Tudhoe Park Hotel was built by Cuthbert Gardner a builder and contractor. Kelly's Directory 1879 described the Park Hotel as having a pleasant recreation ground, with a large music hall adjoining.
It was intended for cricket, athletics, fives(handball), rugby and quoits.

Date	Licensee	Newspaper Articles - see below
1872-Jan 1879	Park Hotel Recreation Ground & Music Hall Cuthbert Gardner (owner) (living at Tudhoe Park House)	1872 Applied for License
		1873 Court case horse
		1873 Pigeon shooting dinner
		1876 Shooting
		1876 Walking Feat
	Henry Gardner	1879 Bankruptcy
		1883 Feb Hotel For Sale
		1883 May - Gardner liquidation of Stockton hotels
24th Jan 1879	Robert Robinson	1879 Licence breach
1879-1884	William Williams
1884-1887	William Kendall	1886 To Let
1889-1890	Thomas Charlton
1890-1893	John Galley/Gelley	1891 anniversary dinner
		1892 feeding children meeting
		1892 Football meeting
1893-1895	William Cummings
1895-1902	John Wilkinson, Owner Thomas Tucker Executors (Turks Head Brewery, Gateshead)	1895 Dec Fire - later rebuilt
		1902 Licensing Prosecution
1902-1911	Charles Cook	1911 Charles Cook retires
1911-1916	Thomas Noddle	Closed 1916 Licensing problems
1919	Tudhoe Park Club & Institute Ltd 22nd Aug reopened	Secretary Arthur B Dixon 1921 Pony races
1921	Aaron Fairless (Club Steward), Margaret Fairless (Club Stewardess)	George Hood, 1 Park Hotel, Boot & Shoe Repairer William Dunn, 2 Park Hotel, Road Man
July 1929 Voluntary Liquidation	Herbert Tighe
1939 Register	Tudhoe Park Buildings Robert Wilson, coke over worker. +4. Joseph Hosie, bye-product oven worker, +1. Sarah Ryan, +2. Ethel B Clark. George Aldred, french polisher, +4. Andrew Bough, hewer, +3.
1977	Converted into flats/houses	Property for Sale

30th August 1872 Durham County Advertiser
Mr. Cuthbert Gardiner, contractor of Tudhoe Grange, applied for a license for a house, he had erected at that place, and which is situate about midway between Five Lane Ends and Tudhoe Grange. Mr Brignall, jun., who appeared in support of the application, admitted there were many publics at the latter place, but urged that inasmuch as there had been such a large number of working men’s dwellings erected, and as a natural consequence, a great influx of persons who had become residents, so that a spacious and commodious public house was absolutely wanted in the particular locality where the house in question had been built.
A memorial, praying the magistrates to grant the license, had been signed by the Rev Mr Watson, Roman Catholic priest, and a large number of influential residents, which was submitted by Mr Brignall, but the magistrates did not attach much importance to such documents, as they knew they were easily got up. No district in the County of Durham, said Mr Brignall, was more increasing in population than that at Spennymoor and Tudhoe Grange.
Mr Fawcett: But if there are too many houses already, this one will certainly be unnecessary.
Mr Brignall: The house is 600 yards away from any other public-house, and it has been specially built and adapted for a first class hotel. Attached to the house are eight acres of land, which Mr. Gardiner intends to lay out as a cricket and croquet field.
Mr Henderson: I do not think you are mending your case.
Mr Fawcett: I would rather see the cricket field some little distance from his house.
Mr Brignall: It is better for the young men of the district to indulge in some healthy exercise, than “soaking” in a public-house.
Mr Fawcett: You had better not pursue that line of argument any further.
Mr Brignall: Mr. Gardiner is one of those gentlemen, I am happy to say, who does not want to make a fortune out of a public-house, as he is possessed of substantial means. He will, however, conduct the house, which is rated at £70 a year, himself.
The magistrates, without much hesitation, granted the full license.

