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Monkton, 1848
MONKTON, a township, in the parish of Jarrow, union of South Shields, E. division of Chester ward, N. division of the county of Durham, 5 miles (E.) from Gateshead; containing 135 inhabitants. This place was a very early possession of the monastery of Jarrow, whence the name is derived; and afterwards was the property of the Hedworths of Harraton, for the alienation of which, John Hedworth had licence in the first year of Bishop Sever, "in order to raise certain trusts and uses therein." The chief part of the township is now leasehold under the Dean and Chapter of Durham. The village is pleasantly situated, and contains some respectable houses. The tithes have been commuted for £155. 19. The Venerable Bede was born in the township; he spent his time chiefly in the monasteries of Wearmouth and Jarrow, in which latter he died on the 26th of May, 735. In a field on the north side of the village, is Bede's Well, which was once in repute as a bath for the recovery of infirm or diseased children, and was also one of the spots where the people celebrated the usual sports of Midsummer eve.
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.
