Witton Park: The Past 200 Years

The Belton and Hewitson families had occupied the three shops between Low Thompson and Low King Street for a hundred years. Now they were gone. For all intent and purposes Witton Park was gone.

In the clearing out a number of Victorian photographs came to light and from this beginning a collection was started by cousins Keith Belton and Kenneth Biggs. Family and friends were cajoled into searching drawers and attics for forgotten gems.

Ken a photographer and computer whiz collated and catalogued, whilst Keith provided the historical background.

In the millennium year 2000 a gathering of former villagers was organised over the Internet by Dale Daniel. A collaboration of information was suggested and it is from this that the present work stems.

Well over 1000 images have been gathered together with a vast amount of written work by various authors. A priceless archive of newspaper cuttings from the family of the late Clarrie Simons gives an unprecedented insight into village life over 50 years.

The legacy of this project will enable future generations to study the unique history of this remarkable village.

Keith Belton born Witton Park 16^th June 1939

Kenneth Biggs born Darlington 13^th September 1940

Dale Daniel born Witton Park 2^nd March 1946

Witton Park History

The association also have their own web site at www.pacificcoast.net/~patkinson/WP.htm