The Turf is, physically, the oldest out of the surviving pubs in Winlaton. Through the early 19th century in the Crowley days, this place was apparently called the White Swan and the building certainly appears this age. However, I imagine this was a row of houses at some stage, then converted and knocked through.

It isn’t until the 1860s when this place is referred to as the Turf though, when the supporters of Sir George Elliot held a hustings here in support of him becoming the MP for North Durham. He succeeded. Of course, the Gateshead lad had a vast colliery portfolio before and after his election success across the region, and his decisions ultimately shaped the lives round here both politically and socially.

The local Oddfellows society held meetings here, as well as quoits matches, inquests, public auctions and such. In fact, the auction for Swalwell Iron Works took place at the Turf - ultimately leading to the paper works and a total shift in landscape of the settlement.

The Quoits ground itself was "adjoining" the pub, presumably in the yard at the back. The earliest mention of the sport here is in 1893, when a deposite of £1 a side was "placed in the hands of Mr John Dixon to bind a match between G Robinson, of Blaydon, and G Renwick, of Winlaton, for £5 a side to be played November 25 (1893) at the quoit ground adjoining the Turf Hotel". The 1890s map does show a small square which may indicate a bed. The yards are still extant but no evidence of the ground exists.