24/12/2025
The Great Fire of Darlington in 1585 was a devastating blaze that struck on May 7, destroying 273 timber-framed houses in the High Row and Skinnergate areas, leaving 800 people homeless and wiping out two-thirds of the town's population in just a few hours, fueled by drought and strong winds, leading to a significant rebuilding effort within existing medieval street patterns.
Key Details of the Fire:
Date: May 7, 1585.
Impact: Extremely fierce and fast-spreading, burning for about two hours.
Destruction: 273 houses lost, primarily timber-built structures in central areas like High Row and Skinnergate.
Human Cost: Approximately 800 residents (two-thirds of the town) were made homeless.
Causes: A severe drought and strong winds rapidly spread the flames through densely packed timber buildings.
Aftermath & Legacy:
Rebuilding: The town was reconstructed, preserving its core medieval layout of streets, yards (wynds), and plots, which can still be seen today.
Survival: A fragment of Tudor wall behind the Nag's Head on Church Lane is considered the sole surviving piece from the fire.
