Ellington was the site of the last remaining operational deep coal mine in North East England.

The manor of Ellington was thought to belong to Adam de Periton in 1240 and later to pass by marriage to the ancient families of Vescy and Welles.

Other lands and interests in Ellington belonging to other landowners were sold in 1750 to Adam Askew of Newcastle upon Tyne.

In 1912 a co-operative store was built on land that had once been part of the Cresswell estate, bringing more prosperity to the village.

Hagg Farm, which lies to the north of the village, was bought in 1924 for £8,500 by the Wood family who had been the tenants for over 300 years.

To serve the ever-growing population a new school was built in 1976; it soon proved to be too small and remodelling and extension work took place in 1986.