Peter Lee was born at Duff Heap Row, Fivehouses, Trimdon Grange, in July 1864, into a poor, but close-knit, family.
Just ten years later, he was working ten-hour days at Littletown Colliery, Pittington, for a few pence a week, and by 21 he was a veteran of 15 pits.
Lee became a committed Christian following his travels and, although he continued to work down the mines, he also studied and preached in local Methodist chapels.
His council duties involved responsibility for sanitation and water purity within the village, as well as the creation of new roads and a cemetery.
He gave all, asking nothing in return, little dreaming that a great New Town would bear his name.” Peter Lee is buried in the cemetery in Wheatley Hill, which is also home to the Heritage Centre that celebrates his life.