24th January 1873 Gardiner Durham County Advertiser - Two Spennymoor Tradesmen at Loggerheads Thomas Startforth, butcher Spennymoor, sought to recover from Cuthbert Gardiner, builder and contractor, Tudhoe Grange, the sum of £28 14s 71/2d, of which £6 17s 4d had been paid into court. ... Thomas Startforth said “ In October 1871, Mr Gardiner called at my shop, and asked me if I had a horse to exchange, as his own had fallen and had smashed the dog-cart all to pieces, and he would never yoke it again. At that time defendant kept an inn, and we went there where we agreed to exchange mares, defendant to give me £20 to boot and his own mare, for my mare, which at that time was cheap at £30. Defendant gave me a cheque for that amount, which I got cashed. The mares were accordingly exchanged, and I sold defendant’s mare for £8. Some two or three days afterwards I got a letter from defendant stating that he was sorry to say that my mare did not suit him; he wanted his own mare back again: and that I was to keep out of the cheque what I thought proper, and return him the balance. I sent him a reply that I had sold his mare for £8 the day previously.
Soon after that an action was brought against me to recover the £20. A writ was issued, and Mr Henry J Marshall, solicitor, put in an appearance on my behalf, but afterwards the action was abandoned. Subsequently Mr Henderson came into my shop and asked if we could not get this horse swap settled. I told him that they had put me to a great deal of expense and trouble, but that I was quite willing to have it settled, as I did not want to go to law. Directly afterwards Mr Syme came in and put the same inquiries. Defendant himself next entered, and asked if we could not get the case settled, as he, too, did not want to go to law. I said I was quite willing. Mr Gardiner invited me to go across to the Bridge Hotel.
I called in Mr Eden to be a witness on my behalf. Gardiner asked how the matter was to be settled. I told him he should have his own mare back for £20n if he would pay for her keep. That was agreed to , and defendant shook hands with me and said we would be as good friends as ever. No money passed at that time. Defendant after giving me notice, sold by public auction, my mare for £13 15s. I could not say when that was, but it was prior to my going into the Bridge Hotel with defendant.
Two or three days after that I received a letter from defendant, asking me to send somebody for my former mare, as she had turned lame, and that he wanted his own mare back again for the next day; and that he would pay all expenses and her keep. I accordingly let him have the mare on the 25th of December. A letter was here put in from defendant, stating that he would pay her keep, amounting to £1 10s.
(Defendants barrister said he didn’t know about this letter but they should continue to try the case for £20.
Plaintiff “On 3rd July last I went to Mr Gardiner and asked him how he was off for money, as I was going to Stagshaw Bank fair, and wanted some. I told him I had not so much money as I would like to take with me.
The reason why I did not ask him before for the money was, that I thought him an honourable man, and that he would pay me. Defendant requested me to call next morning, which I did,. He asked me how much I wanted. I replied £20. On looking into his purse, he said he had not so much as that, but he would give me £10, and he gave me a cheque for that amount.
Defendant’s barrister (Mr Steavenson) admits the cheque was dishonoured.
Plaintiff’s barrister (Mr Skidmore) said the money paid into the court was on account of butcher’s meat.
Plaintiff: Defendant’s bill for butcher’s meat at that time was not near £10, in fact it was not £5. I took the cheque with me to Stagshaw Bank Fair, but did not use it. I kept it in my pocket for months. I did so because I thought it was as good as £5 notes, but when I presented it at the bank, it was dishonoured. I met defendant at Spennymoor, and told him it was dishonoured, and that I wanted to know the reason. His answer was that he had had some difference with his bankers, but that he would give me £10. On finding that he had not so much money on him then, he said that if I would give him the cheque back, he would send the money to my shop. Believing him , I gave up the dishonoured cheque. I have not received the £10 nor any part of it, neither have I seen the cheque since- To the judge: I have got no part of the £20-
Cross-examined: I sold defendant’s mare to Mr Michael Raine, Nunstainton, for £8. I never told defendant I had sold it to some tinkers or potters: but I told him it was sold to a gentleman who dealt in horses. I never said that if it cost me £100 I would get it back again. At the Bishop Auckland Agricultural Show I told defendant the name of the person to whom I had sold the mare; and he said that if it cost him £50 he would get it back again. I did not tell Mr. John Gardiner that I had sold the mare to some travelling potters. I never spoke to him about the mare at all.
Mr. John Thomas Eden, draper, Spennymoor, said that he remembered being in the Bridge Hotel, Spennymoor with the plaintiff, defendant, Mr. Syme, and Mr. Henderson when the agreement was made about Mr. Gardiner buying his own mare back again for £20.
To Mr. Steavenson: I do not think the £20 had reference to any former £20. I did not know about any action having been commences, neither had I any knowledge that £20 had been previously paid for plaintiff’s mare. I did ?? even know that a writ had been served on plaintiff.
Mr Michael Raine said that he bought a brown mare of Mr. Startforth in November 1871, for £8, and on hearing a few days afterwards that there was some dispute about her, I resold her to Mr Startforth for the same amount witness had paid for her. He did so because he did not want to be mixed up in any mischief. The mare had wonderfully improved up to the time he had resold it. When he first got her she had been knocked nearly all to pieces, and had been thrown down, but he thought he could bring her right again. The mare would be worth £20 when she left his hands. Plaintiff paid witness £1 10s for her keep, being at the rate of 3s a week, for ten weeks.
The defence set up was that at the first agreement it was arranged that if plaintiff’s mare did not suit defendant, he was to return her, and he was to receive the £20 back again; that on plaintiff being applied to on the Saturday, being the second day after the trial of the mare, he alleged that he had sold defendant’s mare that morning at five o’clock to some tinkers. Defendant thought this was a sham, and, in consequence of plaintiff refusing to give up the mare, although, as it was alleged he said, that he would try to get her back if it cost him £50, he did not; and it was having been ascertained that he had sent her to grass at Nunstainton Grange, defendant, through his attorney, Mr. Brignall jun., gave him notice that unless he returned the mare, and gave up the £20, defendant would sell his (Mr Startforth’s) mare. This he did, and she brought £13 15s. Thereupon and actin was commences against plaintiff to recover about £29, which defendant claimed of Mr. Startforth.
In the meantime some friends, of both parties, Mr Syme and Mr Henderson, who had heard of the nature of the transaction, tried to mediate between them. They sent for defendant, and they all adjourned, along with plaintiff, to the Bridge Hotel, in Spennymoor. It was then and there agreed that Mr Startforth, was to keep the £20 cheque Mr Gardener had given him, and that the latter was to keep the proceeds of the sale of the former’s mare, which produced, after paying auctioneer’s expenses, £11 18s 6d, leaving thereby a profit in plaintiff’s hands of upwards of £8. It was also further agreed that plaintiff was to give back defendant’s mare, and that they were to be on the same friendly terms as before.
It was alleged that defendant distinctly stated that no money was to be paid by him for getting back the mare, and that if he had to give other £20, as stated by plaintiff, he would in fact be giving him £40 in cash for Mr Strtforth’s mare, which had only brought, when sold by public auction, £13 15s. With respect to the cheque for £10, it was alleged that it was given to plaintiff on account of his butcher’s bill, and it had nothing whatever to do with the transaction of the mare.—Mr Steavenson contended that if the cheque had been given for the mare, plaintiff would have got it cashed almost immediately, and not have kept it in his pockets for months. With reference to the story of selling defendant’s mare, it all a dodge. It was well understood by the two parties, that if there was a row about her Mr Raine was to give her up again. When the writ was served there was, of course, a row, and the mare, as per agreement, was taken back to Mr Startforth—
Mr Syme and Mr Henderson was called on Mr Gardiner’s behalf, and supported the line of defense that had been taken.—Mr Hubbick, veterinary surgeon, of this city, said that he knew both mares, and his opinion was that they were of equal value. The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff for £10. Read more

