Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre originally served the village of Wheatley Hill as the Chapel of Rest. In 2002 the Parish Council converted it into the present Heritage Centre Building.
The Heritage Centre houses a permanent exhibition of an East Durham Colliery Home as well as many artifacts and photographs which have been donated by local people, and friends and families now living away from the village.
Opening Times
- Tuesday: 10am to 12noon and 2pm to 4pm
- Thursday: 10am to 12noon and 2pm to 4pm
- Saturday: 2pm to 4pm
For further information please visit the Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre website.
Wheatley Hill History Club
Wheatley Hill History Club is dedicated to promoting interest in all aspects of the village history.
Meetings are held each month on a Wednesday at 11am in Wheatley House, Woodlands Avenue, Wheatley Hill. Admission is £2.00 and includes refreshments and raffle tickets.
The Club encourages anyone to attend and membership is not necessary.
For further information please have a look at Wheatley Hill History Club website.
Family History Research
Are you researching your family history? Are you curious about your family tree but don’t know where to start? Do you have missing ancestors? Have you come to a dead end?
Margaret Hedley, MA, B.Ed (Hons) is a local, experienced and reliable researcher who can help you with your research. For an informal chat and no obligation quote please contact Margaret on 07977 546 332 or email margaret@pastuncovered.co.uk
The War Memorial
The War Memorial is situated just outside The Heritage Centre. The Memorial bears the names of the brave men of Wheatley Hill who fought, and lost their lives in the 1st and 2nd World Wars and the Korean War.
Peter Lee (1864 to 1935)
Peter Lee has strong connections with the village of Wheatley Hill.
In 1903, age 33, he stood for Wheatley Hill Parish Council. His council duties involved responsibility for sanitation and water purity within the village, as well as the creation of new roads and a cemetery.Peter Lee went on to become Chair of the Parish Council.
Peter Lee died on 16 June 1935. Some years before this the town of Peterlee was created and his name lives on in the town.
At his personal request he was buried in Wheatley Hill Cemetery where his grave is a listed monument. The cemetery is also home to the Heritage Centre that celebrates the life of this great man who did so much for the village of Wheatley Hill during his time as Chair of the Parish Council.
Famous Graves Finder – This site allows you to search for and discover famous graves where late-greats, legends and historic figures are laid to rest in the Uk. Peter Lee’s grave has been added to the online “Famous Graves Finder” Peter Lee is the only entry in County Durham to be included on the site. You can visit the site at https://www.funeralguide.co.uk/famous-graves
