NEHL - An archery ground and two/three lawn tennis grounds have stood off Clay Lane since the second half of the 19th century. On the 1861 Ordnance Survey, a footpath did lead to this site though nothing particular is featured. However it is possible sports were played in this field. By the 1890s archery and tennis were played here.

Contemporary newspapers show there was a Durham Archery Club who likely played here. There was a very small pavilion in the 1890s, likely for storage. By the 1910s the site had expanded, with the archery range expanded north off Blind Lane with the construction of 5 auxiliary buildings.

The site is still used today, though satellite imagery doesn't show any evidence of archery. A nearby street is named Archery Rise after the recreation ground.