20th September 1873 Darlington Richmond Herald
The Claimant at Spennymoor – Pigeon Shooting Match - An Imposter?
The Claimant, Sir Roger Charles Tichborne, from London, was invited by Cuthbert Gardiner for a pigeon shooting match for £200 and a splendid silver cup, valued at £20. He stayed at Newcastle and got an early morning train to Spennymoor and was driven to Tudhoe Park Hotel. Local people assembled on the route to see him. There were peep-shows, shooting saloons, photographic galleries, merry-go-rounds and two singers who appeared to be sent away by the Claimant. Spectators between 3,000 and 4,000 gathered at the grounds.
The match was the best of 50 birds, 25 yards rise, 50 fall, 1.25 oz. shot, and the use of both barrels.
Mr George Knight, innkeeper, Tudhoe Grange, officiated as umpire, and Mr William Anderson, gamekeeper to Colonel Wood, of Howlish Hall, acted as trapper for Sir Roger, and Mr J Gardiner as trapper for his brother, Mr Robinson acted as scorer. The match ended in defeat for the Claimant, 22-33.
Mr Ireland suggested Mr Gardiner to be the winner although Sir Roger had great disadvantages; he had travelled every night that week, with no sleep on two nights and hadn’t arrived in Newcastle until 3.30am and had to leave at 7.30am, their was loud applause.
Sir Roger was prepared to shoot again for £10 a side, and the challenge was accepted. This match, for 15 birds each, resulted in a tie 10-10 so they agreed to shoot off at double birds. Sir Roger hit all six birds in his three attempts, Mr Gardiner only hit four. So Sir Roger was hailed the winner.
Sir Roger, Mr Ireland of the Express Inn, Newcastle, Mr David Syme, of Spennymoor, and other gentlemen ascended a large platform and addressed the crowd. Sir Roger said he hoped to return for more shooting.
Mr Woods suggested opening a subscription list in Spennymoor towards the expenses of the Claimant’s witnesses, which was met with approval. Sir Roger claimed he had been unfairly prosecuted and that it was alleged he was an imposter.
Click for more information about the Claimant who was trying to raise funds by touring the country.

