Seaton with Slingley lies to the west of Seaham and enjoys good road communications for commuters. It is within easy distance of a rugged coastline and pleasant open countryside, both of which offer good opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Seaton is mentioned in documents dating back to the year 930 A.D. as a resting place between Durham and the then medieval village of Seaham, which comprised of no more than the Manor House, Church and some farmhouses in the neighbourhood of Seaham Hall. The whole district was very sparsely populated, in all, the combined population of Seaham, Seaton and Dalden (now Dawdon) was only 200 or so until as recently as the year 1811.
Seaton is a very old settlement. Roman coins have been found in the village and it was first mentioned in written records with Old Seaham in 925 A.D. Seaton was then part of Seaham and its residents worshipped in the 11th century church of Seaham St Mary’s.
In the 17th century the historian Surtees called Seaton: “A cheerful little village on an easy swell of country surrounded by green enclosures”.
By 1829 the small agricultural community of Seaton had 134 inhabitants. This was soon to change with the coming of the mineral railway from the Rainton Collieries to Seaham. It ran from west to east over Copt Hill to Seaton Bank Top, then via the top of the Mill Inn Bank to Seaham Harbour. 60 men were employed at the engine house, station and on the track. The line was used in its heyday by no fewer than 11 Londonderry Collieries.
Durham County Councillors
Seaton with Slingley sits within the Seaham Division and is represented by two County Councillors:
Councillor Karan Batey
- Telephone: 03000 269 219
- Email: karan.batey@durham.gov.uk
Councillor David McKenna
- Telephone: 03000 269 177
- Email: david.McKenna@durham.gov.uk
Member of Parliament
The Parish of Seaton with Slingley sits within the Easington Parliamentary Constituency:
Grahame Morris MP
- Telephone: 0191 526 2828
- Email: grahame.morris.mp@parliament.uk
East Durham Area Action Partnership
Seaton with Slingley is covered by the East Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP).
Each year AAP forum members are invited to vote for those AAP priorities that will shape next year’s AAP Action Plan. Board members then consider the recommendations for the AAP priorities made by the forum and youth forum, during the next AAP Board meeting.
To find out what the AAP is and what it does, visit the East Durham AAP website.
The Community
Although Seaton with Slingley is a small village it boasts a strong sense of community spirit.
Seaton with Slingley Parish Council is keen to establish “working in partnership” ideals and always welcomes the opportunity to help further develop the links between the public and the services offered within the village.
As a Parish Council we work closely with Durham County Council and many other business and community organisations, all helping the village to flourish. Many of the contacts we have in the village help us enormously through their experience and knowledge and we thank the community for their efforts.