A TIMELINE OF DARLINGTON HISTORY
By Tim Lambert
Early 11th century Darlington is first mentioned in history. Its a small village called Deornoth ing tun.
12th century The Bishop of Durham turns Darlington into a small market town
1280 Darlington is a little town with a population of a several hundred. Wool and leather are made in the town.
1543 Darlington suffers an outbreak of plague
1569 Following the rebellion of the Northern Earls several men a executed in the small market town of Darlington.
1585 Darlington is badly damaged by a fire. 273 houses were destroyed.
1597 Plague strikes Darlington again
1605 Plague breaks out in Darlington again. However every time plague strikes the little town recovers.
1760 There is a linen industry in Darlington and it is known for making towels and tablecloths.
1772 The first newspaper in Darlington is published
1774 The first bank opens in Darlington
1809 A dispensary opens in Darlington where the poor get free medicines
1823 A body of men is formed with powers to clean and light the streets of Darlington
1825 The Stockton and Darlington Railway opens
1830 Darlington gains gas light
1846 A water company opens in Darlington
1864 A hospital opens in Darlington
1875 A statue of John Pease was erected
1877 South Park is laid out
1880 Horse drawn trams begin running in Darlington
1885 A public library opens
1887 Central Station is built
1900 Electricity is first generated in Darlington
1901 Darlington is growing very rapidly and it has a population of 50,000
1903 Electric trams begin running in Darlington
1911 The first cinema is built in Darlington
1915 The boundaries of Darlington are extended
1926 Trams cease running in Darlington
1932 The boundaries of Darlington are extended again
1969 The Queen Street Centre is built
1970 Darlington Town Hall is built. Darlington Sixth Form College opens.
1975 The Railway Museum opens in Darlington
1976 Northgate House is built
1982 Darlington Arts Centre opens
1983 The Dolphin Centre opens
1992 The Cornmill Shopping Centre opens
1997 Darlington becomes a unitary authority. The Brick Train Sculpture is erected.
1999 Eastbourne Sports Complex opens
2001 The population of Darlington is 101,000