Peter Ryder is a former Historic Buildings Archaeologist from Darlington. He has always had an interest in Darlington buildings. In 2004 he carried out a survey of Nonconformist Buildings in the town (funded by the County Council) and has now written a book, ‘Dissent in Darlington’ in which he summarises the result of that.

In his book, Peter describes 50 pre-1914 nonconformist buildings around the town. Many are still in existence, either as churches and chapels or repurposed and in some cases partly rebuilt. One example of this is the former Baptist Church in Archer Street. It is barely recognisable after its 1923 makeover but before and after photos reveal the former features of the original building in what is not the Freemasons Hall.

Dissent in Darlington is available by contacting publications@broomlee.org at a cost of £11.00 including postage & packing.