Barnard Castle, Durham Genealogy

= Parish History =

Barnard Castle was created in 1723 from a 12th century chapelry in Gainford Ancient Parish,

The medieval history of the town is dominated by the castle and the Balliol family who owned it. The castle was built in the late 11th century. Bernard Balliol gave land to the townsfolk and the market in the town was established. When the castle was built it outer defences may have surrounded the small church of St Margaret, which was probably the parish church. A new parish church, dedicated to St Mary was built outside the walls. It was not the only religious establishment in the town. In around 1230 a small hospital was founded on Newgate Street. It had its own chapel. An Augustinian friary was also founded in the town in the late 14th century.

= Parish Records =

Durham University Library Archives and Special Collections Reference number: DDR/EA/PBT/2/17 Date: 1762-1846 Parish Register transcripts are available to search free online at Record Search.

The dates of the post-1760 transcripts have been noted in detail and sometimes only cover years. For most parishes in the collection there are gaps in the sequence of transcripts. It is advisable to consult the original parish registers for these years and events.

The Parish Registers for the period 1609-1954 are deposited at Durham County Record Office, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UL (EP/BC).

= Non Conformist Records =

Congregational


 * Congregational Church: Baptisms, marriages &amp; burials 1806-1908    copies of pre-1837 baptism registers are available (M5/1-5).

Methodist


 * Barnard Castle Circuit (Primitive): Baptisms 1831-1934
 * Barnard Castle Circuit (Wesleyan): Baptisms 1803-1957, Marriages 1849-1882
 * Newgate: Baptisms 1953-1974

Roman Catholic


 * Catholic Church: Baptisms, marriages &amp; burials 1847-1974