The -ton of Cockerton is from Old Englishtūn 'estate'; the cocker- element is less certain but seems to have been a Cumbric river-name, still represented as the name of Cocker Beck.[5]
Cockerton Village
The original village layout, known still as "Cockerton Village", remains recognisable. This is mainly due to the village green and surrounding houses and cottages being well preserved, with most rebuilding having been carried out with sympathy to the adjacent surroundings. The village is also largely covered by the Cockerton Conservation Area, which is managed by Darlington Borough Council.[citation needed]
Amenities, facilities and services
Shops on West Auckland Road
A selection of mostly independent retailers are based around this area with some chain stores such as a Co-operative food store and a post office. There is local pubs, chemists, a florist, a fruiterer, bakers, butchers, a discount food store, barbers, cafés, estate agents, insurance brokers and financial advisers. A new Coral betting shop has replaced the Blockbuster DVD rental store.
Cockerton Library has been housed in an award-winning building from 1970.
There are several churches on and adjacent to the green, including St. Mary's CofE, Holy Family Roman Catholic and Cockerton Methodist Church.[citation needed]
Cockerton Band
The village is also home to the historic Cockerton Prize Silver Band. The band was established in 1863, when James Hoggett, a local music teacher, brought a number of young Cockerton men together to form a small band. The band was originally known as "The Chickens" but was changed later by Hoggett to "reflect the true values of the band". The band still rehearse twice a week and are regularly out performing.
Education
The community of Cockerton is served by schools across the town of Darlington but particularly by local schools. These include:
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