The Five Quarter

Peterlee and coal mining went hand in hand for more than 150 years. At one time, Horden Colliery was the biggest pit in Britain, where miners worked the 'High Main', 'Five Quarter' and 'Yard' seams.

The first substantial development in the Peterlee area followed the arrival of the Burdon family, in the 1750s. Rowland Burdon bought and improved the Manor of Castle Eden. His work was continued by his son of the same name. However, it was the discovery of coal deposits, in 1822, which transformed the area.