National Gazetteer (1868) - Chollerton

"CHOLLERTON, a parish in the north-eastern division of the ward of Tynedale, in the county of Northumberland, 6¼ miles N. of Hexham, its post town. It is a station on the Border Counties of the North British railway. It is situated on the river Tyne, which bounds it on the W. The parish comprises the townships of Barrasford, Broomhope with Buteland, Chollerton, Colwell with Swinburn, Little Swinburn, Whitside, Low Gunnerton, and Chipchase. The living is a vicarage* in the diocese of Durham, value £361, in the patronage of the Rev. C. Bird. The parish church, dedicated to St. Giles, is an ancient stone structure, in the early English style, and possesses a register dating from 1647. There is a district church at Birtley, the living of which is a perpetual curacy, value £84, in the patronage of the Duke of Northumberland. Birtley is a parochial chapelry, divided into High and Low Birtley, and has a good Sunday and day school. There are also National schools at Gunnerton. Chipchase Castle, the ancient seat of the Herons, is a fine building, commanding a view of the Tyne and surrounding country; it is at present in the occupation of H. Taylor, Esq. In the township of Gunnerton are lime works and collieries. The parish comprises several manors named after the townships, in the possession of the Duke of Northumberland, Sir John Swinburne, and others."

"BARRASFORD, a township and hamlet in the parish of Chollerton, Tynedale ward, in the county of Northumberland, 8 miles to the N. of Hexham, ands N. E. from Four Stones station on the Newcastle and Carlisle railway. Edward I., in 1303, granted to this place the privilege of a weekly market and an annual fair, but it is now only a small hamlet, with a Wesleyan chapel, and both privileges have long since been disused. The Duke of Northumberland is lord of the manor."

"CHIPCHASE, a township, united with Gunnerton, in the parish of Chollerton, in the north-eastern division of the ward of Tynedale, in the county of Northumberland, 5 miles S.E. of Bellingham. The castle, commanding a fine view, was the seat of the Herons, and is now owned by R. W. Grey, Esq."

"COLWELL, a township in the parish of Chollerton, in the north-eastern division of the ward of Tynedale, in the county of Northumberland, 7 miles N. of Hexham, and 3 N.E. of Chollerton. It is situated on Wading Street. Here the Roman Catholics have a chapel, dedicated to St. Mary, and also a day school, which are supported by Thomas Riddell, Esq., of Felton Park."

"GUNNERTON, a township, with Chipchase, in the parish of Chollerton, N.E. division of the ward of Tynedale, county Northumberland, 8 miles N.W. of Hexham, its post town. Tho Four Stones station on the Newcastle and Carlisle railway is about 7 miles S. of the village. It is situated in the vicinity of the river Reed. There is a National school in the township, with residence for the teacher. At Camp Hill are remains of Roman camps, and at Money Hill a barrow, where some ancient coins have been discovered. The Rev. C. Bird is lord of the manor."

"LITTLE SWINBURN, a village in the parish of Chollerton, county Northumberland, 2 miles N.E. of Swinburn, and 9 N.E. of Hexham. It is joined with Whiteside Law to form a township.

"SWINBURN, a hamlet in the parish of Chollerton, N.E. division of Tynedale ward, county Northumberland, 6½ miles N. of Hexham. The village is situated on the ancient Watling Street, and takes its name from the Swinburn brook, a tributary of the North Tyne."