Today's Object of the Week recalls a man famous for his magnificent ox roast feasts.
BERNARD Gilpin was a man who loved a feast.
The clergyman, known as the ‘Apostle of the North’ was known for his hospitality when living in County Durham in the 16th century.
At his house in Houghton-le-Spring, Gilpin would frequently roast an ox and feed the poor in the community.
Strangers and travellers were recipients of his benevolence – even their horses were treated with so much care it was said that, if one were turned loose in any part of the country, it would immediately make its way back to Houghton.
Read more: Car parking, times and food options at this year's Houghton Feast
Born in 1517, Gilpin was educated at Queen’s College, Oxford, and was ordained in 1542.
He became vicar of Norton, Durham, in1552 and obtained permission to preach throughout the kingdom. He went to study on the European continent, returning in 1556 to be rector of Easington and archdeacon of Durham.
Concentrating on pastoral work throughout northern England earned Gilpin the title of ‘Apostle of the North’ and the respect of the Puritans.
He founded a grammar school at Houghton-le-Spring, where he was rector from 1558 to 1583, helped finance the education of poor scholars, and visited prisons.
He is remembered in the town to this day, with Bernard Gilpin Primary School bearing his name.
And the ox roast sandwiches sold at Houghton Feast – presently in full swing until next Friday – every year are served in commemoration of Bernard Gilpin.
Now, a blue plaque commemorating his work and capturing some of the history of the village, has been unveiled on the Rectory gateposts, next to the remnants of the building which Gilpin lived in the 16th century.
Councillor Kevin Johnston, chair of Houghton Feast Steering Committee, said: “I think it’s so important that we honour the heritage of our city and the communities within it.
“Bernard Gilpin lived in Houghton-le-Spring hundreds of years ago, but we still tell his story and remember his kindness to the community, still roasting an ox in his memory at every Houghton Feast.
“I was really pleased to be involved in installing a blue plaque right here in the village to commemorate his life.
“Through the Steering Committee and by working with Houghton Heritage Society we looked at options for where the plaque could be positioned and I’m delighted to see it in place on Houghton Broadway, providing the perfect reminder of our heritage in the ancient town of Houghton-le-Spring and ahead of start of this year’s centuries old Houghton feast traditions.”
Paul Lanagan, Chairman of Houghton Heritage Society and The Houghton Feast Trust’s Ox Roasting Co-ordinator, added: “Houghton is a town that is proud of its history and Bernard Gilpin is a name that everybody knows thanks to his ox roasting practices at Houghton Feast and his many acts of generosity to the parish’s poor.
"I am pleased that there will now be a plaque commemorating Gilpin’s good deeds.”
Read about previous Objects of the Week here:
- Wouldhave could have, but who took the credit for North East invention?
- The incredible story behind the ship left abandoned on the banks of the River Wear
- Brave Jack, the North-East naval hero who nailed his colours to the mast
If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here