Summerhouse

Summerhouse is a village in the Borough of Darlington, located about 6 miles north-west of the centre of Darlington and 4½ miles south-east of the village of Staindrop. Most of the houses are situated along the side of a long village green. In medieval times there was a defended manor house with a moat, drawing water from Sumerhouse Beck, which was located to the south of the village green.[1] This was reputedly the summer residence of the Lords of Raby, from which the name of the village is derived. The Raby Hunt Inn (now restaurant) in the village reflects this historical association with the Raby Estate. Summerhouse Village Hall is located a short distance east of the village off the B6279 road. Historically, Summerhouse was a township in the ancient parish of Gainford in County Durham. Today, the village and it's surrounding area form Summerhouse Civil Parish.

SUMMERHOUSE, a township, in the parish of Gainford, union of Darlington, S.W. division of Darlington ward, S. division of the county of Durham, 6¾ miles (N.W. by W.) from Darlington, on the road to Staindrop; containing 165 inhabitants. This place is supposed to derive its name from having been anciently the summer residence of the lords of Raby, of whose mansion, surrounded by a moat, some vestiges still remain in the southern part of the village. The township comprises 779a. 3r. 8p., of which 509 acres are arable, 263 grass land, and 2½ wood; the soil is generally fertile, and there are some good limestone quarries. The impropriate tithes, payable to Trinity College, Cambridge, have been commuted for £115. 15. 8½., and the vicarial tithes for £51. 2.

Extract from: A Topographical Dictionary of England comprising the several counties, cities, boroughs, corporate and market towns, parishes, and townships..... 7th Edition, by Samuel Lewis, London, 1848.