Seaton Holme, once the former Rectory of St. Mary the Virgin Church in the village of EASINGTON was built around 1240 and was one of the main church residences of the ward. A Grade I listed building it is one of the few 13th century domestic buildings existing in England.Originally an open hall medieval house, it was used as a dwelling house for the Archdeacons of Durham until 1832, then home to the Rectors of

Easington until 1921. It was then bought by the Guardians’ of the Poor and turned into a children’s home. Over the years it has had various other uses until it fell into a state of disrepair. Extensively altered over the centuries the structure still presents considerable remains of medieval fabric.

A range of buildings stood to the east and west of the house and behind the rectory was a farm and Tithe Barn. Through the Rectors there are links with the BOWES LYON family and ALICE IN WONDERLAND.

The building was bought by Easington Village Parish Council and following extensive renovation work, it was officially opened by HRH the Duke of Gloucester in 1992.

To the north of SEATON HOLME, stands a two storey building of stone rubble, once part of a much larger complex of buildings. It is not known whether the medieval windows are original or were inserted when windows were removed from St. Mary's Church during renovation. Surtees in his history describes it as 'a deserted oratory'. The building to the west was converted into a farmhouse late in the 19th century. It is now a Grade II listed building, the other buildings having been demolished. At one end is the tithe barn, used when tithes in kind were paid to the Rector of Easington.

Groundwork East Durham, who rent offices in Seaton Holme, purchased the building in 1998 and following renovation work the building is now an Environmental Centre and also provides additional office accommodation for Groundwork East Durham.

Located in the heart of Easington Village just off the A19, Seaton Holme provides a Discovery Centre, which is run by Groundwork East Durham. The Centre traces the history of the building and area from rural times and the coming of the coal industry. It also introduces visitors to the natural beauties of East Durham's countryside and coast and information and leaflets are available. There is a changing programme of events of both the Discovery Centre and the art displays in the Long Gallery. It is very popular as a sales outlet for crafts people and local artists and local books are available.

Entry is free and opening times are from 9am to 4pm weekdays. Weekend events and workshops are also held from April to September with opening times from 11am to 4pm.Click here to acccess the current programme. For further information Tel. 0191 5273333.

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