Later a dinner was held at Tudhoe Park Hotel for 60 gentlemen.
There was a disturbance at the dinner when a gentleman was trying to prove the Claimant was no bigger than a nine or ten stone man when he was younger. The Chairman attempted to eject him which led to noise and confusion and there was a noisy altercation with oaths freely administered between Mr Woods, a bandmaster from Newcastle, and Mr Syme which resulted in the two disputants squaring themselves for a fight. They were stopped and everyone left except two or three people. Mr Woods and a policeman both rolled head foremost down stairs. Mr Gardiner and his friends tried to quell the disturbance and Sir Roger was driven to Durham for the midnight express.

1st January 1876 Darlington Richmond Herald
Christmas Day at the Tudhoe Orphanage
A few days before Christmas, the Home was visited by Mr M Salvin and his lady, of Burn Hall, Durham, who, with their usual liberality, commissioned the Master and Mistress of the Home (Mr and Mrs Pottiger) to make an ample provision for the children’s Christmas Day treat. A further supply of good things were sent to the Orphanage by Mr and Mrs Gardner, of the Tudhoe Park Hotel, and from many others who always contribute their share, forming quite a profusion of good things.
The dining room was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Conspicuously appeared “God bless our Pope”, in crimson letters on a white ground, “God bless the Queen” in gold, done on white satin, surmounted by the crown; “God bless the orphan’s friends” etc.
The afternoon and evening were spent in singing, dancing and reciting, with an abridged performance of Richard the III, in character, with which all seemed highly delighted. On the 28th, the children were again regaled with tea and cake, and the drawing of a beautiful Christmas tree, all presented by the Misses Salvin.
Several of the friends and supporters of the Home were present at the Christmas entertainment, and Mr and Mrs Potter were warmly complimented for their excellent management of the institution. In testimony of their appreciation, a beautiful painting, the work of Miss Salvin, was presented to Mrs Potter.

Were the Master and Mistress called Pottiger or Potter? This Home was in the original Tudhoe Academy buildings before the new much larger Tudhoe Homes was built.

