The mining village of Silksworth was a small hamlet of approx 400 people according to the Census of 1871. This was to change  after Lord Londonderry sunk a shaft to gain access to the rich coal reserves below. By 1879 the population had risen to 4707 covering the Silksworth and now Tunstall areas.

Miners and there families had migrated to Silksworth from from Ireland, Scotland, Cornwell and even from North America and Germany.  Lord Londonderry provided colliery housing for the workers.

Silksworth Colliery eventually closed in 1971 it was a massive blow to the local community as many of the local people and businesses relied on the colliery for their livelihood.

Although the Colliery has long gone the proud and hardworking families of Silksworth still remain since its closure in 1971. Complete families worked there and went through great hardships during the seventies having to retrain and find alternative work away from the only work they knew.

This former Police House of Durham Constabulary which was opened in 1887. The building comprised of an office, interview room and upstairs accomodation . It was later the offices of Sunderland District Creamery from 1981 to 1997. The building has been a florists since then .

This Memorial was erected in Silksworth Park in loving memory of the men in the Silksworth and Tunstall Parishes who made the supreme sacrifice in The Great War 1914 - 1918. Added to this we also have those of the Parishes who fell in the second word war 1939 - 1945. This area is proudly maintained and is a perfect peaceful spot to gather your thoughts and remember the villagers  who were lost.

Some of those who lost there lives were PTE. CAMPBELL P, SERGT.DIXON J , GNR.DONKIN M , PTE DAVEY J , PTE DICK J.A. , PTE DUNN R , PTE DONNOLLY J ,R.Q.M.S. ELLIOTT J.W. ,PTE ELLEMORE W ,PTE NUTTER E. CORPL. NUTTER J.H. ,PTE NORMAN R.W. , PTE NORMAN T.W. , SERGT. ARKLEY W , PTE BONE J , PTE BRIGGS M ,PTE BRITTAIN A , PTE BRADY F ,BDR BAINBRIDGE A , BDR BAINBRIDGE T , L/CORPL BARTON W , 2ND LIEUT. CARSS H C .

St. Leonards Parish Church on Tunstal Village Road.