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Front Street, DARLINGTON, DL2 3NB

Royal Oak is one of the most common pub names and is found throughout the country, and it primarily refers to an actual historical event. The celebrated historical event was the escape of Charles II after his army was defeated at Worcester in 1651, when he climbed into an oak tree at Boscobel to hide from the Parliamentary soldiers. It also refers to one or other of the various Royal Naval warships that bear the name, and there is also a link to folklore too, since May 29th was celebrated as Royal Oak Day from 1661 until late into the 19th century.

The building dates from the early 19th century and is Grade II listed. For a view of the sign Image

The club was founded in August 1878 by Stanley Cotterell, a medical student. The Cyclists' Touring Club gave seals of approval, in the form of a cast metal plaque showing the winged-wheel symbol of the club, to mount on an outside wall of hotels and restaurants which offered good accommodation and service to cyclists. The Royal Oak has the logo on its wall. For a wider view Image

Staindrop is something of a linear development and is a very pretty village.

Looking along Front Street. The tower of Image] can be seen in the background.

The gateway into the churchyard from Front Street. The ashlar piers are late 17th century, the wrought-iron gates are 19th century. Listed, grade II, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1121751

Part of the churchyard. The Anglican parish church of St Mary was originally dedicated to St. Gregory. There has been a church on this site since at least the 8th century and the present 12th century building has some Anglo-Saxon fabric. There were alterations and additions until the early 15th century and the church was greatly restored circa 1849. Constructed of sandstone rubble with ashlar dressings. The church contains monuments of members of the Neville family from nearby Raby Castle. Listed, grade I, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1338594 Staindrop is a picturesque village astride the A688 road in County Durham some 11 miles northwest of Darlington and about 5½ miles northeast of Barnard Castle. The village was first recorded in around 1030, when it was granted to the monks of Durham Cathedral by King Canute. Just to the north of the village stands Raby Castle, one of England's finest medieval castles. Most of the employed residents commute to work.

The sandstone building dated 1719 stands on the south side of Front Street. It is Grade II listed.