Eighty years ago, a shipbuilder donated a former Pease mansion so that it could be turned into a “cathedral of Methodism”
THE most practical example of the Hodgkins’ philanthropy is Welbeck House, in Elton Parade, Darlington, which they built in 1876 – again designed by GG Hoskins – as a girls’ training home. It prepared its pupils for service.
At the turn of the century, it was converted into the Hygienic Hand Laundry. A 1913 advert reads: “In a beautiful open country district.
“Work of all descriptions done by hand, no chemicals used whatever, and fine linen of every kind carefully washed and done up equal to new. All work collected and delivered by van in town and district. Flannel washing a speciality.
“Noted for the splendid dressing of Shirts and Collars.
“The Proprietress would be very pleased and esteem it a favour if intended customers would pay a visit to the Laundry.
They would then see the way in which the work is done.” In 1956, these distinctive properties were converted into flats.
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