[2][3] Unlike nearby Washington, it post-dates its namesake in the United States, being named during the American Revolutionary War either, to commemorate the British capture of the city,[4] or to declare allegiance with the cause of colonial independence, although there is no firm evidence either way.

[5] The village cricket field is named "Bunker Hill", after another famous battle in that war.

[5] In 1816 the town was described by Robert Surtees, as follows: A little to the North of Newbottle, below the brow of the hill, lies Philadelphia-Row, one of those settlements provided by the coal-owners for their workmen, who live here as a distinct class in society, almost entirely separated from the agricultural part of the community.

These colonies form at every point the strongest contrast to the varied and picturesque appearance of the genuine village—consisting, in general, of long uniform lines of low brick buildings, running along each side of a public road, black with coal-dust.

The number of deaths (16, other sources state 13) was the highest in a railway accident until 1842.