DUR-NBL-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: Re Samphire Batts
Date: Mon, 1 May 2000 20:57:23 +0100

On 30 Apr 00, at 6:09, Ann wrote:

> Need to clarify my earlier posting. A Baptism record in the Parish of
> Billingham, County Durham stated that Samphire Batts was the place of abode
> of the parents of Susannah Fowler, bapt 22 Aug 1838. Looking for Fowlers
> and Kingstones from this part of Durham and also the meaning of a Batt and
> whether it would be used by itinerants/gypsies as a place of residence.

I am guessing here, but samphire is a species of plant that grows
on tidal mudflats. If the location is therefore 'common grazing in the
tidal area', which seems fairly likely, it must have been pretty near
the Tees. Also this would have been fairly poor grazing, due to the
salt water, so its use by the poorer or itinerant classes would also
fit in.

Hope this helps a bit.

Julia Say
Archivist, Northumbrian Pipers Society
N. Pipers: Any in NBL or DUR
Family: SAY (SOM pre 1900), NICHOLLS (WIL C19, GLS C17-18)
NORTON (NBL C19), LAKE (NBL C19)

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