started as an Anglo-Saxon settlement. The name derives from the Anglo-Saxon Dearthington, which seemingly meant 'the settlement of Deornoth's people' but, by Norman times, the name had changed to Derlinton. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the town was usually known by the name of Darnton.

Darlington has a historic market area in the town centre. St Cuthbert's Church, built in 1183, is one of the most important early English churches