Sedgefield, Durham

Description
Sedgefield, a small town, a township, and a parish in Durham. The town stands on a rising ground, 1 1/2 mile E of the Stockton and Ferryhill railway, 9 miles NW by N of Stockton, and 15 from Hartlepool. It enjoys a remarkably salubrious climate; was visited, in July, 1792, by an ice storm, with some pieces nearly a foot in diameter; comprises three principal streets, with a central market place; and has a post, money order, and telegraph office under Ferryhill, a railway station, a market cross, a church, Wesleyan and Roman Catholic chapels, a mechanics' institute, now used for concerts, several almshouses, and numerous charities. The church is cruciform, and partly Early English; has a nave 72 feet long, a chancel 36 feet long, aisles, transepts, and a lofty W tower; and was partly restored in 1850 and again in 1871. The S transept was added in 1876-77. It contains several stained glass windows and some interesting monuments. Hardwick Hall, a fine mansion standing in a large park, is a chief residence. The township comprises 5259 acres; population, 2816. The manor was given in 900 to the see of Durham, and now belongs to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In the township are a workhouse, built in 1860 and enlarged in 1880, and the Durham County Lunatic Asylum, enlarged in 1879 and again in 1889. In 1891 a cemetery with mortuary chapel was formed in connection with the asylum. The parish contains also the townships of Bradbury, Butterwick, Embleton, Fishburn, Foxton and Shotton, and Mordon. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Durham; net value, £1022 with residence. Patron, the Bishop.