4th March 1876 Darlington Richmond Herald
The Tudhoe Grange Shooting Case. At Durham County Police Court, on Saturday, a retired innkeeper, named George Knight, was brought up on the charge of feloniously shooting at Cuthbert Gardner, with intent to murder, at Tudhoe Grange, on the 20th inst.
Mr Brignall appeared to prosecute, and Mr Skidmore, barrister, instructed by Mr H J Marshall, appeared for the defence.
The prisoner, who was accommodated with a chair, was much affected during the hearing pf the case.
Prosecutor, who keeps the Tudhoe Park Hotel, said he had known the prisoner and been on friendly terms with him for close upon seven years. About three o’clock on Sunday afternoon last, the prisoner came on prosecutor sending for him about three o’clock. They had two bottles of wine together, and were on friendly terms, not a wrong word having passed between them. The prisoner took a revolver out of his pocket, pointed it towards the fire, and said “Gardner, if ever I thought I had done you any harm I would blow my brains out.” Prosecutor did not think anything of that, as they were on such friendly terms, and the prisoner would have done anything for him. At about half-past eight Mrs Gardner entered, and declined to shake hands with the prisoner when he offered to do so. A little afterwards, Mrs Parkins, the prisoner, and the prosecutor were left alone in the parlour; the prisoner came up to Gardner, and put his left arm round Gardner’s neck, offering to kiss him. Prosecutor said he didn’t mind being kissed by a man, and Mrs Parkins pulled prisoner off. The prisoner then went to the other end of the room, drew the revolver from his pocket, and said “ I’ll blow your brains out.” Prosecutor took no notice, thinking he was joking, but held up his hand, saying “Fire away.” A woman named Mrs Mason, coming in at the time and seeing the pistol in the prisoner’s hand, ran towards him to turn his hand. The prisoner tumbled against the door, and at the same time the pistol went off towards the jamb of the fireplace, six feet from where the prosecutor was sitting.
In cross-examination, prosecutor said he and prisoner had been bosom friends, and were almost always in each other’s company. The prisoner was at the time of firing the pistol lively from drink. It was just possible that the pistol went off by accident when the prisoner fell against the door. He did not believe that the prisoner had the slightest intention to injure him.
A number of witnesses were called, who in the main, corroborated prosecutor’s statement.
Robert Scott, gunsmith, of Middlesbrough, deposed to sending prisoner the pistol produced, which was a five-millometre repeater, pinfire, six-chambered pistol. A shot from it fired at a distance of five yards and striking the temple, would perforate the skin, but inflict no further injury.
Sergeant Parkinson, apprehended the prisoner, and in answer to the charge, received the reply “All right, I admit it in one respect.”
The Chairman (Mr Fawcett) said they had listened with great attention to this case, and although it was a serious charge there was not sufficient evidence to send the prisoner for trial.
The prisoner was therefore discharged.

1st June 1876 Sunderland Daily Echo
Walking Feat at Willington
James McQuire, of Willington, has walked 111 miles in 24 hours, at Tudhoe Park Grounds. The feat was nearly too much for him from his appearance at the finish of the task. McQuire failed in a similar attempt at Sunderland a week or two ago.

14th February 1879 Durham County Advertiser
Selling Whisky Without a License at Tudhoe Park
Robert Robinson, landlord of the Tudhoe Park Hotel, was summoned on a charge of having sold a quantity of whisky on his premises at that place, on 1st of February, without having the requisite license.
P S Elliott proved going into the defendant’s house about a quarter to eight o’clock on the evening in question, and asking Mrs Robinson to fill him a bottle of whisky. He obtained the bottle, and paid 2s 6d for it, when he enquired of Mr Robinson how long he had been in the Tudhoe Park Hotel. He replied, since the 24th January. He (witness) asked defendant if he had got his license endorsed, when he replied in the negative, but said that he intended to do so.
Mr Brignall, who appeared for the defence, contended that the defendant had no intention to defraud; it was purely an omission, and he (Mr Brignall) would submit it to the bench that it was a case which might be met by paying the court expenses.
The bench took this view of the case, and the summons was dismissed on payment of the costs.

Kelly's Directory 1879 described the Park Hotel as having a pleasant recreation ground, with a large music hall adjoining. It was intended for cricket, athletics, fives(handball), rugby and quoits. In 1879 Cuthbert Gardner is living at Park Villa (nearby) while Henry Gardner is at Park Hotel. In 1879 Cuthbert Gardner was bankrupt.

