West Boldon, located in South Tyneside, has a rich history dating back to medieval times. It was originally part of the larger Boldon area, which was mentioned in the Boldon book of 1183, a survey similar to the domesday book. The village developed around agriculture, coal mining, and local industries, benefiting from its proximity to larger settlements like Sunderland and Newcastle.
Medieval origins: The village was historically linked to monastic lands and feudal estates, with local farms and small-scale industries supporting the community.
Industrial development: By the 19th and early 20th centuries, coal mining played a significant role in the region’s economy. The Boldon Colliery was a major employer.
Architectural heritage: The village retains historic buildings, including the 12th-century St. Nicholas Church, which is a notable landmark.
The name “Boldon” comes from the Saxon words for “building” and “hill,” likely referring to a wooden church that once stood where St. Nicholas Church now stands. Boldon is not listed in the Domesday Book but appears in the 1183 Boldon Buke, which recorded the lands and obligations of tenant farmers under the Bishop of Durham. The nearby village of Newton, later called East Boldon, remained a small Norman village until the 20th century. Boldon, known as West Boldon, had both a water mill and a windmill by the 14th century, though the surviving mill was built in 1834.
West Boldon Windmill
The windmill is one of the area’s most significant historical features. It was built in the early 19th century and stands as a reminder of West Boldon’s agricultural past. We are very proud to represent this historic building on our school logo Here’s why it’s important:
Agricultural significance: Before industrialisation, windmills played a crucial role in grinding grain into flour for local farmers.
Symbol of the past: It reflects the rural history of West Boldon before the industrial age changed the landscape.
Local identity: The windmill is a well-known landmark and a point of historical interest for both locals and visitors.
Boldon Colliery
During the first half of the 19th century the main industries in Boldon were stone quarrying, brick-making, tanning and brewing but during the later half of the century the demand for coal increased enormously so the Harton Coal Company sank a coal shaft in the area in 1866 and built houses for the workers thus creating a new village of Boldon Colliery. The colliery had remained very important to the area for over 100 when it was closed in 1982. Other industries have moved in to replace the colliery as the main source of employment.
History of West Boldon Primary School
Boldon C of E Primary School, located in Don Gardens, closed in August 2009 as part of the ‘Transforming Our Primary Schools (TOPS)’ scheme. The closure, despite community efforts to keep it open, led to plans for its demolition in 2017, marking the end of an era for many former students and residents.
Since then, West Boldon Primary School has been a cornerstone of the West Boldon community, continuing to adapt and grow, reflecting the community’s resilience and commitment to education.
