Redhills Durham Miners Hall

From many vantage points in Durham City, you can spot the copper dome of Durham Miner's Hall, colloquially called Redhills. As you walk in through the gates, it is like visiting a stately home and it is home to the historical Pitman's Parliament. Of course, it is Grade II listed.

My thanks go to Ross Forbes for some wonderful gems and accurate information.

In 1915, this was the new Headquarters of Durham's Mining Association (DMA); the previous hall in North Road had become too small for all its members. How many members, I hear you ask? Ross said "We work on a figure of 250,00 employed in direct mining jobs."

What did the DMA ever do for miners? Well, they introduced better working conditions, such as reduced hours and better pay (frequently), welfare, homes, education, libraries, and leisure facilities, along with supporting the strikes, all paid for by the subs.

Redhills was designed to equal the grand houses of the mine owners and this mansion was something to be proud of. The founders were Methodistsand you will see their influence.

It is definitely worth booking a tour and there is a link at the end if you are interested. Our guide, Ross, was super insightful and knowledgeable, that's because he has been actively involved with Redhills for quite a few years.

Redhills is a curious name, and Ross explained:

The building is of the Edwardian Baroque style, and a four-year refurbishment programme was completed in 2025. Let's have a look at this special place.

It is an attractive building in red brick with a stately entrance porch. I asked if the red brickwork and ashlar stonework were cleaned in the refurbishment. Ross replied, "No. We wanted to retain the patina of the era."

Look at all those windows, I wouldn't want to be cleaning them!

The striking copper domes add majestic sophistication. The one on the roof had minor repairs and it was desired to leave it somewhat tarnished to represent the hardship of miners.

The roof balustrade is of ashlar stone and it has darkened during its time.

"It's soot from the chimney's and steam engines which passed the building." said Ross.

As you walk around, you may notice the new contemporary build, and, like my husband, note the long bricks.

The entrance is now at the side of the building, and you enter at the basement level. There was a store room that contained around 80 years' worth of documentation. Some suffered damp and water ingress, so they could not be salvaged. It is now a cinema room that sets you up for the tour with a short, coherent film. It is narrated by two of County Durham's finest thespians, Alun Armstrong and Gina McKee.

The new stairs have giant wooden pit props to welcome you. Here are photos looking up and from the top looking down. They were installed first, then the atrium and stairs.

In the old stairwell, look up and you will gaze in awe at the light that floods in from a glass cupola. Another example of what any dignified hall would feature.

Throughout the building, there are the miners' lodge banners, which have always been a big part of Durham, and the Durham Miners' Gala is still held most years. Your guide will impart some wonderful insights into the mural and paintings, depicting the scenes of the gala.

The Debating Chamber, AKA The Pitman's Parliament, is designed like a Methodist Chapel, and you can marvel at the workmanship, or immerse your imagination whilst you gaze at the Art Deco windows and decorated plasterwork.

There is a seat for each elected delegate from the miners' lodge in the Durham coalfields. I got an accurate response from Ross as to how many seats are in the Pitmen's Parliament "298 downstairs 60 upstairs"

This Pitman's parliament was representation by democracy, and they would debate issues affecting their work and communities. Votes would be taken to agree on the course of action.

Below is a view from the 'stage', the curved apron was where clerks took minutes and made meticulous notes, hence why there was so much documentation in the basement. The last pit in the area closed in 1993, so did the Pitman's Parliament.

The hall is crafted with Austrian Oak, and each chair was for a specific colliery, and that colliery kept the same seat until that pit closed. Take a look at the back of the chairs; there are individual inscriptions (which are donations for the chairs' refurbishment) on round pit tokens, similar to what the miners took down the pit and handed back when they came out, so it was known that all were safe.

The green baize greets you in the Committee Room. Huge decisions were made in here, for example, the decision for the Miners' Strike of 1984/5. It was not an easy one. You will have to do the tour to find the full, fascinating facts.

The Muniment/Document Room has several important artifacts and was known as Starlins' room. I'm not saying why; it was explained on our tour. The ceiling is curved and made from Austrian Oak, and it gives an added dimension.

Historic England has recognised this building as one of 100 irreplaceable buildings. It is such an important part of Durham's heritage that much can be learned about the history of coal mining, the unions, and the community.

In the grounds, there are four marble statues of men who improved the miners' lot. They are William Crawford, Alexander MacDonald, John Forman and William Hammond Patterson. This fab four were originally sited at the North Road Hall. During the refurbishment, they were covered to protect them.

There is an art installation in the Garden. The miner pushing a coal tub is called The Putter created by Brian Brown in 1995. He also created The Brothers at Seaham. It was originally a commemoration for Easington Colliery, which closed in 1993. Mr. Brown fabricated it at the site's engineering unit, and The Putter is made from scrap around the site. The sculptor thought it might get vandalised, so he gave it to the National Union of Mineworkers in Durham. Notice the tub is derailed, and the Putter is using his brute force to right the cart.

Meldrum Group was recruited for the restoration from their website gives some insights.

If you are interested in visiting, book a tour through their website, Redhills Durham Miners Hall, and look up the what's on section. It is the only way to appreciate this splendid mansion fully, and it is a modest price.

As you leave, don't you think the Miners on the gatepost are a tad cheeky?!