Startforth

Startforth is a village in Teesdale, in the Pennines of England, situated a short distance south-west of Barnard Castle, on the opposite side of the River Tees. It was historically located in the North Riding of Yorkshire, the reason the village lies outside Barnard Castle's boundaries, although many of the villagers consider themselves to be residents of the town, with the village merely being a suburb. Along with the rest of the former Startforth Rural District, it was transferred to County Durham for administrative and ceremonial purposes on 1 April 1974, under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972.

The village is the location of Deerbolt Prison, a male juvenile's prison and Young Offenders Institution.

History
The place-name 'Startforth' is first attested circa 1050, when it appears as Stretford. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Stradford. The name means 'street-ford', and refers to the paved ford by which the Roman road which passes through the village crosses the River Tees. The Roman road in question here linked the Roman forts of Bowes and Binchester. The paved ford is still visible in the bed of the river when the water is low.

Education
Startforth has one primary school, Startforth Morritt Memorial Church of England School.