Orchard House
One of the oldest houses in Shotley Bridge believed built in the early 1700’s, it was originally part of the Shotley Hall Estate. Initially perhaps only a 2 room cottage but much extended over time.
It has been a farmhouse and a coaching inn. On the wall a fire insurance plaque bears the policy number 1710.
The Renton’s, a famous medical family, lived here for much of the 19th century. One of the heads on the four corners of the tower of the town hall is Dr Renton, said to represent local personalities alive in 1860.
John Renton, born 1812, was a Scottish M.D. and Surgeon graduating from Edinburgh University. He settled in Shotley Bridge in the late 1830’s and married Mary Siddell. Two of his son’s, William Matthew Renton and George Renton, also became Doctors.
Find out more about the Renton doctors in Brian Harrison’s article in the Consett Magazine on ‘Medical Provisions in Victorian era Consett – Consett History’
Shotley Bridge Village Trust 