9th April 1879 Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail
Bankruptcy
Cuthbert Gardner of Park Villa, Tudhoe Grange, Durham, contractor and retired innkeeper. Second meeting at the Talbot Hotel, Bishop Auckland, on the 15th inst., at 3pm.

15th March 1883 Newcastle Journal
To Brewers, Innkeepers &c. The Tudhoe Park Hotel, Spennymoor, County of Durham.
Mr Thomas Wetherell is instructed to offer for SALE BY AUCTION, at the Three Tuns Hotel, Durham, on Saturday, the 31st day of March, 1883, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, prompt, the extensive and valuable FULLY-LICENSED PREMISES, known as “The Tudhoe Park Hotel,” Spennymoor, comprising hotel, spirit bars, capacious cellars, yards, and out-offices, with the stables, coach-house and out-buildings connected therewith. And also the FIELD adjoining thereto, and containing 6 acres, noow used as sporting and running grounds.
The Tudhoe Park Hotel is situate on the Durham Road, between Spennymoor and Durham, and is 5 miles from the latter place, and 2 miles distant from Croxdale Station, on the main line of the North-Eastern Railway.
The Hotel and premises are held on a lease for the term of 99 years, from the 13th day of May 1872, at annual ground rent of £7 11s 6d, and the Running grounds on a lease, expiring on the 13th day of May, 1901, at an annual ground rent of £30.
Possession can be given at the November term.
Further particulars can be obtained from Messrs CLAYTON and GIBSON, Solicitors, Newcastle-on-Tyne; or from the AUCTIONEER, at his offices, No. 1, Claypath, Durham.

3rd May 1883 Commercial Gazette London - Durham
Liquidations by Arrangement or Composition
Gardner Cuthbert, Star Hotel and Royal Star Theatre, Stockton-on-Tees, late Tudhoe Park Hotel, Tudhoe Grange, hotel keeper and theatre proprietor. Apr 23 At J D & D M Macdonald’s sols., Newcastle, May 8 at 3.

16th February 1886 Newcastle Evening Chronicle
To LET, Free, TUDHOE PARK HOTEL, Sporting Grounds, and Ball Alley, situate at Spennymoor. A rare opportunity for a pushing Sporting Man. Apply on the Premises, or to R Emmerson, jun’s “Doctors’ Stout” Stores 1, George Street, Scotswood Road, Newcastle.

23rd September 1891 Newcastle Daily Chronicle
SOCIAL
Last night , at Tudhoe Park Hotel, Spennymoor, Mr J Gelley entertained over 50 to supper, it being the anniversary of his coming to the hotel. After the removal of the cloth, Mr J Gelley occupied the chair, and said that he was pleased to be able to entertain his patrons who had supported him during the past twelve months, and also shown him such kindness during his past illness. He then presented Mr A Berryman and Mr W Dawson with a silver-mounted meerschaum cigar-holder each, in recognition of their valuable services in the management of the park during his absence. The rest of the evening was spent in a pleasant manner.

9th May 1892 Northern Echo
SPENNYMOOR
On Sunday morning nearly 500 children were entertained to breakfast in the Central Hall, Spennymoor, the necessary funds being provided by public subscription. Miss Richley and Messrs R Richley, G Wallace, H Barnett, and a host of willing helpers waited upon the delighted youngsters. On Saturday night a meeting of the residents of Tudhoe Grange and district, and convened by Rev Father Simmons and Dr Simpson, was held in the Tudhoe Park Hotel to consider what steps could be taken to establish relief for the school children. Those present were formed into a committee, Mr J W Fleming as secretary, and a sub-committee of Rev D Rycroft, Messrs Queenin, Jelley and Mahady was instructed to distribute soup on Tuesday first to the school children, and it is proposed to give dinners three day per week to 300 children. Father Simmons said ir was known to him that children had attended three days without any food. Mr Jelley kindly offered to prepare the soup and provide bread.

