It is situated to the north-east of Consett, 3 miles south west of Burnopfield and a short distance to the north-west of Annfield Plain.

Originally a series of hamlets and settlements such as Pontop, West Nook, Colliery Dykes and the township of Collierley, by 1820 the name Dipton was applied to the area.

The church is mentioned again in 1534 and in 1637 the inhabitants of the village had to repair the churchyard wall.

Founded in 1907 it was built of timber and iron on a site acquired from Lord Ninian Crichton-Stuart (owner of a coal mine in the area).

The estate passed through many families including the Claxtons, Meaburnes[8] and Swinburnes.

A History of the Parish of Dipton (the Township of Collierley) in the County and Diocese of Durham.