History of Haswell

Haswell village is situated in County Durham, England, and lies east of the city of Durham.

Little is known about Haswell before medieval times. A settlement existed in the Anglo-Saxon period, as the name of the village is derived from the Old English ‘Hessewelle’ meaning ‘hazel spring or stream’. However, the village was only first recorded (as Hessewella and Hessewelle) in the 12th century.

The original village of Haswell was sited at High Haswell where only two farms, barns, outbuildings and a private dwelling house remain. Haswell today consists of three parts, Haswell, Haswell Plough and High Haswell.

Haswell, is situated in potentially desirable green and pleasant surroundings and is ideal for commuting has radically changed the locational value of it as a settlement. Today it is finding new life as a countryside commuter village.

This information has been kindly provided by the Haswell History Group.

Haswell History Group

The Haswell History Group meet on a monthly basis at the Hazelwell Centre. They have a very informative website including information on past times, coal mining and the railways. Their site also includes timeline information and a photo archive section.

If you are interested in supporting the Haswell History Group and would like to contribute, contact Shirley Taylor on 0191 526 5366 or visit the Haswell History Group website.