In analysing the the Census the following information  relating to the life of the residents of Chester-le-Street in 1891 was found.

Town Growth

The 19^th century was a time of rapid change for Chester-le-Street. In the one hundred years between 1801 and 1901 the population, as recorded in the census, grew from 1,662 to 11,014. Most of this growth took place from the 1860s onwards, and by 1891 the population was recorded as 8,227.

The town developed engineering and manufacturing industries and grew to serve the needs of the neighbouring mining villages. The construction of the railway brought many jobs and prompted further growth.

Since 1891 we have seen even more rapid growth. Front Street is still the commercial centre, but other industries have largely moved elsewhere and many of the town’s residents travel to work in other places

Population Trends

Compared to today, the age of the population of Chester-le-Street was very different in 1891. The proportion of children and young adults was much greater – 6 out of every 10 people were under 30 years old. This was the same elsewhere in the country.

There were two main reasons for this. Firstly, for a number of reasons, Victorian families had many more children. Secondly, disease, poor sanitation, and inadequate health care prevented many people from reaching an advanced age.

Birthplaces

Most of Chester-le-Street’s residents in 1891 were born locally. However, less were born in the town itself than in other parts of County Durham. In many cases, children were born in Chester-le-Street, but their parents had moved in from elsewhere.

There was a clear trend of people moving into the town from neighbouring villages. This added to the rapid growth of the town at this time.

Along with a significant number of people born in Ireland, others came from places as far apart as Constantinople, Bermuda and New York.

The Burns Area

In 2001 the area around the Market Place consists of the Methodist Church, Fast Food shops, the Market Tavern, various Bus Stops, small shops, car parks and a garage.

There is little sign of the Cong or Cone Burn that gives the area its name. Few if any people live in the area. Once the markets on a Tuesday, Friday and Saturday are finished it is one of the quieter areas of the town.

In 1891 the Burns area was entirely different. The Burns was a commercial centre for the town and a large number of Chester people lived in this area.

There were numerous houses in South and North Burns. The area known as Canada consisted of rows of small pan tiled houses. The Parade, Brewery House and Prospect House were some of the better type of housing in the area.

The Brewery and its associated aromas dominated the Burns. The malt houses with their tapering roofs were an essential part of Fenwick’s Brewery business. The stables, joiners’ and coopers shops were noisy busy places.

The viaduct just over twenty years old spanned the valley. Its red bricks not yet discoloured by the many coal fires in the area. Steam trains standing out in the night sky as they crossed on the busy main rail route North and South.

The river, running through and dividing South and North Burns, was crossed by a bridge, which gave its name to this part of the town - Bridge End.

Murray’s fountain was at the crossroads. Prospect House the home of George Murray retained some of its former glory. The family might have left the town and the Engine Works be closed but they had left their mark on the area.

The Old Mill, by 1891 a lodging house, was just under the viaduct. Its 45 lodgers included Labourers, Charwomen, Bricklayers and a Travelling Musician.

The Joiners Arms, one of the many public houses in the town. It was a busy tavern selling “Mild and Bitter Beers in splendid condition.”

The Gas Works under the viaduct with its 27 retorts provided Gas for the town and its 74 public lamps.

Children hurried as the school bell rang to the Burns Infant School. 86 children on average attended the school each day under the watchful eye of Mrs Francis.

The Burns was an essential and bustling area of Chester le Street in 1891.

Churches and Chapels

Throughout the country in the 19^th century, people attracted to the affluent industrialised areas moved from the impoverished rural areas. This resulted in rapid population growth in Chester-le-Street, as in many other places, with a corresponding effect on the Churches and Chapels.

The Parish Church of Saint Mary & Saint Cuthbert was well established. Founded in 883, it has survived wars and rebellions. Alterations and extensions over the years have resulted in the present building.

Methodist Chapels grew in size and importance. It is probable that the Bethel and the original Wesleyan Chapel used the walls of the Roman camp as their foundations. The Wesleyan Chapel, 1880, has been referred to as the finest piece of Victorian architecture in the town.

In 1881, The Salvation Army took over the premises in Low Chare, which had been vacated by the Wesleyan Methodists.

In 1891 there was no Roman Catholic Church. The Catholic School hall in Weldon Terrace, built in 1888 with a seating capacity of 200, was used.  A special room was adapted in which Mass was celebrated.

The present Primitive Methodist Chapel, 1901, was built on the site previously occupied by Murray’s house. In 1886 a new Chapel was built together with school rooms which are still in existence and use.

The Gospel Hall (Evangelists) in Blands Opening, 1886, occupied the premises vacated by the Primitive Methodists.

The Church Institute, 1891, was for many years a centre for numerous meetings and social functions catering for all ages. It was replaced by the present Parish Centre which was built on the site of the Girls School. The interior retains some of the original walls and features of the classrooms.

The Co-operative

Public Houses