History of Bowburn
Built around the 'bow' in the 'burn', Bowburn lies within the historic landscape of east Durham. Prior to the opening of the colliery in the 1840's Bowburn comprised a hamlet of farms. The original Bowburn pit (NZ31853675) was one of several sunk in the Quarrington and Coxhoe areas. It was close to the terminus of the Durham Branch of the Clarence Railway. The pit was a small concern, worked first by Robson and Jackson and then the West Hetton Coal Company. It closed in the 1850's.
The second Bowburn Colliery was sunk in 1906 by the Bell Brothers with the first coal drawn in 1908. It merged with Tursdale colliery in 1931 and grew to be one of the largest in the Durham coalfield, collectivly they had around 3000 employees in 1958. Nothing remains of the colliery complex which closed in 1967. The colliery yard was redeveloped a few years ago and is now Bowburn South Industrial Estate.
Following the closure of the colliery Bowburn declined. More recently the location of the village close to the A1 has meant that the village has become a prime site for new commuter housing. Bowburn is a large village with a very warm community,which takes pride in everything they do. Ever since the colliery declined Bowburn has literally risen from the ashes.