Have you ever wondered where in Darlington is listed and protected because of its historical significance?

Walking along the streets of Darlington, it's easy to walk by building after building and not realise the rich history behind it.

In reality, there is history all around us from signs to memorials and buildings that tell stories and keep history alive for the next generation.

Here are just five things from Darlington that you probably didn't know were listed. 

The Obelisk at Darlington Memorial Hospital

  • Grade two
  • Listed from January 1997

If you've ever walked onto the grounds of Darlington Memorial Hospital, you may have walked aimlessly by the obelisk.

The memorial was erected in 1920 to remember those who lost their lives in the First World War.

The Historic England website states: "The memorial inscription and names of the dead are in the nearby Memorial Hall."

The Obelisk at Darlington Memorial Hospital.The Obelisk at Darlington Memorial Hospital. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Railway Tavern

  • Grade two
  • Listed from September 2023

The Railway Tavern was one of just three pubs built in 1826-27 by pioneers of the Stockton and Darlington Railway - and it's steeped in history.

Aptly named, the pub catered to workers at the nearby coal depot and was owned by the railway until it was auctioned off in 1870. 

It has undergone work since - including by Darlington architect GG Hoskins.

The Railway Tavern, Darlington.The Railway Tavern, Darlington.

Arnold Road Subway

  • Grade two 
  • Listed from January 2022

Formerly known as the Throstle Nest Bridge, the Arnold Road Subway was built in 1824 for the Darlington and Stockton Railway.

Historic England says it is an early example of a railway accommodation bridge which was built under the direction of George Stephenson.

Since 2008, the sandstone and brick bridge has been used as a pedestrian subway under Tornado Way (the B6279). 

The Arnold Road Subway.The Arnold Road Subway. (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

The Friends Meeting House, Skinnergate

  • Grade two
  • Listed from April 1952

This is definitely a familiar sight for anyone who walks up Skinnergate - and if you find yourself looking at this 1846 meeting house, you'll now know its an official listed building.

According to Historic England, the meeting house has a "strong association with local Quaker families of national significance, such as the Backhouse and Pease families."

 

The Friends Meeting House, Skinnergate.The Friends Meeting House, Skinnergate.

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Route of the Stockton and Darlington Railway sign

  • Grade two
  • Listed from January 2022

It's not a surprise that one listed object in Darlington has to do with our rich links to the history of the railway.

Found by the tracks closest to Haughton Road, the sign was placed along the East Coast Mainline in 1937 which marks the crossing point of the 1825 Stockton and Darlington main line.