Middleton-in-Teesdale

Middleton-in-Teesdale is a large village in County Durham, in England. It is situated on the north side of Teesdale between Eggleston and Newbiggin, a few miles to the north west of Barnard Castle.

Administration

Middleton is administered by Teesdale District Council and Durham County Council.It is part of the Bishop Auckland parliamentary constituency, which as of 2005 is represented in parliament by Helen Goodman (Labour Party). It is in the North East England region, which serves as a constituency for the European Parliament. The local police force is Durham Constabulary.

History

The small market town of Upper Teesdale expanded in the early 19th Century when the London Lead Company moved its northern headquarters there from Blanchland in Nothumberland. Much of the architecture from its days as a company town is still clearly visible. This includes Middleton House, formerly the headquarters of the company, The School (which is now an outdoor centre) and some company houses. It served as the terminus of a railway line from Barnard Castle until this was closed as part of the Beeching Axe.

Middleton also has links to the early Co-operative Society and may pre-date the Rochdale Pioneers. There are also many early Methodist chapels.

Geography & Tourism

Middleton is on the Pennine Way about 9 miles from High Force.Description and Photographs of the Pennine Way here