The present building stands on the site of a former House. It was originally built for Mr John Richardby who was a London merchant. The building work commenced in 1800, the original architect's name is not known. The property was then named "Oswald House". Before it was finished, it was sold to Thomas Wilkinson of Brancepeth for £5,000,the agreement for the sale of the House and 33 acres of land was concluded on 3 February 1806. The Wilkinsons were a large and well established north east family, Thomas Wilkinson being an Alderman of Durham. He was Mayor in 1804 and 1810.
| In 1828 Thomas Wilkinson sold the house to his cousin, the Reverend Percival Spearman Wilkinson of Belmont for £6,200 the agreement for the sale is dated 21 August 1828. Soon after the purchase, the Reverend Percival Wilkinson engaged Philip Wyatt to design alterations and enlargements to what he then called "Mount Oswald". The mason, George Burnett, was paid £1,592.12s.10½d. The other craftsmen were Benjamin Jackson (Plumber), George Clark (Printer), John Preston (Slater), George Robson (Plasterer), John Macklam (Smith) and Thomas Prosser (Measurer). The total cost was a little under £5,000. Philip Wyatt, also built Wynyard Park, although he did not have a very good reputation and was dismissed from his position at Conishead Priory, Cumberland. The refurbished house was ready for occupation by 1829, Firstly by Percival Spearman Wilkinson, (1819-98) and then by his eldest son Major General Sir Percival Spearman Wilkinson (1865-1953). |  |
In 1898 Mount Oswald was leased to Captain John Edwin Rogerson, and it was sold to him several years later. Captain Rogerson was the eldest son of John Rogerson of Croxdale. He was born 8 January 1865 and died in March 1925. He was a Director of various iron and steel companies in the North East. From 1888 he was the master of the North Durham Foxhounds. He was an Alderman of County Durham, and became Sheriff during 1905-06 and was awarded an OBE in 1919. Captain Rogerson became a Unionist M.P. for Barnard Castle in 1922.
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In May 1900 there was a disastrous fire that destroyed many of Wilkinsons documents although many of the contents of the house were rescued before the fire took hold. It broke out in the attics in the evening, while Mr and Mrs Rogerson were away, their young son and two daughters were led to safety. The fire destroyed the central parts of the house, the drawing room, dining room, stairs, hall, entrance hall and smoking room. The house however was covered by insurance and subsequently repaired. After a variety of uses, it was purchased by North of England Estates Ltd. and is currently used as a conference, restaurant and golfing centre, which is open to the general public. |
Acknowledgements: With thanks to Peter Meadows and his article for Durham Archaeological Journal and Helen Major for the information provided on Captain Rogerson.
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