Wylam Township, 1848

WYLAM, a township, in the parish of Ovingham, union of Hexham, E. division of Tindale ward, S. division of Northumberland, 9 miles (W.) from Newcastle; containing 984 inhabitants. The manor was an appurtenance to the monastery of Tynemouth, and was granted by the crown to a branch of the Fenwick family, of Fenwick Tower, from whom it passed to the Blacketts, in the reign of Charles II. It is now the property of Christopher Blackett, Esq., of Wylam House. The river Tyne, over which is a wooden bridge, erected by subscription in 1835, separates Wylam from the Newcastle and Carlisle railway. On both sides of the river are extensive collieries, belonging to Mr. Blackett; and an iron foundry was established by the Messrs. Thompson, as a rich vein of ironstone runs through the township, chiefly on the south side of the river; but the establishment has been given up. There are also quarries of excellent stone, applicable for building and other purposes. The village, which is large, contains a place of worship for Wesleyans; and a school chiefly supported by Mr. Blackett. The tithes have been commuted for £168. At the west end of the village is Wylam Hall, an ancient building, formerly a peel, or strong house.