Robert Surtees (antiquarian)
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Robert Surtees (1779 - February 13, 1834) was a celebrated historian and antiquary of his native County Durham. Surtees was born in Durham, and educated at Kepyer School, Haughton, and later at Christ Church, Oxford. Although a student of law he never practised as a lawyer. From 1802 he spent most of his life at Mainsforth Hall.
By 1804 Surtees had begun collecting material for what was to become his monumental work The History of Durham.
He was a studious and sensitive man who did not always have good health. He married Anne Robinson, of Herrington, in 1807. The Surtees' were hospitable at Mainsforth, and guests included Sir Walter Scott, with whom Surtees regularly corresponded.
Christian faith was central to Surtees' life. He regularly worshipped at Bishop Middleham parish church.
By 1816 the first volume of The History and Antiquities of the County Palatine of Durham was published. Two further volumes followed and a final volume was published posthumously in 1840. The work covers much of the county but does not include Weardale, Teesdale, the Aucklands, Brancepeth, or Durham Castle or Cathedral.
Never in good health Surtees complained of a cold in January 1834, complications developed and he died on 13th February 1834, with his wife at his bedside. He was buried in Bishop Middleham churchyard, and a monument to him was later erected in Bishop Middleham Church.
His wife Anne survived him, living in Mainsforth until her death in 1868. They had no children. The Surtees Society was founded following his death to continue his work.
