Sharing and promoting
the history and heritage of County Durham
The County Durham Forum for History and Heritage (CDFHH or Forum) provides a network for history, heritage and archaeology groups across the current and historic boundaries of County Durham.
The Forum exists without funding from any official body to provide advice and assistance to its members and offer them the opportunity to communicate, meet and discuss matters of local history and heritage. Its aims are:
- To celebrate, research and raise awareness of the rich history and archaeology, family history and folklore of County Durham.
- To share information, expertise and knowledge between member organisations and create opportunities for both learning and heritage related skills training.
- To promote the activities of our members organisations through a newsletter, social media posts, meetings and exhibitions.
The Forum’s membership comprises over 45 local history, archaeology and genealogy groups, plus some individual members, who are located between the Rivers Tyne and Tees.
Latest News & Site Posts
- Bishop Auckland History Fair 2026
Come along and meet member groups of the County Durham Forum for History & Heritage who will be exhibiting local history and archaeology displays at this years Bishop Auckland Heritage Fair. See above and below for further details of this year’s fair and associated public talks which will be free… Read more: Bishop Auckland History Fair 2026 - The Lost Carlton/Thorpe Cross
Summary: This article outlines the discovery and subsequent research of an early 10th century Anglo-Norse cross shaft discovered by Thorpe Thewles History Group (TTHG) in the village of Carlton in southeast county Durham. TTHG believe this shaft may be part of the lost ‘Thorpe Cross’ which was last recorded as… Read more: The Lost Carlton/Thorpe Cross - Lanchester History Society
The Society has a programme of talks given by well known speakers on a variety of wide ranging historical topics, usually of northern origin and interest. Summer visits are also arranged to historical sites within the region. Everybody is welcome to join us on the first Friday of the month… Read more: Lanchester History Society