Do you live near any historical buildings that have slowly declined over the years in County Durham?

Across the North East area, there have been many sites that have been left derelict over the decades.

From World War II “ammunition dumps” to crumbling orphanages, the history behind some of the oldest abandoned buildings and sites remains a mystery.

However, let’s take a look at the story behind three buildings in County Durham that we do know about – some remain today while one has recently been destroyed.

Brasside

Brasside in Durham is said to be an “abandoned World War II munitions dump”, according to the UK Undiscovered Facebook page.

Although it’s now a “shell”, it’s said the site situated near HMP Frankland Prison is “huge”.

The post on UK Undiscovered continued: “It was a ministry of supply ammunition depot for new ammunition and bulk explosives for and or produced by the Royal Ordnance Factories during World War II.”

Further reports suggest there are 25 concrete bunkers and some bungalows at Brasside.

As previously shared by the Northern Echo, an OS map used to locate the site also revealed a connecting railway line which was removed as it would have been on part of the prison.

Have you ever passed by Brasside?Have you ever passed by Brasside? (Image: Ami Photography)Old farm (Little Burdon), near Darlington

One that may sound familiar to locals is Little Burdon, a derelict Grade II listed farm on the A66 on the eastern edge of Darlington, near Sadberge.

It was built in the 18th century and has many outbuildings, but it still contains stalls, byres and pulleys.

Its downfall continues to be a mystery to residents (but let us know if you have any tales about Little Burdon in the comments).

St Peter's Roman Catholic Orphanage

St Peter's Roman Catholic Orphanage located in Gainford, housed around 300 boys up to the age of 13.

Originally, it was a functioning orphanage for almost 40 years before becoming a school and then later a nursing home in the mid-90s.

St Peter's was an orphanage for almost four decadesSt Peter's was an orphanage for almost four decades (Image: Sarah Caldecott) Recommended reading:

Sadly, it was empty for many years which attracted vandalism.

Part of the site was demolished following a “suspicious” fire in 2016, as previously reported by The Northern Echo.

Over the years, planning applications had been approved but the developments never happened.

Due to this, the remaining building was fully knocked down earlier this year.