- Eleventh century: the site of one of the main quarries for stone for Durham Cathedral, after which it was the site of fishponds for Durham Cathedral Priory.
- Later Middle Ages: the priory’s West Orchard with orchard, dovecot, bees, hay making, rabbit warren, as well as fishponds.
- 1848 onwards: allotments created, with their rent providing income for the incumbent of St Margaret’s Church.
- 1849: St Margaret’s Rectory (now Portland House) built
- 1938: the allotments extended.
- 1988-: a local and national campaign opposing housing on the site successful, and St Margaret’s Allotments Association formed.