Houghton-le-Spring's most famous resident never ran a shop — he ran a free kitchen for the entire parish, every winter Sunday, for 25 years.
The rector known as the Apostle of the North
Bernard Gilpin was Rector of Houghton-le-Spring from 1558 until his death in 1583, a nephew of Cuthbert Tunstall, Bishop of Durham. He became known as the 'Father of the Poor' and the 'Apostle of the North' for his work across the parish, which at the time covered more than sixteen villages.
A roasted ox every winter Sunday
Every Sunday between Michaelmas and Easter, Gilpin opened the Rectory and fed the parish's poor with a roasted hog or ox. He founded the Kepier Grammar School in 1574, and his tradition of feeding the poor is still re-enacted each year at the festival of Houghton Feast.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Houghton-le-Spring's history is built on a 16th-century rector and a harvest feast, not confectionery — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the town come by delivery, the same as the rest of County Durham and the UK.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Houghton-le-Spring and the rest of County Durham included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Houghton-le-Spring?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
Who was Bernard Gilpin?
The town's rector from 1558 to 1583, known as the Apostle of the North for feeding the parish's poor every winter Sunday — a tradition still marked at Houghton Feast.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Houghton-le-Spring?
Yes — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Houghton-le-Spring addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.