Durham January 2011

In the 18th Century every county in England had it's own Militia which provided home defence and could be mobilised to defend towns and coastal forts. Men would undertake training for sevveral months at an Army depot, then return to civilian life where they were required to report regulary for training, and a two week camp. They would receive military pay and a small retainer.

The Durham Militia was formed in 1759 by the Earl of Darlington at Barnard Castle. In 1853, the Durham Militia was split into three new Regiments - 1st South Durham Militia, 2nd North Durham Militia the Durham Militia Artillery.

The Durham Militia Artillery were based in Durham City at Vane Tempest Hall. Subsequently the 3rd Northumbrian Brigrade Royal Field Artillery occupied the Hall.

Durham Militia Artillery

Vane Tempest Hall 1875

Vane Tempest Hall 2011

It was from here the soldiers of the 3rd Northumbrian Field Artillery (Durham Battery) began their journey here, marching down Gilesgate and Claypath to the Market Place, before leaving for France.

Gilesgate and Claypath

Durham Market Place
3rd Northumbrian Briagde RFA Durham Battery

The Hall has had a chequered history dating back to the 1860s. As well as being home for a a number of Army units and even doubled as a smallpox hospital in 1884. The parade grounds are said to be haunted by a militia soldier who accidentally blew himself up by a cannon while shooting it on the parade grounds.

A number of para normal sightings have been made:

Anomolous Phenonoma Investigations