4th June 1892 Newcastle Daily Chronicle
Football Association
Early last season the Spennymoor Town Football Club, after several defeats, fell to pieces. A number of players and admirers of the game, determining that Rugby should not rule supreme, convened a meeting in the large room at Tudhoe Park Hotel. Over 50 put in an appearance. Mr Robert Ryder was elected chairman, and it was resolved to form an association football club, to be called the Tudhoe Park Albion. Mr W Dawson was unanimously elected match secretary. An organising committee was also appointed to assist in carrying out all work pertaining to the furtherance of the club. Mr John Gelley, the proprietor of Tudhoe Park Ground, promised good financial support. It was agreed that they hold a general meeting to elect officers early in August. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought business to a close.

9th December 1895 Northern Echo / 13th December 1895 Durham County Advertiser
Tudhoe Park Hotel Destroyed by Fire
Another lamentable fire has occurred in the Spennymoor district. The Tudhoe Park Hotel, which was built in 1872 by Mr Cuthbert Gardner, has been totally destroyed by fire, the only portions standing being the outside walls. The house in question is about midway from Croxdale Railway Station to Spennymoor, and has some very extensive sporting grounds in a field situated in the rear.
The licensed premises stand some little distance from the principal thoroughfare, this affording sufficient space for vehicles, which have been numerous on sporting events. It appears Mr and Mrs John Wilson, the occupiers, retired to rest about midnight on Saturday, after thoroughly inspecting the premises and finding, as it was supposed, all right. Immediately after midnight Mrs Wilson aroused her husband, announcing she had heard something strange. Mr Wilson, after a very brief hesitation left his bedroom, and was not long in finding the lower portion of the building in flames. In another moment he aroused the inmates of the house and had them safely conducted from the burning premises, after which he quitted the premises, leaving behind him all his belongings.
Sergeant Fryer, of the county constabulary, had been apprised of the conflagration, and quickly summoned the local Fire Brigade, who were got together in a surprisingly short space of time.
The hose was attached to a hydrant and the water put on to the burning building, but this was soon discovered to be useless, as the massive building was doomed to total destruction, and all the valuable furniture, pictures, and other costly articles were left to the mercy of the great and much dreaded enemy. What was still unfavourable was that a strong wind fanned and assisted in the destruction. Captain A Waters, the chief of the Fire Brigade, who unfortunately has had not a little experience in fires, encouraged his men, who gallantly responded to the call of their superior by working with all their strength and best judgement in mastering the fire, but their task was a hopeless case. In the midst of those gallant and daring efforts by every individual member of the brigade, the roof bodily gave way, and in order better to illustrate this serious conflagration so firmly rooted had the fire been in all parts of the building, the roof carried away three floors, which, with the furniture were hurled into the cellar, together with money, safe, clothing and every article the house contained. The members of the fire brigade, undaunted at the frightful crash, stuck to their positions, and still continued playing on the burning mass.
Finally the fire partially died out. Some thousands of people had congregated around the unfortunate and doomed premises, all deploring the sacrifice of the huge building and its contents, but glad to find that all the inmates were safely rescued. A valuable greyhound dog has, however, been destroyed. The licenses premises are owned by Mr Tucker, of the Turk’s Head Brewery, Gateshead. The loss cannot be less than between £3,000 and £4,000, which will be partly covered by insurance.

11th June 1902 Sunderland Daily Echo
A Durham Licensing Prosecution
At the Durham County Police Court to-day, before the Rev. Canon Greenwell (in the chair) and other magistrates, John Wikinson, landlord of the Tudhoe Park Hotel, Tudhoe, was summoned for having permitted gaming on his licensed premises on May 9th and 10th, and further with having been drunk on his own licensed premises on the same days. Mr Heath (Sunderland) appeared for the prosecution, and Mr E Clark (Newcastle) defended.
Mr Clark admitted that defendant was guilty of both offences, but in regard to the gaming he pleaded that the offence was very trivial, and as to drunkenness he urged that defendant had recently lost his wife, and this and other troubles had affected his conduct. However, he would lose his post in consequence of these summonses, and he asked in these circumstances that a small penalty be inflicted.
The Bench decided to inflict a fine of 10s and costs for gaming, and 5s and costs for the drunkenness on each of the two occasions.

