Longnewton Parish, 1848

NEWTON, LONG (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Stockton-upon-Tees, S. W. division of Stockton ward, S. division of the county of Durham, 4½ miles (S.W. by W.) from Stockton; containing 293 inhabitants. This parish comprises more than 4000 acres, of which about 3000 are arable, and the remainder, with the exception of a few acres of plantations, meadow and pasture. The surface, though generally flat, is elevated, and commands some fine views of the Cleveland hills and Roseberry Topping; the soil is a strong clay, well adapted for wheat and other grain, and stone of good quality for the roads is wrought to some extent. The village, which is situated on the road from Stockton to Darlington, has been recently improved by the Marquess of Londonderry, who has given to each cottager a portion of inclosed ground. The Stockton and Darlington railway passes for nearly two miles through the parish. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £20, and in the gift of the Bishop of Durham: the tithes have been commuted for £612, and the glebe comprises 10 acres, with a commodious house. The church, which was rebuilt in 1806, is a neat structure. The chancel windows are embellished with stained glass presented by the Marchioness of Londonderry, heiress of the ancient family of Vane, and whose ancestors are interred in a vault in the chancel; a monumental window to the late Dr. Van Mildert, Bishop of Durham, was inserted in 1843. In the churchyard are two fine sycamore-trees of great antiquity.