Jesmond, 1848

JESMOND, a township, in the parish of St. Andrew, union of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, E. division of Castle ward, S. division of Northumberland, 2 miles (N.N.E.) from Newcastle; containing 1,725 inhabitants. This place, the name of which signifies the "Mount of Jesus," had a chapel and hospital dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which, in the reign of Edward VI., were granted to the corporation of Newcastle; it was the resort of pilgrims from all parts of the kingdom, who came to visit the shrine and the holy well of St. Mary. The township is included within the municipal boundaries of the borough of Newcastle, and comprises 704 acres; the soil is a strong clayey loam, producing good crops of wheat and abundance of fruit. The surrounding scenery is diversified, in many parts beautifully picturesque; and, from the handsome seats and villas in the neighbourhood, the place is a favourite resort. The village is on the high road leading to Blyth, and consists of ranges of well-built houses, among which are Jesmond Terrace and Warwick Place. The township contains some large flour-mills, and a factory for spinning shoemakers' and tailors' thread. The tithes have been commuted for £46 payable to the Bishop, a similar amount to the Dean and Chapter, of Carlisle, and £92 to the vicar of Newcastle. The remains of the chapel of St. Mary, after having been for a long time appropriated as a barn, were cleared out by the late James Losh, Esq., and are now carefully preserved; the hospital has been converted into a dwelling-house. At Villa Keal, a stone coffin, formed of six slabs, and containing a skeleton and an urn, was found in 1828.