Robert Surtees (antiquarian)
Encyclopedia
Robert Surtees was a celebrated English historian and antiquary of his native County Durham
. Surtees was born in Durham, and educated at Kepier School, Houghton-le-Spring
, and later at Christ Church, Oxford
. Although a student of law he never practised as a lawyer. From 1802 he spent most of his life at Mainsforth
Hall.
By 1804 Surtees had begun collecting material for what was to become his monumental county history
, The History of Durham.
He was a studious and sensitive man who did not always have good health. He married Anne Robinson, of Herrington
, in 1807: they were hospitable at Mainsforth, and guests included Sir Walter Scott
, with whom Surtees frequently corresponded.
Christian faith was central in Surtees's life: he regularly worshipped at Bishop Middleham
parish church.
By 1816 the first volume of The History and Antiquities of the County Palatine of Durham was published ("compiled from original records preserved in public repositories and private collections by Robert Surtees"). Two further volumes followed and a final volume was published posthumously in 1840. The work covers much of the county but does not include Weardale
, Teesdale
, the Aucklands, Brancepeth
, or Durham Castle or Cathedral
. James Raine, the Elder compiled The History and Antiquities of North-Durham, 1852, to supply the need.
Never in good health, Surtees complained of a cold in January 1834, complications developed and he died on 13 February 1834, with his wife at his bedside. He was buried in Bishop Middleham churchyard, and a monument to him was later erected in Bishop Middleham Church.
His wife Anne survived him, living in Mainsforth until her death in 1868: they had no children. The Surtees Society
was founded following his death to continue his work.
County Durham
County Durham is a ceremonial county and unitary district in north east England. The county town is Durham. The largest settlement in the ceremonial county is the town of Darlington...
. Surtees was born in Durham, and educated at Kepier School, Houghton-le-Spring
Houghton-le-Spring
Houghton-le-Spring is part of the City of Sunderland in the county of Tyne and Wear, North East England that has its recorded origins in Norman times. It is situated almost equidistant between the cathedral city of Durham 7 miles to the south-west and the centre of the City of Sunderland about 6...
, and later at Christ Church, Oxford
Christ Church, Oxford
Christ Church or house of Christ, and thus sometimes known as The House), is one of the largest constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England...
. Although a student of law he never practised as a lawyer. From 1802 he spent most of his life at Mainsforth
Mainsforth
Mainsforth is a small village in County Durham, in England. It is situated to the east of Ferryhill, and lies within the ecclesiastical parish of Bishop Middleham The earliest settlement in Mainsforth may have been on Marble...
Hall.
By 1804 Surtees had begun collecting material for what was to become his monumental county history
English county histories
English county histories, in other words historical and topographical works concerned with individual ancient counties of England before their reorganisation, were produced by antiquarians from the late 16th century onwards...
, The History of Durham.
He was a studious and sensitive man who did not always have good health. He married Anne Robinson, of Herrington
Herrington
Herrington is an area in the south of Sunderland, formerly in County Durham in North East England.The Herringtons are split into East & Middle and West and New villages. East and Middle Herrington is now a largely residential area just off the A690...
, in 1807: they were hospitable at Mainsforth, and guests included Sir Walter Scott
Walter Scott
Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet was a Scottish historical novelist, playwright, and poet, popular throughout much of the world during his time....
, with whom Surtees frequently corresponded.
Christian faith was central in Surtees's life: he regularly worshipped at Bishop Middleham
Bishop Middleham
Bishop Middleham is a village in County Durham, in England. It is close to Sedgefield.-History:Bishop Middleham lies in a valley about 9 miles south-west of Durham. Although much of County Durham had probably first been settled in the Mesolithic period, the first evidence for occupation in the...
parish church.
By 1816 the first volume of The History and Antiquities of the County Palatine of Durham was published ("compiled from original records preserved in public repositories and private collections by Robert Surtees"). Two further volumes followed and a final volume was published posthumously in 1840. The work covers much of the county but does not include Weardale
Weardale
Weardale is a dale, or valley, of the east side of the Pennines in County Durham, in England. Large parts of Weardale fall within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the second largest AONB in England and Wales. The upper valley is surrounded by high fells and heather grouse...
, Teesdale
Teesdale
Teesdale is a dale, or valley, of the east side of the Pennines in England. Large parts of Teesdale fall within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the second largest AONB in England and Wales. The River Tees rises below Cross Fell, the highest hill in the Pennines, and its...
, the Aucklands, Brancepeth
Brancepeth
Brancepeth is a village and civil parish in County Durham, in England. It is situated about from Durham on the A690 road between Durham and Weardale. Brancepeth Castle was until 1570 the fortress of the Neville Earls of Westmorland. The castle was extensively modified and rebuilt in the 19th century...
, or Durham Castle or Cathedral
Durham Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham is a cathedral in the city of Durham, England, the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Durham. The Bishopric dates from 995, with the present cathedral being founded in AD 1093...
. James Raine, the Elder compiled The History and Antiquities of North-Durham, 1852, to supply the need.
Never in good health, Surtees complained of a cold in January 1834, complications developed and he died on 13 February 1834, with his wife at his bedside. He was buried in Bishop Middleham churchyard, and a monument to him was later erected in Bishop Middleham Church.
His wife Anne survived him, living in Mainsforth until her death in 1868: they had no children. The Surtees Society
Surtees Society
The Surtees Society is a learned society based at Durham in northern England. The society was established on 27 May 1834 by James Raine, following the death of renowned County Durham antiquarian Robert Surtees...
was founded following his death to continue his work.