19th May 1911 Durham Chronicle
Popular Publican Retires
Mr Charles Cook, the popular host of the Tudhoe Park Hotel, Spennymoor, has just retired from business, and is about to take up residence and live privately at Roker. On Thursday night last week a large number of his most intimate friends met at the hotel to give him a farewell send off, and at the same time present him with some token of respect. The presentation took the form of a marble clock, a pair of bronzes, an umbrella, and a walking stick, whilst Mrs Cook and Miss Cook each received a gold ring.
Mr H Retallick presided, and Mr H Beckwith was in the vice-chair. The Chairman, in an appropriate speech, handed over the gifts on behalf of the subscribers, and referred to the high esteem in which Mr Cook and his family were held in the district. Mr Cook feelingly responded. Mr Beckwith also referred to Mr Cook’s genial disposition and his public life. A capital music programme followed the presentation. Mr Cook was for several years a member of the Urban Council.

25th February 1916 Durham Chronicle
Tudhoe Park Hotel
With regard to the Tudhoe Park Hotel, the licence of which was adjourned at the Brewster Sessions. Mr Proud stated that the tenant (Mr Noddles) was in an unfortunate position. The owners were willing for the house to go to compensation, and he protested against the tenant having been described as not a fit and proper person to hold the licence.
Mr Ferens stated that the police did not allege that Mr Noddles had a bad character. The objection was that in order to draw trade he promoted rabbit coursing in a field adjoining the house, which attracted a number of undesirable people to the district. Pitch and toss also was indulged in.
Mr Proud, on the understanding that there was no reflection on the tenant’s character, withdrew his opposition to the non-renewal of the licence.
Supt. Waller objected on the ground of redundancy. He admitted that the tenant was a man of good character.
The house was referred to the Licensing Committee for compensation.

1st July 1916 Newcastle Journal
Mr S Richardson appeared in regard to the Park Hotel, Tudhoe Grange, and Mr A B Lloyd represented the owners. Superintendent Waller explained that the house was not wasted, as it was a source of annoyance, and brought the “riff-raff” of the neighbourhood about it to engage in pitch-and-toss and gambling.

30th September 1916 Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligence
Durham County Licensing Committee
The Durham County Licensing Committee sat yesterday at Durham, Sir Frank Brown presiding. The owner of the Park Hotel, Tudhoe Grange, which had been referred, claimed £2,700, and the Committee’s offer of £2,250 was accepted.

Park Hotel Recreation Ground & Music Hall closed in 1916 and re-opened in 1919 as Tudhoe Park Club & Institute Ltd.

3rd June 1921 Newcastle Daily Chronicle
Tudhoe Park Club Grounds, Spennymoor
Open pit pony races, Saturday, June 11th. Prizes of £20 given by workmen’s clubs in the Spennymoor Urban district area. Proceeds for central distress fund. Entries close June 8., to Arthur Dixon, Secretary, Tudhoe Park Club. Six events.

27th January 1933 The London Gazette
Notice is hereby given that the Registrar of Friendly Societies has, pursuant to the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1893, this day cancelled the registry of the TUDHOE PARK CLUB AND INSTITUTE Limited (Register No 7177 R., Durham), held at Club House, Durham Road, Tudhoe Grange, Spennymoor, in the county of Durham, on the ground that the Society has ceased to exist.

15th April 1940 Newcastle Journal
The funeral took place of Mr George Hutchinson (77) of Durham Road, Spennymoor. A native of Penrith, he lived 66 years at Spennymoor. He was employed at Tudhoe Coke Ovens 44 years. He was late secretary of the Coke Oven Worker’s Union, and a founder member of Tudhoe Park Club.

1st April 1977 The Durham Chronicle Chester Le Street
Tudhoe Park Buildings, Spennymoor
These properties form part of a large corner block of property which has recently been renovated, converted and modernized. They are situated on the outskirts of Spennymoor and are within easy reach of shopping, schooling and travelling facilities. No.’s 2 and 3 contain Entrance hall, Lounge, Dining room, fitted Kitchen, landing, 2 Bedrooms, Bathroom and W.C. All have parking space and communal drying area to rear. Gas Fired Central Heating R.V., NYA Prices: No. 2 £10,500. No. 3 £10,500 and No. 4 £8,000.