Hi John Thanks very much for your reply. If I ever go to Blackhill, I'll look out for that carving of your great grandfather. Jan From: [email protected] Subject: RE: [DUR-NBL] Where is Blackhill? Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 18:49:12 +0000 Hi, In my copy of 'The Consett Story' published by the Lions Club in 1963 is a description of Blackhill. 'This was constituted a separate and distinct parish in 1884. The greater portion was taken from Benfieldside parish and a part from Consett. It comprised an area of 357 acres and a population in 1893 of 4500. Blackhill now a large and increasing village is situated on the slope of the hill between Shotley Bridge and Consett a distance of about half a mile from eithe place' My parents were both born in Blackhill and my great grandfather William Ayton built a lot of the Victorian houses in Blackhill. On one house there is a carving of his head.... Yours John Ayton