Middridge Village History Society present David Butler on Durham County and its Turnpike Road at the Village Hall on Thursday 12th March at 7.30pm.

The Great North Road, passing through the county, was one of the first local roads to be turnpiked in the Eighteenth Century; but Durham’s mineral wealth, both coal and lead and the transport requirements, resulted in a network of road improvements, which extended far up Durham’s Dales. The reason for the turnpiking, its benefits and its eventual abolition will be examined along with the turnpike which is local to Middridge – the Piercebridge and Tudhoe Lane End road.

Admission is free to members; visitors £3.00, refreshments included and everyone is most welcome.