Holmside

HOLMSIDE, a township, in the parish and union of Lanchester, W. division of Chester ward, N. division of the county of Durham, 7¼ miles (N.W.) from Durham; containing 610 inhabitants. This place, which lies near the south-eastern verge of the parish, was anciently the seat of the Tempest and Whittingham families. The Hall appears to have been built with a view to defence, although not a castle: part of the old court-yard is remaining; the chapel forms the north side, and its west window is still perfect, with a mutilated figure above. The original lights of the building are narrow, strongly guarded with mullions and iron bars; the gables have been taken down, and the house enlarged towards the south. It now presents a mass of building of very different dates and forms. On rising ground to the north is New Holmside Hall. The tithes have been commuted for £147.

Extract from: A Topographical Dictionary of England comprising the several counties, cities, boroughs, corporate and market towns, parishes, and townships..... 7th Edition, by Samuel Lewis, London, 1848.