Bakehouse Hill, in Darlington, in the County of Durham, in the north east of England is situated on the north side of the market square. A market was first held in the square in the 10th Century and more recently held twice weekly until 1994 after which the square was redeveloped to create an open space for large scale events and festivals.
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| 3-5 Bakehouse Hill |
The row of buildings which make up
Bakehouse Hill take their name from a common bakery located there in the 18th
century where people could bring their pie or loaf to be baked. The Pennyweight pub
was the site of the first bakery and derived its name from its early dealings
of charging to bake by the weight. In about 1820 the bakery was moved to 3-5
Bakehouse Hill the building at the north east end, known then as the Bakehouse,
and where now we have the photography studio on the second floor with Foffanos
restaurant on the ground floor. The original ovens still stretch out many
metres under the pavement.
Prior to the 18th Century and before becoming a
bakery, the hill was known as Smithie Hill after the blacksmith’s forge located
there as well as serving variously as a pillory, gallows and a bull-baiting
ring. It is said, although not confirmed, that 3-5 Bakehouse Hill used to house
prisoners who had been condemned to be hanged at the gallows located there.
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| Studio Internal |
Darlington has been frequently featured in television and film
dramas and 3-5 Bakehouse Hill featured throughout the BBC television series,
Harry, starring Michael Elphick. The attic rooms, which have been used as a background
in our photography, were used as Harry’s bedsit.
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| Make Over Station |
The Photography Studio, at 3-5 Bakehouse Hill, consists of a main studio with a full white coving with various backgrounds and a make over station, a smaller studio with dressing accommodation, and a kitchen and toilet. It is available for hire (for enquiries click here or phone 07967 729869), and comes with a wide range of flashlights and light modifiers, and full tuition and assistance from professional photographers on the day. Models, make up artists and hair stylists can also be provided. Postproduction tuition is also available.
