Whorlton in 1848 (County Durham)

WHORLTON, a chapelry, in the parish of Gainford, union of Teesdale, S. W. division of Darlington ward, S. division of the county of Durham, 3½ miles (E.S.E.) from Barnard-Castle; containing 286 inhabitants. This place formed part of the forfeited estates of the Earl of Westmoreland, and was purchased from the commissioners of the crown lands; the manor subsequently became the property of the Sanderson family. The chapelry is situated on the river Tees, over which is a handsome suspension-bridge, erected in 1831, after a design by Mr. Green, of Newcastle, and which connects the two counties of Durham and York; the surface is pleasingly varied, and the higher lands command a fine view of the Rokeby grounds and other interesting scenery. The soil near the river is rich and fertile, in other parts a strong clay; limestone of inferior quality abounds, which forms an excellent material for roads. There are some petrifying springs. The chapel stands near the edge of a precipitous cliff overlooking the river: the living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Vicar of Gainford, with 57 acres of glebe. The Independents have a place of worship.