Blue Plaque unveiled to honour Houghton hero

The plaque, which has been unveiled at Houghton Broadway today, honours the life of the clergyman known as the 'Apostle of the North' who lived in Houghton in 1583.

The ox roast sandwiches sold at Houghton Feast every year are served in commemoration of Bernard Gilpin, who would roast an ox every Sunday and feed the poor in the community.

Now the blue plaque will commemorate his work and capture some of the history of Houghton.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, chair of Houghton Feast Steering Committee, said: "I think it's so important that we honour the heritage of our city and the communities within it. Bernard Gilpin lived in Houghton-le-Spring hundreds of years ago, but we still tell his story and remember his kindness to the community, still roasting an ox in his memory at every Houghton Feast. I was really pleased to be involved in installing a blue plaque right here in the village to commemorate his life.

"Through the Steering Committee and by working with Houghton Heritage Society we looked at options for where the plaque could be positioned and I'm delighted to see it in place on Houghton Broadway, providing the perfect reminder of our heritage in the ancient town of Houghton-le-Spring and ahead of start of this year's centuries old Houghton feast traditions."

Paul Lanagan, Chairman of Houghton Heritage Society and The Houghton Feast Trust's Ox Roasting Co-ordinator, said: "Houghton is a town that is proud of its history and Bernard Gilpin is a name that everybody knows thanks to his ox roasting practices at Houghton Feast and his many acts of generosity to the parish's poor.  I am pleased that there will now be a plaque commemorating Gilpin's good deeds. 

"The plaque's location on the Rectory gateposts, next to the remnants of the building which Gilpin lived in back in the 16th century, is very apt, particularly as this is now where the annual Houghton Feast ox roastings take place." 

Houghton Feast is set to return from Friday 7 - Friday 14 October with a packed programme of activities, events and entertainment.

This theme of this year's festival is 'a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II' and will begin with a spectacular community show on The Broadway celebrating her decades of service to the country, The Commonwealth and the Realms.

Crowds will be entertained by local groups including Houghton Pipe Band, Zazz dancers, Houghton Area Youth Brass Band and The Houghton Feast Children's Choir. The first night will end with the Houghton Feast illuminations being switched on by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Alison Smith.

Find out more about the Houghton Feast at Houghton Feast 2022 - MySunderland 

Pre-purchase your sandwiches online at: www.oxsarnies.com