About the Grange
The Grange was built as a wedding present by Alfred Backhouse to his nephew James Edward. Alfred Backhouse was living at Pilmore Hall at the time.
The architect was Sir Alfred Waterhouse who was a famous Victorian architect. Waterhouse was the architect of the Natural History Museum in London, Manchester Town Hall and Barclays Bank and the Town Clock in Darlington. He was therefore often used by the Quaker families in the area. The Grange is a very good example of a Victorian gentleman’s residence designed by this famous architect. It has often been visited by people researching into Victorian architecture including Paul Jarvis who did a thesis at Newcastle University in 1978 and later a group from Cambridge University.
Later James Edward’s son Edward came to live at the Grange having been left both Pilmore and the Grange. He decided to sell Pilmore and live at the Grange.
The Rogerson Connection
Captain William Rogerson and his family moved from Walworth Castle to Neasham abbey in early 1913. He was on military service in the 19th DLI but at camp in Woking, Surrey suffered a heart attack and died.
Mrs. Violet Rogerson moved into the Grange after the death of her husband in 1914. In the rates book 1917-20 Mrs. Rogerson was recorded as living in the Grange which was still owned by the Executors of J.E. Backhouse. In the Valuation List of 1926 she is still recorded as living there though there is no mention of the Executors. The house may have been sold in 1920 when it appears new deeds were drawn up, the originals presumably having been lost
The Spielman Connection
In 1935 the house is again advertised for sale with a splendid brochure. In the Schedule of Deeds and Documents relating to Hurworth Grange the conveyance on 2nd December 1935 is from Wilfred Godden and others, the executors of the Backhouse will, to Mrs.M.J. Spielman.
During the 1930’s Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe were given accommodation at the Grange before finding new homes in England, having escaped from persecution. As Jews the Spielman’s clearly felt a duty to help.
Mr. C.M. Spielman came to Whessoe in 1923 and moved to Darlington to become Managing Director of the works in 1935. When he took over at the works there were about 70 on the staff and 500 in the works, when he left in 1954 there were 400 on the staff and 1,200 in the works.
When Mr. Spielman retired, Mr. T. Heslop, in his tribute, said “he is known personally to practically everyone of the thousand odd individuals who work here. He never failed to give a word of encouragement to those who needed it, nor of praise to those who merited it”. He also mentions Mrs. Spielman who “organised and worked with the Whessoe Womens’ Knitting Club and by whose efforts hundreds of socks, gloves and other knitted garments were sent for the comfort of Whessoe men serving in the forces”. During the war Whessoe was responsible for building hulls for Churchill tanks, and hulls for landing craft. In 1954 Mr. Spielman retired as managing director and became the first President of the company. At this point he moved to London.
Sale of the Grange to the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God
When Mr. Spielman and his family moved to London, the property was for sale once again. The Brothers of St. John of God at St. Cuthbert’s Hospital were approached to see if they would like to buy it. On the 12th October 1955 the conveyance of the property from Mrs. M.J. Spielman to the Rev. William Donegan and others was completed.
The Grange was now to be used as a school for boys wishing to become Hospitaller Brothers and accommodated about 30 boys. It replaced accommodation at St. John of God Hospital, Scorton.
By 1968 the Brothers had decided to sell the property and were approached by two teachers who had decided to retire and hoped to purchase the property to grow roses. Another approach came from Shepherds the builders who were already building in the area and hoped to purchase the Grange for building purposes. However a compulsory purchase order by Durham County Council gave the Grange to Hurworth Parish Council for use as a Community Centre.
The Grange as a Community Centre
A plaque at the entrance to the Grange commemorates the official opening:
Hurworth Community Association
These premises were officially opened by
Claude M. Spielman OBE. MC.
on the 20th September 1969.
It has continued to be used as a Community Centre since then and the range of activities offered is very varied.
Neal Woods. (We are grateful to Neal for allowing us to use his article. Editor: Jean Kendall).
(This article was included by permission of Jean Kendall, Editor of ‘Rockliffe Roundup’)