that place. Bishop Matthew (Hutton) retired to his castle at Stockton to avoid the infection.

October 17. There were dead of the plague at Darlington, 240 persons.

October 27. There were dead in Elvet in the city of Durham, more than 400; in St Nicholas parish 200; in St Nicholas parish 100; in St Margaret’s 200, in St Giles 60, in St Mary’s in the North Bailey 60; 24 persons died in gaol. 215 deaths are recorded in the parish of St Nicholas, Durham, between 11 th July and 24 th of November. Many of these persons were buried on the moor, or in St Thomas’s chapel, beyond Claypath.

1598 Jan and Feb. The plague ceased at Durham and Darlington but broke out again on the 15 th September the same year.

Experience the plague at - www.channel4.com/history/microsites/H/history/plague/

Easter Monday 1617. King James I rode to see a horse-race on Woodham Moor, and returned to Durham.