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Algernon Terrace, WYLAM, NE41 8AX

Algernon seems to have been a common name in these parts. The son of Charles Algernon Parsons, inventor of the steam turbine was Algernon George Parsons (b. 1886). He was killed in action during World War I in 1918, aged 31. Algernon was also a common family name of the Percy family, Dukes of Northumberland. Edward Algernon Blackett was the grandson of Christopher Blackett (1751-1829) owner of Wylam Colliery and major figure in development of the steam locomotive.

The only church in Northumberland dedicated to St Oswin who was King of Deira from 644 to 651. Deira was the southern half of Northumbria which extended from the Humber to the Tees with its capital in York. Oswin's cousin, Oswy, ruled over Bernicia, which was the adjoining northern part of Northumbria. The church has no great antiquity, its foundation stone was laid by Mrs Richard Clayton of Wylam Hall on 1st January 1885. It was paid for by George and William Hedley, sons of William Hedley who had became manager of Wylam Colliery in 1805, and was closely involved in the development of the early steam locomotives. The church is described here http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1044959&resourceID=5

The lychgate is described here Image Latin words carved on the interior panelling are in memory of Richard Clayton who lived at Wylam Hall and died in 1903. His wife continued to live at the Hall until 1909, then moved to 'Elmfield' at the corner of Station Road and Wylam Wood Road. There is also a memorial window to him in St Oswin's Church Image as he was instrumental in the campaign to have it built, avoiding the need for villagers to travel to St Mary’s in Ovingham. The church was completed in 1886, funded by George and William Hedley, in memory of their parents, William Hedley, the pioneering railway engineer, and his wife Francis. Hexham Courant, 15th January 2009: http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/Church-is-symbol-of-a-strength-of-community-f98646b7-7f10-4d62-86c6-626612805f7a-ds

Francis Frith has a similar view taken c1950 www.francisfrith.com/wylam/photos/from-the-north-c1950_W397001/ The large building to the left of St Oswin's Church tower is the Wylam Institute. To its left is the Old Colliery School on Woodcroft Road.

There is another photo here Image Outbreak of the First World War delayed the building of a church hall. By 1915 no fewer than 70 young men from village had enlisted, among whom were five bell-ringers from St Oswin’s. 49 men were killed and their names appear on two oak panels beneath the west window of the church. Afterwards, however, fund-raising was resumed in earnest, and during 1922 work got under way in accordance with plans drawn up by Newcastle architects, W. Dixon & Son. The hall was built in the south-east corner of the church grounds at a cost of £1,350 and was formally opened on December 30th 1922 by the churchwarden. Hexham Courant, 15th January 2009: http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/Church-is-symbol-of-a-strength-of-community-f98646b7-7f10-4d62-86c6-626612805f7a-ds

Engine Dene is an open space in the north part of Wylam village. See description here Image